The Grard Family: 25 Years of Tradition at the Saint-Martin Attic Fair in Caen (Calvados)

For 25 years, the stall has been located in the same place. On the same sidewalk. Just in front of the family house from rue de Biganos, in the village of Saint-Martin-de-Fontenaysouth of Caen (Calvados).

“An institution in the family”

This Sunday, May 14, 2023 takes place the attic fair of Saint-Martin, organized by the parents’ association of the town. This year again, the Grard family is loyal to the post. Like for 25 years. With a six meter long stand.

The attic fair is an institution in the family.

Grandparents André and Odile initiated the ritual

It was grandparents André and Odile who initiated the ritual. Having run a picture frame store in Caen, “Dédé” sold his frames in front of his house during this attic fair created a quarter of a century ago.

“Dad sold his frames, mum took out lots of other bazaars, but he went back behind to put some back in the garage! smiles Catherine, one of their three daughters.

From year to year, uncles, aunts, children or friends have joined. We still continue to be there. We remember this date every year and we eat lunch and dinner together, it’s nice.

“Not here to necessarily do good business”

His sister Isabelle confirms thefamily appeal over the years. “Even if I’m not too fair, it’s the spirit of the family. And we have full of memories here we try to carry on the tradition ».

Despite the deaths of André and Odile in 2018 and 2019, the house has remained in the family and the annual meeting from the attic fair in May persists.

It’s a nice meeting where we have a good time together. We’re not here to necessarily do good business, but it’s more user-friendly than going to the recycling center.

The fourth generation takes over

Aged 33, Laurie, Catherine’s eldest daughter, has been living at the Saint-Martin attic fair since her earliest childhood.

It’s a tradition, like a family celebration where we meet. Even if we don’t have much to sell, we take a meter, someone else in the family too and so on. First I sold my toys or my younger things, then the baby things or the children’s toys. We grow with the fair!

For 25 years, these have been four generations of the Grard family who take part in the celebration. Indeed, the three great-grandchildren Lola (11 years old), Noé (8 years old) and Maël (7 years old) are also behind the stand to sell a Captain America costume or tops, taken out of their drawers. The next generation is already here!

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