Bastille Day Comes to Eau Claire

Anna Semanko |

On the Fourth of July, we’re all accustomed to rounding up our friends and families and lighting off some colors into the sky to celebrate our country. Though that holiday has already passed, this year the World Culture Center is bringing a similar – but much more French – event to Eau Claire.  Bastille Day, also known as “La Fête Nationale”  (The National Celebration in French), is celebrated in France each year in commemoration of the storming of Bastille back in 1789. Now Eau Clairians are being invited to uphold this tradition that stretches from North of Paris to Marseille (and all around the world). Participants are asked to bring a dish of their choice to share in a buffet style picnic. The event will be free and the World Cultural Center will provide tables, chairs, most dining accoutrements, and even a Bastille Day Cake (that’s right, free cake). The food is just the beginning. While a traditional military parade won’t be part of this particular Bastille Day celebration, there will be a “Bal Musette” (Popular Dance) from 7-9pm, live accordion music by Zenon Wojcik, an assortment of French games for adults, and plenty of contests and fun for the kids. “The principle of this event taking place throughout France is to bring together all citizens, without distinction” and to celebrate “liberty, equality and fraternity,” said organizer Anne-Marie Bittner of the World Cultural Center. The celebration will be held at Wilson Park starting at 5:30pm on July 14, and all are invited to attend.