Photos provided by Anne-Marie Bittner.

As the sun set over Phoenix Park on June 12, a surprise French invasion of elegance and fine cuisine was staged. For the third year, Le Diner en Blanc (“Dinner in White”) has been staged in Eau Claire by local organizer Anne-Marie Bittner. The event began in Paris 28 years ago when a Frenchman returning home told his friends to meet in a park and wear white to identify each other – and dinners have been held worldwide for over two decades. The location of the “chic picnic” is kept secret from even the attendees — 44 in 2015 and growing every year — until evening. Attendees to the event dressed all in white (black pants allowed for men) and brought their own tables, napkins, silverware, glasses, and plates. Le Diner en Blanc is invite-only, so find a friend who’s attended before and ask if you can be invited to next year’s event on June 17, 2016.

For more information contact call Anne-Marie Bittner at 715-833-1633.