Description

Bastille Day, also known as the national day of France, or la Fête nationale (National Day), is essentially the French Fourth of July. It is celebrated on July 14 each year, which marks the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution.

Bastille Day has been celebrated in Frenchtown since 1997. The inspiration to celebrate Bastille Day stems from the tale of Frenchtown's founder who escaped the guillotine and made his way to America.

This year's event will include a vendor market and live music in Sunbeam Lenape Park.

Check out Michael Arenella Quartet with a side of Can Can dancers from 2-5 pm at Sunbeam Park.

A walking tour of downtown Frenchtown will be conducted by borough historian Rick Epstein, author of “Frenchtown; Fires, Floods, Fads & Felonies.” The tour will cover the Great Frenchtown Fire of 1878, Senator Martin’s alligators, the Odd Fellows and other secret societies, the Queen of Bridge Street, how Fred Sipes created buzz for his silent-movie theater, how the guillotine inspired Frenchtown’s founder to come here and do some founding, why Aaron Burr wanted to visit Frenchtown (but didn’t), and much more. The tour is free for teenagers, but costs $20 for adults. If you are interested, show up in front of the Frenchtown Bookshop, 28 Bridge Street. The tour leaves at 10 am.

Doug Miller will perform his magic show at TD Bank, ongoing throughout the day.

The Downtown Scavenger Hunt takes place from 11 am to 6 pm.

Taking place simulataneously is The Frenchtown Farmer's Market from 10 am to 3 pm.