MONTGOMERY — “Independence” will be pronounced with a French accent this weekend as thousands gather here to celebrate Bastille Day.

At Bakehouse Bread and Provisions in Montgomery, John Leathers slices a loaf for a customer. The bakery is producing baguettes and other breads for the local Bastille Day celebration. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        The red, white and blue of July 4 officially become bleu, blanc et rouge Friday, the start of a two-day festival that brings a taste of France to Greater Cincinnati. Montgomery's fete, like those taking place all over France this weekend, is a mixture of patriotism, music, dance, good food and high spirits.

        July 14 is the 213th anniversary of an event that fueled the French Revolution. In 1789 mobs of Parisians, frustrated with the injustice and indifference of King Louis XVI's administration, stormed the Bastille Prison to release political prisoners supposedly held there.

        This weekend in Montgomery, there will be plenty of bread and cake.

        The event kicks off Friday with a Fete Champetre (picnic). Attendees will sample roast pig and French delicacies supplied by La Petite France and Le Cezanne restaurants.

        “It's very typical for the French to have a picnic celebrating Bastille Day, just as we do on July 4,” said Mary Lou Rose, one of the festival organizers.

IF YOU GO

• What: Bastille Day 2002     • When: Fete Champetre 7 p.m. Friday; festival noon to 11 p.m. Saturday.     • Where: Fete Champetre at Swaim Field Park; all other activities in downtown Montgomery.     • Admission: Fete Champetre is $25 per person (includes two drinks). Reservations required. Call French American Trade Council, 852-6510.     • Information: 891-2424 or Web site

        On Saturday, festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. when the Sycamore Community Band plays “The Star-Spangled Banner” followed by “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem. Continuous musical entertainment will feature the Winton Jazz Ensemble, Out All Nite, Leroy Ellington and the E-funk Band, and H-Bomb Ferguson.

        A French bistro will serve everything from bread to creme brulee, prepared by chefs at 16 area restaurants. In the Parisian tradition, there will be street artists and a strolling accordionist.

        “We also have a singer who performs in the style of Edith Piaf,” said event chair Jane McConnell. “She dresses in black, like the famous French singer, and will wander through the festival, singing Edith Piaf's songs.”

        There also will be a kids' cabaret, a waiters race, an art show and tours of the city's historic district.

        In the three years she's been a festival organizer, Ms. McConnell has seen the Bastille Day event evolve and grow.

        “We have made it more French; that's been my emphasis,” she said.

        Ms. McConnell said the event makes the most of Montgomery's small town atmosphere. Montgomery has a strong tie to France through its sister city, Parisian suburb Neuilly-Plaisance.
       

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