The651.com

We love all things fancy and French. We just can’t help it. French fashion, French food, French wines. So pretty!  If you’ve ever tasted a French Macaroon you probably understand. This Saturday embrace your inner Francophile by heading to the swanky University Club of St. Paul for a Bastille Day celebration.

In case you’re not down with history, Bastille Day is basically France’s version of Independence Day. The country’s national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison  in 1789, which was considered a major milestone in the modernization of the nation. And despite the fact we are indeed thousands of miles removed from the romanticized locale, local organization, Alliance Française, does its part to keep French tradition alive and well in the Twin Cities — a dedication that facilitates not only this weekend’s celebration at the University Club, but also numerous events throughout the year.

This year’s La Fête Nationale invites the public to celebrate with live music from the French Cabaret Orchestra featuring Francine Roche, French food and drinks with the  “crème de la crème” of the local French community. A vintage French auto show will be presented by the Citroen Club of Minneapolis, enticing voiture aficionados who appreciate graceful European design. Also on hand will be the Minneapolis Pétanque Club, who will invite you in on a game of the popular French relative of bocce ball.

Personally, we’re looking forward to mysterious strangers, possibly in berets. We’re also not adverse to non-sinister mustache twirling, and of course, French Macaroons.

The event runs Saturday, July 10th from 5pm-10pm and admission is $10.00 AF/UC Members, $15.00 Non-Members and Children 10 and under are FREE, while supplies last. Purchase tickets by calling 612-332-0436 or order online at www.afmps.org. University Club of St. Paul, 420 Summit Avenue, St. Paul 55102.