Bastille Day 2006
Schedule of Events Photos Carpe Diem Bike Ride Film Screening
Frenchtown New Jersey celebrates Bastille Day this year on Saturday and Sunday, July 15-16, 2006.
Frenchtown got it's name from a wealthy immigrant who came here in 1794 to purchase all the land that is now Frenchtown. Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost, whose family tree reaches back to France, came to NJ from Paris at the time of the French Revolution. Mallet left France to escape the guillotine. To read more, go to
our history page
This year there will be historical mini-lectures held in three locations within the business district.
In the 1776 Tent: Sal DeSapio, historian of the Kingwood Historical Society, will speak on the role of Frenchtown and the surrounding areas in the American Revolution. He will address how the French helped us gain our independence from England. He will speak from 1 to 1:30 pm in the Mews between the National Hotel and Nelson Bridge on Race Street.
In the 1789 Tent: Dr. Anne Paccaly and Dr. Dominique Paccaly, and their two daughters, Chloe and Camille, a French family living in Pittstown, will discuss the legacy of Bastille Day. They have lived in this country for almost 10 years and celebrate Bastille Day with their friends and families each year in an authentic French tradition. The costumes being worn are donated by the Northlight Community Center of Roxborough, Pa. They will speak from 3:00 to 3:30 pm in the Banknorth Parking Lot on the corner of Bridge St. and Harrison St.
In the 1795 Tent: Chris Poh, a Frenchtown councilperson and broadcaster at the radio station, WDVR, will speak about the history of Frenchtown. He will particularly address the French influence. He will speak from 4:30 to 5:00 pm in the lawn adjacent to the Frenchtown Inn on Bridge Street.
Visitors may also join a guided heritage tour of the historic downtown district, sign up at the Information Booth at Bridge and Harrison Streets.
Activities throughout the day include craft demonstrations by local crafters as well as a puppet show Grimm’s “Little Red Cap” for children hosted by River Union Stage Professional Equity Theater. Street clowns, mimes and musicians will stroll throughout the downtown area greeting the Bastille Festival visitors. The three tent areas will be active with bands, artists, face painting and Celtic harp music between the historical talks.
Stay in town on Saturday evening the 15th for a free movie on the lawn of The Studio at 12 Bridge St. at 9 pm (rain date Sunday). The Widow McCrae House, Frenchtown’s premiere B and B, and the Studio sponsor this annual classic movie. This year’s offering will be “CHARADE”, a smart and classy “whodunit” starring Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Walter Matthau and James Coburn. Miss Hepburn’s gowns are by Givenchy. Romance and suspense in Paris, as a woman is pursued by several men who want the fortune her murdered husband had stolen. Who can she trust? Moviegoers are invited to bring a chair or blanket and a picnic if they chose. Gates will open at 7:30 pm.
While in Frenchtown be sure to browse the lovely shops, galleries and antique stores, and taste some the French specialties prepared by the restaurants. View the French cars parked in the TD Banknorth parking lot and stop by and have your picture taken at the “Be French in Frenchtown Photo Stand”.
Additional parking is provided at the public lot at Harrison and 10th Streets and a FREE shuttle bus is provided for traveling back to the festivities.
For additional information please or call (908) 996-9993 or (908) 996-2022.
To find out more about the events happening during the weekend, visit our Regional Arts and Entertainment Calendar Here for the full schedule.
Stay in town for the weekend and enjoy the 1st Annual Carpe Deim Bike Ride on Sunday, The rides and their start times are:
100 miles: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
65 miles: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
40 miles: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
18 miles: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
For More Carpe Deim Information Go Here.
Here are some photos from our 2004 and 2005 Festivals. Please click on the photo to see a larger version of the picture.
 
Bastille Day is sponsored by
The Frenchtown Business and Professional Association, with funding in part from The Skylands Tourism Council and The Cooperative Marketing Sponsorship Program of the State of New Jersey Commerce, Economic Development and Tourism Commission, Office of Travel and Tourism.
On Saturday and Sunday, two full days of live music are scheduled on the main stage located near the river between the Frenchtown Inn and Alchemy Clothing. Musicians from the local area and from all over New Jersey will be performing music ranging in style from pop music classics to funky rhythm and blues to country. During the day artists, craftsmen and craftswomen will show their latest creations in locations throughout downtown. There will also be additional educational exhibits and demonstrations sponsored by local non-profit environmental and conservation groups.
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