ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MIFenton's Bastille Day celebration begins

Fenton's Bastille Day celebration begins

(7/14/2011)--Break out the baguettes.  The French Laundry in Fenton is getting into the spirit of Bastille Day with three days of festivities celebrating French freedom and culture.

"It's one of our bigger events. We get a tent, and we make a big deal out of it. It's a good time," said The French Laundry's co-owner, Chad Brennan.

The restaurant has several outdoor bbq's planned, along with live music. Bastille Day marks the fall of the old monarchy and the rise of modern day France.

"The founders of Fenton were from France. One of the stories is that one of the guys took all the city money and went back to France with it," said The French Laundry's co-owner, Mark Hamel.

Some connections, though are, shall we say, more positive.

"The first women's Tour de France was won in 1984 by Mary Anne Martin, who was born and raised here in Fenton," said Hamel.

Saturday morning is Fenton's 10th annual Bastille Day road race. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. More than 1,200 runners are registered.

"Its one of the largest fund raisers that they do. Everybody in the race gets a baguette, and it's a bi-lingual event, so everything is in French and English. We line the streets with French flags downtown, so its really a big event," said Hamel.

The French Laundry is preparing to serve as many as 5,000 people this weekend.

"We have a croque-monsieur and a croque-madame, which is a ham and cheese sandwich. we also have a french onion soup which is super delicious," said Executive Chef Jody Brunori.

For more information about the French Laundry's Bastille Day celebration, as well as race registration forms, head over to ABC12.com.