In The Event That...

You Prefer Cake to Fireworks

by Ciana Hardwick

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Published: Jul 10, 2007

Bastille Day CelebrationSat., July 14, 2 p.m.,free, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2124 Fairmount Ave., 215-236-5289, www.easternstate.com

Independence Day ain't too shabby. But when it comes to revolutionary July holidays, the French take the (slightly controversial) cake. Luckily, Eastern State Penitentiary brings Bastille Day and all of its pastry proclamations to this side of the Atlantic.

The rebellious festivities start off with a block party where Fairmount restaurants � including London Grill, Illuminare, Jack's Firehouse, Mugshots and Rembrandt's � are serving up crepes, baguette sandwiches, croissants and plenty of wine. Can't even pronounce the fancy fare? Stop by the "How do I say it in French?" tent before digging in. Adding to the feast will be a costume contest (prizes for both peasants and aristocrats), live music from Jean-Charles Versari and a kid-friendly Tricycle Tour de France for aspiring Lance Armstrongs.

The real action, of course, happens when Mlle. Antoinette joins in. Costumed revolutionaries, armed and singing "La Marseillaise," will storm the Bastille (aka Eastern State), seize the infamous queen and drag her to the guillotine as she tosses 2,000 Twinkies at lowly peasants and critics. Terry McNally, co-owner of London Grill, has been playing Marie since the celebration started and says her dramatic portrayal is motivated by Monty Python and Benny Hill. Although the crowd gets to decide McNally's fate, it probably won't be in her favor. "Usually, they want blood," says Sean Kelley, program director at Eastern State and applause-o-meter for the day.

Vive la Revolution!

 

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