FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amy Kirk
akirk@frenchmarket.org

GO 4TH AT CRESCENT PARK, in partnership with Go 4th on the River

Celebrate Independence Day Monday, July 4th from 5 pm -10 pm in Crescent Park! Crescent Park is the perfect location for fireworks viewing on the river. This year, get started early with a DJ dance party, food trucks and adult and family friendly beverages for purchase on Mandeville Wharf. Piety Wharf will be open for viewing as well with its own drink station.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support Crescent Park, which receives limited public funding for its operations. No outside food, beverages or coolers will be allowed. Chairs are welcome! There will be security checkpoints at all three entrances to the park; Bartholomew Street, Piety Street and Mandeville Street. Parking in Crescent Park lots will be $15 a car and will fill up fast! Click here for more parking information and maps. Click here for more information on GO 4TH ON THE RIVER. 

FRENCH MARKET BASTILLE DAY BARTENDER & WAITERS RACE
NEW LOCATION: ALONG FRENCH MARKET PLACE!
Sunday July 17th at 4:00 p.m.
Live music with Harmonouche begins at 3:00 p.m.
Farmers Market, French Market

This may be the French Market's fastest and funniest special event! Held annually in honor of France's national holiday, Bastille Day (July 14th) , alongside other Bastille Day Fete Nola events, this event challenges local hospitality bar and wait staff to strut their stuff in a speed walking race while carrying food and beverages. This year's race will be shorter and even faster, as it returns to its "original" 2011 spot between the Old U.S. Mint and The French Market. Due to the increased number of participants that led to the incorporation of "heats" to determine the first, second, and third place winners, the new route will intensify the race but lessen the participants' chances of heat exhaustion! Come cheer them on-or sign up!! Registration is free.

The Bartender and Waiters Race is part of citywide Bastille Day Fete Nola activities, which includes the annual wreath laying by The Council of French Societies at New Place de France (Joan of Arc statue) in the heart of the French Market District, at 1000 Decatur Street at St. Phillip Street. Join French organizations, the Consulate General of France in New Orleans, and other local dignitaries for the annual wreath-laying on Bastille Day, July 14th, at 10:00 a.m. Complimentary champagne and cupcakes will be offered after speeches in French and English and the public singing of the French National Anthem, "La Marseillaise".