Celebrate Bastille Day at Fireman’s Ball in Northern Liberties

Are you a Philly-based Francophile looking for fun ways to celebrate Bastille Day? Then you should definitely pencil in the Bastille Day Fireman’s Ball on Tuesday, July 12 — two days before the actual Le Quatorze Juillet. Hosted by lifestyle tourism and fashion entrepreneur Chloe Johnston, the event will take place at Local 22 Firefighters Union in Northern Liberties and benefit the Local 22 Firemen’s Widows Fund.

The evening will feature tasty French cuisine including crepes from the popular Philly food truck, The Smooth Cow, as well as delectable desserts from Brulee Bar. Oh and don’t worry — there’s an open beer and wine bar, too!

You’ll need the liquid courage to take full advantage of the dance floor, with live music by Mr. Hollywood DJ.

Revelry and good times aside, the Bastille Day Fireman’s Ball is all about giving back to the families of deceased firefighters. President of Local 22, Andrew Thomas, explains: “We support our widows. A lot of them are on fixed income and it’s not a lot of money.”

He adds, “Any little bit we can give to help them, we do. It’s a family, and we take care of our family. We want to keep in touch and we make sure they’re OK.”

According to Thomas, opening up the fire stations to the public on Bastille Day is a tradition in France. “They serve lunch and stuff but this is actually a union hall here, so we have a catering hall and are opening up our doors to anybody who wants to come and celebrate Bastille Day.”

When asked his favorite part about his job, Thomas says, “I just enjoy helping people. I mean, I’ve been a civil servant all my life.”

For more information on the Bastille Day Fireman’s Ball, visit chloejohnston.com

If You Go:
Bastille Day Fireman’s Ball
Tuesday, July 12
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
415 N. Fifth St.
$75