Fete en Blanc returns to Pottstown

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Fete en Blanc - MONTCO Today
Due to ongoing coronavirus-related uncertainty and safety concerns, PAID and Hobart’s Run have decided to cancel this year’s Fete en Blanc in Pottstown. Image via Hobart's Run.

Pottstown will bring back an increasingly popular event that heralds the transition from summer to fall with a stylish, fun flair featuring outstanding local food, drink, and live music.  Building from last year’s well-attended happening, the Third Annual Fete en Blanc (French for “Party in White”) will be held on Friday, September 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. outdoors at the picturesque Smith Family Plaza at Pottstown’s Borough Hall, 100 East High Street.

Fete en Blanc, organized by Pottstown Area Industrial Development (PAID) and Hobart’s Run, is modeled after traditional Fete en Blanc or Diner en Blanc (Diner in White) events held in communities around the world, including Philadelphia and Lancaster, in late summer or early fall.  White-attired attendees traditionally wave white napkins as they dine together and say farewell to summer.


“This event is a celebration for Pottstown,” says Stephanie Trauner, Administrative Director for Hobart’s Run and a member of the Fete en Blanc planning committee. “It is not a fundraiser:  The goal is simply to bring the community together for a light-hearted, fun event and encourage area residents to make new friends and connections with people from Pottstown as well as surrounding areas.”

Organizers note last year’s event gathered 130 guests – and post-event feedback indicated many plan to return this year and bring additional friends and neighbors.

One major and noticeable improvement has been promised for this year’s Pottstown Fete en Blanc:  on-site restrooms!

“So many wonderful things have happened for Pottstown in the past year, so Fete en Blanc will provide an opportunity to toast our community’s tangible revitalization successes to date,” says Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director of PAID.  “Fete showcases the best of Pottstown, including our ever-expanding, diverse local restaurant scene.”

Noted Twila Fisher, Director of Community and Economic Development for The Hill School and Hobart’s Run:  “Fete En Blanc will only add to the growing, positive vibe downtown as new restaurants and shops are constantly opening, adding to Pottstown’s nightlife and entertainment options. Hobart’s Run is excited to help bring Pottstown residents together to share in this excitement.”

Eat, drink, and enjoy music – but please wear white!

The evening pairs al fresco dining with live entertainment.  Guests are asked to dress in white, whether casual or dressy.  Once Upon a Time Consignment Boutique at 254 E. High Street will be gathering all available white attire for sale to Fete shoppers!

Although there is not a fee to attend, guests must register at https://feteenblancpottstown.wixsite.com/feteenblancpottstown/2019-event-detail. Preregistration ensures that planners will have enough table space and linens.  Additional information and photos from last year’s beautiful event are available at the Fete informational site.

Participants may either bring their own beverages of choice (and white or clear glasses or cups, please) and their own dinner or snacks, or pre-order food at least a week in advance by calling the following participating Pottstown “Picnic Partner” vendors and letting them to know you would like a dinner or dinners for Fete En Blanc: Welcome to The Avenue, Grumpy’s, Lily’s Grille, Montesano Café, and Rivster’s on High, as well as boxed desserts by Beverly’s. Other restauranteurs are expected to join the line-up.   Pre-ordered Fete meals, priced between $10-$15, will be available for pick-up at the event. A complete (and growing) vendor and menu listing and ordering information will be available at the event registration link at https://feteenblancpottstown.wixsite.com/feteenblancpottstown/2019-event-details.  

Please note that if you are pre-ordering food rather than bringing your own dinner or snacks, you should plan to pick up your meal at the start of the event, between 6 and 7 p.m.

Manatawny Still Works will offer samplings and bottles for sale (bring your own mixers). Other “adult beverage” vendors including The Pourhouse and Pottstown’s new Kiki Vodka also will participate.  Diners are welcome to BYOB.

Live music will be provided by hip area acoustic guitarist Drew Gess and local cabaret vocalists Mickey and Maddy Ramirez. Area businesses will decorate their windows with the Fete en Blanc all-white theme as they get into the seasonal spirit.

What better way to say goodbye to summer than by gathering with friends – and making new ones — at this special Pottstown event?

Parking will be available on “Lot 1” located along Hanover Street, across the railroad tracks near Smith Family Plaza, the event venue.

Please do RSVP at https://feteenblancpottstown.wixsite.com/feteenblancpottstown/2019-event-details so that Fete En Blanc planners can be sure to have enough tables, chairs, and white linens on hand, and remember to place food orders by the week prior to the September 13 event, please.  Fete En Blanc will be held even if there is a bit of light rain, although it will be cancelled if there are storms or heavy rain (check out the website for updates). 

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