Diner en Blanc is set to return, but where?
Diner En Blanc returns to city — but where will feast be held?
It’s time to assemble your crispest whites and prepare to sashay toward the now-annual ritual of Diner En Blanc, the elegant group picnic that last year attracted 1,500 participants in Edmonton.
This year, the party is being held Thursday, July 28, at a secret location not announced until the very last minute, when guests are already seated on the pre-arranged buses, or standing with guides at muster stations within walking distance of the venue.
Common knowledge, though, has it that Diner en Blanc is a distinctly fashionable gathering, known to drain the city of its supply of men’s white patent shoes and lacy, feathered clutches for ladies.
Christina Ignatio-Deines of ID Bohemia, a decor and eventplanning firm, is one of the organizers. She says this year’s site is “even more surprising than in previous years.” In 2014, the event was held at Louis McKinney Riverfront Park, and last year, Churchill Square was thoroughly whitewashed.
“I think people will be definitely surprised by our approach to the site,” says Ignatio-Deines.
In previous iterations, the evening’s performers worked from a stage. This time around, there will be “points of interest throughout the venue,” with artist installations, a photo booth and roving entertainment.
“Wherever you’re sitting, there will be something interesting nearby,” says Ignati0-Deines.
Many folks bring their own carefully curated picnic baskets, along with china, silver candlesticks and flower arrangements. But you can order a catered meal if you choose. This year, the food is being prepared by inventive chef duo Doreen Prei and Kathryn Joel of Get Cooking. (The cut-o date for tickets and picnic baskets has passed, but if you email edmonton@dinerenblanc.info organizers will see if they can help.)
Of course, all anyone really wants to know is whether organizers have any control over the weather. The first year was a trial, with a cold and steady rain making revelry somewhat strained. Last year, the event was in September and it was sunny, but cool. While the 2016 forecast looks promising, Ignatio-Deines won’t get caught up in speculation.
“If I’m checking the weather every day I’m just stressing myself out,” she says. “Predictions are for a high of 23, low of 14, with a possibility of precipitation. But who knows? We tell our guests to be prepared for any kind of weather. If they survived that first year, they can survive anything.”
Predictions are for a high of 23, low of 14, with a possibility of precipitation. But who knows?