Fete en Blanc expects capacity crowd
>> As many Facebook followers know, the 500 available reservations for this year’s Fete en Blanc end-of-summer celebration were claimed at the speed of white lightning, and, unfortunately, at this time no more seats are available.
Following the notable success of the 2019 event and the pandemic-driven cancellation of 2020’s Fete, this year’s wear-all-white picnic in Smith Family Plaza, 100 E. High St., will be held on Friday, Sept. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. Hobart’s Run and Fete partners at Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc., followed health recommendations in capping the event at 500.
All seats were taken within days of the online Fete announcement in midJune. A waiting list has been created; interested parties may email melissa@tricountyareachamber.com to be added to the first-come, first-served roster.
Registrants are asked to notify Melissa Shainline at the email address above ASAP if unable to use tickets so organizers can make them available to another guest, as so many others would like to be part of this community celebration.
Organizers are also urging all Fete en Blanc enthusiasts to continue the evening’s
community-building festivities by patronizing downtown restaurants during casual “after-parties in white” as the Plaza event closes at 9 p.m.
Attendees are reminded to wear all white (including white masks should they choose to wear one). The event will be held rain or shine (bring a clear or white raincoat/poncho if needed to help preserve the festive ambiance). To keep the registration line moving smoothly, organizers ask groups to arrive together at the start of the event or before it officially begins at 6.
Keep an eye on feteenblancpottstown.com
to see food vendor ordering information, or plan to bring your own picnic as well as your creative white centerpiece.
Restaurants that have committed to pre-preparing special Fete meals for pick-up at the Plaza at the start of the event are The Alley on High Street; Barrister’s Bagel Co.; Beverly’s Pastry Shop; The Blue Elephant Restaurant; The Forge; Grumpy’s Handcarved Sandwiches; J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company; Kiki Vodka Bar; Sizzle; Stave & Stable; and Welcome to the Avenue.
Some restaurants that participated at previous Fete en
Blancs will be unable to provide on-site catering at the Plaza due to current industry-wide staffing shortages. Guests may also contact their favorite Pottstown eateries, not on the list above if they would like to pick up meals directly from their favorite business establishments.
Organizers would like to thank supporters for helping to make Fete possible, especially Premier Sponsors PECO, Comcast, and J.P. Mascaro. Sponsors include Doyle Adjustment Group, Heartland Abstract, Inc., Independence Planning Group, Keller Williams Realty Group, Monastra & Grater, LLC, The Real Estate Professionals, Styer Real Estate, Three Daughters Inn, Vlahos Dunn Insurance, and Wolf, Baldwin & Associates.
The deadline has passed for $250-level inclusion on the big banner – but organizers will accept additional sponsors and recognize their generosity on the Fete table tents.
Contributors to date (donations are still being accepted for table tent recognition) include Jim Crawford at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, Blue Zen Wellness, Bruce and Heather Gelting, CEDARVILLE Engineering Group LLC, Downtown Dezign, H&M Empowerment Group, and Workplace Harmony.
Thanks also to the Borough of Pottstown and the Federal Transportation Authority for permitting organizers to once again use this beautiful space and to Louis Rieger of High Street Music Company who is arranging for professional, live musical entertainment.
Businesses or individuals interested in providing additional support may email stephanie@hobartsrunpottstown.org or AThigpen@paidinc.org.