San Francisco, CA (June 20, 2024) - Blue Cove Preserves is thrilled to announce its participation in the 5th annual Bastille Day SF Festival, taking place on Saturday, July 13th, 2024.

We invite you to discover and join in this celebration filled with French food, wine, beer, art, culture, and entertainment.

• Two events: The Bastille Day SF Festival from 11 AM to 5 PM, and The Dance Party with music by Franky Boissy, delicious food from My French Cuisine, and a small Cancan show from 7 PM to 11 PM,
• Two exciting new themes: Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience and Celebrating and launching the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games,
• An exciting new venue: the San Francisco Design Center Galleria at 101 Henry Adams Street, in San Francisco.

Organized under the patronage of the Consulate General of France, the Bastille Day SF Festival is the largest public celebration of France’s National Day in the San Francisco Bay Area and a testament to the historic friendship between France and the United States spanning 246 years!

French vendors will showcase their products and connect with a diverse audience passionate about French & Francophone culture and heritage.

Patrons will enjoy a conference and live discussion with curators in France on “Mémorial de Vendée - Révolution française”, followed by performances from Hui Tarava, a local Polynesian dancing group, music from Sono Musette, Bistro Moustache, and &friends as well as some fun Olympic-related activities during the festival. Finally, this will be an opportunity to learn about Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience initiatives with Climate Fresk, Recology, and others.

Don't miss out on this iconic event and join us on Saturday, July 13 either for the daytime Festival or evening Dance Party, or both. Do spread the word about this memorable celebration! For more information and a complete list of participants and activities, go to: www.celebratebastilledaysf.org. Our event supports San Francisco’s zero-waste policy and is smoke-free.

Tickets are on sale here!

Bastille Day - A San Francisco 144-year-old Tradition

French American friendship spans 246 years, starting with the 1778 treaty and military support in the American Revolutionary War when France became the first ally of the new United States. The French were on the ground early in California. As early as the Spring of 1850, the French were operating stores, restaurants, and hotels on Clay Street, in the old business section. In July of the same year, Mr. Dilion arrived as the first French consul in San Francisco. There was a French newspaper, "L'Echo du Pacifique," as early as 1852. They even built the first railroad in San Francisco, a steam line, which ran from the bay to Mission Dolores! The first San Francisco Bastille Day celebration took place in 1880. San Francisco was often referred to as "The Paris of America." Some may remember the “City of Paris” store where Neiman Marcus now stands. The French Hospital opened in 1851 and aided all San Franciscans regardless of citizenship; it is now known as Kaiser’s French campus on Geary. The French, who accounted for about 10% of the population of San Francisco, have made a noticeable and enduring impression on San Francisco’s first century of history.

As San Francisco celebrated yet another grand Bastille Day in 1897, Mayor James D. Phelan spoke as follows: “Ladies and gentlemen: San Francisco is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and from the very beginning its French population has been conspicuous in its development. Their love of the Republic, their enthusiasm for freedom, their artistic tastes, and accomplishments have contributed to the building of the City and the strength of the State. The character of California's soil and climate, resembling France, makes them feel at home, and has wedded them with ties of love and affection to the Golden State.

This is the French national holiday, and its significance is in full accord with the principles that underlie the structure of the American Government. America celebrates the 4th of July, and France, a few days later, the 14th. The one following the other is more than a coincidence— it is a consequence […]” – Pronounced 127 years ago, these words still resonate today.

About Blue Cove Preserves

Blue Cove Preserves is an artisanal brand of tinned fish, its branzino collection of products is sourced and hand-packed in the US, married with elegant flavors that age in olive oil and herbs in small cans. Having grown up in a multicultural home between her parents’ native countries of France and Ecuador, Founder Stephanie Fels created Blue Cove Preserves to mimic the quality of the canned seafood culture she grew up with, but sustainably produced and crafted in the United States, where she now lives. In less than a year of existence on the market, Blue Cove Preserves won the 2024 Good Food Awards, bestowed by the mighty figures in the culinary industry Alice Waters, Dana Cowin and Joan Nathan. Blue Cove products can be found in stores across the country and online at www.bluecovefish.com.

About the Official Committee of French American Organizations:

The Official Committee, a 501 (c) (3), brings together the French language and culture associations of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Its main purpose is to organize and sponsor the San Francisco annual “Bastille Day” celebration fêted the second Saturday in July, to participate in all local French events and welcome French dignitaries visiting the Bay Area. It brings together over 70 French American associations in the region. The association is only staffed with volunteers who organize all the association activities, including the festival. It embodies the role played by our compatriots in the development of San Francisco since the middle of the last century and contributes to the continuation of close and friendly relations between the City-by-the-Bay and Paris, France. Check out our website for more information: www.comite-officiel.org.