Runners storm the Bastille to kick off French festival

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of runners and walkers in Milwaukee stormed the Bastille Thursday night, in memory of the attack on the Bastille prison in Paris.

It's a summer tradition to kick off the French festival. Participants run from Cathedral Square to the Third Ward and back to the festival.

Bastille Days says it brings 250,000 people to Milwaukee over four days.

It's the time of year when a replica of the Eiffel Tower stands in the middle of Cathedral Square. 

"The first place we go is the beignet place," festival goers Joseph and Lynn Fasi said. They came all the way from Miami for what they call "one of the best festivals of the year."

The music had couples dancing on their feet, and some left a piece of their hearts on the new Master Lock love sculpture.

"We come here every year to celebrate," Lisa Newling said. Lisa and her husband Scott honeymooned in Paris ten years ago. "We put a lock on here and we thought it was pretty special," she said.

The sculpture was inspired by the love lock bridge in Paris. 

Whether you go for the food, music, or fun, everyone can leave feeling a little French.

Bastille Days runs from July 11-14.