Bring your own picnic and enjoy a night out in a unique setting, all to benefit a nonprofit organization. Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery will hold the fifth Fête en Noir at the cemetery, 700 Locust St., Columbia, on Friday, Sept. 8. Entrance to the grounds will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event will run from 6 to 9 p.m.

"Guests may expect a relaxing event complete with music, conversation and fundraisers throughout the event," said Kathy Hohenadel, who is helping to organize the Fête. "This is a great opportunity to connect with family and friends while enjoying a slightly upscale picnic atmosphere."

Guests are encouraged to dress in black and to create a festive atmosphere by inviting friends and sharing seating at tables that will be set up in the cemetery. Live music will be provided by The Todd Fulginiti Trio. This three-piece group highlights the musical talents of Fulginiti, who has performed solo with musicians including Ray Charles and Frankie Valli throughout his long career.

Proceeds from the Fête en Noir will support the maintenance costs and upkeep of the historic cemetery. Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery was founded in 2017 as a fundraising arm for the cemetery, which is the final resting place of many people who played key roles in Columbia's history. The cemetery is full of interesting statuary and striking grave markers, and Fête participants are encouraged to walk around and explore the grounds.

"Tiki torches and other low-level lighting will provide a warm glow, and attendees will leave with a warm feeling of having supported a worthy cause," Hohenadel said.

She noted that the Fête en Noir is made possible through the sponsorship of the Columbia-Middletown Elks Lodge 1074, the Foresters of America Court Susquehanna 235, the Columbia American Legion Paul Revere Leber Post 372, Kleen-Rite Corporation and Nikolaus & Hohenadel.

Seating is limited for the Fête en Noir. There is a discount for reserving seats prior to Thursday, Aug. 31. People are encouraged to connect with other groups of friends and reserve a table for their group. Tables of various sizes will be provided. In the case of rain, the event will be moved to the Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St.

To reserve space for the Fête en Noir, contact Friends of Mount Bethel Cemetery at 717-681-6768 or friendsofmtbethel@gmail.com.