BatFest brings Halloween fun to downtown Batavia
There is always something fun and spooky happening at Batavia’s BatFest.
This annual Halloween-themed event is free for the whole family and attracts more than 3,000 visitors to downtown Batavia. This year’s BatFest is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.
BatFest includes downtown trick-or-treating, library stories and songs, Mothers’ Club parade, Troop 6 pumpkin roll, BatArt, tractor pulled hayrides and BATV costume contest.
“BATV loves being a part of BatFest,” stated Holly Deitchman, station manager for Batavia Access Television, in a news release. “Kids plus costumes plus candy equals a frightfully good time.”
Dave Karas with Boy Scout Troop 6 added, “The boys in Troop 6 always look forward to the pumpkin roll at BatFest. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and have a lot of fun at the same time.”
New this year, River City Church will be hosting fun competitions and races, as well as a free photo booth to capture your family in costume.
“River City Church is excited to serve again this year at Batavia’s BatFest by hosting games and a fun photo booth” said the Reb. Damian McCrink, pastor at RCC. “Last year we had a great time meeting many families in our community and we look forward to seeing new and familiar faces this year.”
The food court will feature a mini farmers market alongside hot dogs and apple cider doughnuts. Albright Theatre will also be showing two free short film viewings of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Disney’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in its theater on the third floor of city hall, 100 N. Island Ave..
“Everyone is really excited for this year’s BatFest,” said board President Jen Ring, “We’re trying something new by turning our stage into a movie theater for the day and showing classic Halloween animated shorts for free.”
The Music Matters main stage at the Riverwalk will feature a disc jockey and dancing at 10 a.m., the Monster Mash performed by the Batavia Academy of Dance at 11 a.m., BATV Costume Contest at 12:15 p.m. and a special performance of “Thriller” by the new STRINGZ@RMS and Batavia Academy of Dance at 1:15 p.m.
For a full list of events and activities, visit downtownbatavia.com/batfest or call the MainStreet office at (630) 761-3528.