Get a taste of Batavia's downtown scene Aug. 31

The annual Block Party Taste of Batavia is back from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. Celebrate Labor Day weekend with $2 tastings, craft beer and wine, live music and performances, classic car cruise in, pie bake off, twist-off and Hula-Hoop competitions for prizes, and kids activity play area.

Start off at the Riverwalk with $2 tastings from your favorite restaurants and don't forget to vote for which you think is the "Best on the Block." Then walk across the pedestrian bridge to take a stroll on North River Street and check out the Classic Car Cruise In with more $2 tastings.

Participating restaurants and groups include: Andres Restaurant, choose your own tacos; Boy Scouts Troop 6, walking tacos; Bulldogs red hots; El Casanova, tacos, tamales and flautas; Gaetano's, mini beef sandwiches with truffles and limoncello lemonade; Gammon Coach House, fish tacos and pulled pork sliders and craft beer; Lora Jean's Gourmet Popcorn; Neighbors Magazine, soda fountain; Pal Joey's, pizza slices, Italian beef, meatball sandwiches, Miller Lite and Summer Shandy; The Range Grill & Tap, desserts and Blue Moon; River's Edge Bar & Grill, boneless and regular wings, chips and salsa.

And at their locations will be O' Sole Mio, pannacotta and two-ingredient crepes; The RendezVu, shrimp gazpacho and gyros egg roll; and River's Edge Bar & Grill, boneless and regular wings, chips and salsa and hot dogs.

"It's exciting to see how much the Block Party has grown throughout the years," said Batavia MainStreet board member and alderwoman Jamie Saam. "Last year, we had over 4,000 people attend for this evening event."

Back again this year River City Church will host a bounce house, face painting, balloons, and a raffle, while on the other side of the river, Batavia Academy of Dance has competitions for more prizes.

"I love seeing the community come out and support their local scene," said Joi Cuartero, executive director of Batavia MainStreet. "This year, we have even more vendors participating with $2 treats so everyone can get a true Taste of Batavia."

If you think you've got the best pie in town, don't forget to sign up for the Pie Bake Off for your chance to win cash prizes and recognition in Neighbors Magazine, by calling (630) 761-3528.

Visit downtownbatavia.com/blockparty for more information.