Vote for your favorite tree as part of upcoming Celebration of Lights
The holiday lights will be shining brightly in downtown Batavia on Sunday, Nov. 27, as the Batavia Park District kicks off the season with the Celebration of Lights Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk.
Start your holiday shopping early at the Holiday Craft Market inside the government center from 4 to 7 p.m. Take a tractor-pulled wagon ride around the riverwalk to view all the twinkling lights; bring a nonperishable food item or $1 cash donation to benefit Batavia Food Pantry.
Craig Foltos and the Batavia Community Band will lead everyone in a community singalong at 5:15 p.m. and Santa will arrive at approximately 5:30 p.m.
After the community tree lighting, the Peg Bond Center will be open as a warming house from 5:45 to 7 p.m. and kids under age 10 can visit with Santa and receive a free gift while supplies last. The event also includes free roasted chestnuts, a bake sale courtesy of the Batavia Fire Department and family photo opportunities throughout the riverwalk.
Stop by the "Story Hour," hosted by the Batavia Public Library, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Batavia Depot Museum.
Another special feature of the festival is Christmas Tree Lane, 25 trees decorated by local organizations located throughout the Riverwalk. You can help determine the "People's Choice" tree from Monday, Nov. 21 through 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25.
View photos of all 25 trees on the Batavia Park District's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BataviaParkDistrict and "like" your favorite to submit your vote!
The winning tree will be announced online the evening of Nov. 25 and on stage during the tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mayor Jeff Schielke during the festival!
The festival is presented by the Batavia Park District in partnership with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia MainStreet, the City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department.
Thank you to our Celebration of Lights Festival sponsors Costco, Window Works, McAlister's Deli, Menards and 104.3 K-HITS.
For information, contact the park district office at (630) 879-5235 or view the schedule of events at www.bataviaparks.org.