Food samples and local bands highlight Bridge Bash in Batavia

Posted September 03, 2009 11:00 pm

Batavia MainStreet is throwing the second annual Bridge Bash Sunday afternoon.

Last year's celebrated the town's 175th anniversary. This year, there's no special reason; it is strictly all about the fun.

Britta McKenna, executive director of MainStreet, said guests last year had such a good time that they suggested the festivities take place every year.

"MainStreet took that to heart," she said, noting that business owners also asked for it to be repeated, telling her they had "the best day ever."

Two new businesses - Urban Style and Farmers Insurance - will have open houses.

North River Street will be closed from 2 to 11 p.m. for the event.

It features a "Best of Batavia" $2 food samples at restaurants, an arts walk, and live entertainment at North River and Wilson streets.

Even McDonald's and Burger King are joining in, for the first time.

"I challenge anyone to spend $26 and eat everything," McKenna said.

There are no tickets to purchase for the "Best of Batavia" food tastings. Cash is accepted at each spot. Entertainment runs from 5 to 10 p.m. There's a "Band Bash" for young performers from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring Jericho, Bright Side and Smooth Jabuti. Then Vintage Vinyl plays at 8:30.

Comedians Kathleey Rybarski of Batavia, Trenton Davis of Elgin and Staci Lynn Fletcher of Chicago will perform between bands.

Four businesses will have arts open houses from 5 to 9 p.m. All are along the Wilson Street bridge.

Allen+Pepa Architects, 8 W. Wilson, features Greta Northfield; American Family Insurance, 10 E. Wilson, features watercolors by Kathi Lueddemann; Limestone Coffee and Tea features photography by Dennis Waltz and the Fox River Camera Club, and works by artist Chris Hodge; and Urban Style, 3 E. Wilson, features the photography of Michael Barton.

Details, including a map of the event, are available atdowntownbatavia.com under "Events via downtown Batavia," or by calling the Batavia MainStreet office at (630) 761-3528. Maps are also available at participating locations.

The mission of Batavia MainStreet is to improve the vitality of downtown Batavia.

What's to eat? Participating restaurants and their offerings include: • Andre's Restaurant (5 Webster St.) - barbecue pork sandwich • Batavia Creamery (4 N. Island Ave.)adult scoop of ice cream • Bulldogs (32 N. Island) - miniature Italian beef sandwich • Burger King (107 N. Batavia Ave.) - Whopper • Daddio's (134 W Wilson) - bulldog bites (miniature cheeseburgers) or cheese fries • El Taco Grande (6 N. River) - Mexican pizza slice • Fox Grill (35 N. Water St.) - miniature pot roast or pulled pork sandwiches • Limestone Coffee and Tea (15 E. Wilson) - double cappuccino and miniature scone, or eight-ounce raspberry lemonade and cookie. Loyalty Card users receive a free 12-ounce coffee or tea • McDonald's (125 W. Wilson) - iced or mocha latte • O'Brien's Pub and Grill (12 N. River) - Irish egg roll • Thai Village Restaurant (4 N. Batavia) - various Thai dish samples or Thai iced tea or coffee • The RendezVu (3 E. Wilson) - shrimp po-boy • Tusk Thai (102 N. River) - sesame noodles, pot stickers or Thai iced tea or coffee

Article Comments

Article Categories
Batavia Communities Entertainment Festivals and Fairs Lifestyle

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.