Batavia park launches its first family festival

What is the best way to celebrate the end of a festival season? Another festival!

Don't gasp for breath. A three-hour family-style celebration will offer a refreshing taste of the flash mob novelty.

This Saturday, the Batavia Park District will host its first Family Fest from noon to 3 p.m. at the West Main Community Park, one of its largest properties.

"We haven't used it for events for a while," said the district's Recreation Supervisor, Gail Zwaska. "We just want to have something into the summer before the school starts."

Echoing its title, the free event is open to people of all ages. But kids will have most fun when they try a moon bounce and face painting by JJ the Clown. David Marcus, the "Magical Balloon Man," will showcase his art to the crowd. Kids and families also can receive free child identification kits and related safety information. Raffle drawings will be open to anyone interested in getting school supplies.

Zwaska said the event is another effort by the park district to make sure "no child is left inside."

Director of Planning and Development Jim Eby said the West Main Park has a handball field, a softball field, two basketball fields, a hard-surface walking trail and a three-acre bark park, which opens from April 1 to the first snowfall of the year.

"The bark park is the only one in our district so far," he said.

Saturday's bash will not leave out those four-legged family members, either. They could receive a special doggie bag full of goodies while supplies last. There will also be a dog obedience demonstration at the bark park at 1 p.m. by instructor Darlene Barnard.