Give it a whilrWindmill City Festival has something for everyone, including more time to shop at flea market
Activities ranging from a diaper derby to a golf challenge are set to bring fun for all ages to Batavia when Windmill City Festival hits town.
Each year organizers cater to between 10,000 and 13,000 people with live music, fresh food, a beer garden, and family activities. Visitors can try to chip golf balls onto a floating green or jingle keys in front of their infant as he or she races to the finish.
The festival is packed full of events from its kickoff at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to its conclusion at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 12, said Kari Felkamp, director of marketing for the Batavia Park District.
"We have a ton of fun events - truly, we offer something for every age group," Felkamp said.
The festival takes place in the heart of downtown Batavia Riverwalk. Live music headliners include Hillbilly Rockstarz, 7th heaven, and ARRA.
On Friday, runners can get a chance to watch the sunset and jog down a new trail along the Fox River in the Windmill Whirl 5K. The race starts at 7 p.m. (day-of registration, $30, ends at 6:30 p.m.) at City Hall Plaza. This race provides chip-timing and awards will be given to the top three overall males and females and the top three in each age division. Strollers, dogs and bicycles are not allowed.
Would-be rock stars can wait until Saturday to sing their hearts out with a session of live band karaoke, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the main stage.
One addition this year is the extension of the craft show and flea market over both Saturday and Sunday. Felkamp said more time to shop in the market was the top request of returning visitors from across the surrounding area. The fair and market will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
"I just think that it becomes tradition for people," Felkamp said.
Another main attraction is Saturday's pet parade at 10 a.m., in which participants bring their pets of any kind to march in the street.
The pet parade will be hosted by Batavia resident, business owner and community leader Craig Foltos, who has been volunteering with the festival for almost 25 years.
"Every person who has a pet wants to show it off. It's just fun," Foltos said. "People want to goof off and laugh."
Foltos, longtime owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, said it is his duty to volunteer and give back to his community. He said he just likes getting out to the public, meeting his neighbors, and putting a smile on their faces.
"I just like seeing people and making them happy," Foltos said. "When you're a kid and you're going to a festival, it's a big deal for you. It's your town and I'm just trying to help them make happy memories."
For information, visit windmillcityfest.org or call (630) 879-5235.
If you go
What: Batavia's Windmill City Festival
When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 9; 4-11 p.m. Friday, July 10; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 11; and 11 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 12
Where: Batavia Riverwalk at Houston Street and Island Avenue
Admission: Free
Details: <a href="http://www.windmillcityfest.com">www.windmillcityfest.com</a>; (630) 879-5235.