Batavia's For the Love of Local plans fun-filled Valentine weekend

Posted February 09, 2021 1:00 am

There will be plenty of shopping and winter fun at this weekend's For the Love of Local festival in downtown Batavia.

If you're looking for a fun and family friendly activity to do this winter, look no further than Downtown Batavia's For the Love of Local, to enjoy a day of shopping, dining and watching beautiful ice sculptures being brought to life.

With many of the cherished annual Batavia MainStreet events canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Beth Walker, executive director of Downtown Batavia, is thrilled that they can now offer locals the opportunity to enjoy the downtown, spend time outside and watch the mesmerizing entertainment of live ice sculpting this month.

Head to the Peg Bond Bandshell from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, where

Three sessions of ice sculpting by Art by Joseph are planned for this weekend's For the Love of Local Festival. Check it out 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and again 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.

Art by Joseph will craft separate ice sculptures throughout the weekend. While Joseph diligently works, attendees can explore downtown Batavia, take a stroll along the Fox River, ice skate near Peg Bond Bandshell, support local businesses and enjoy delicious food and drink.

“We were inspired to host this event because we love our community. It's so good to be able to do something and connect with each other in these times when our options are limited,” said Walker.

Events like For the Love of Local are made possible by generous local sponsors, including Gerald Subaru of North Aurora.

“

Gerald Subaru of North Aurora is helping to sponsor the fun-filled weekend For the Love of Local in downtown Batavia.

Gerald is such an amazing partner and we are so grateful they jumped on board to help us make this happen,” said Walker.

The dealership has been a longtime supporter of Batavia MainStreet events and is excited to support Batavia in this new endeavor. In addition to sponsoring For the Love of Local, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora created a fun Snapchat filter specifically for the event so attendees can document their time enjoying downtown Batavia.

“Watching live ice sculpting is such a unique experience that few people can say they have seen,” said Donna Lawler, Vice President of Gerald Auto Group. “For the Love of Local is an amazing way to bring people together while still being socially responsible during these uncertain times. We're so pleased that we can help create special, lifelong memories for the residents of Batavia and the surrounding area who come to participate in the festivities.”

To learn more about For the Love of Local visit www.facebook.com/bataviamainstreet, www.instagram.com/downtownbatavia.

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