Batavia to light up skies on the Fourth
The Batavia Fourth of July "Sky Concert" will light up the skies at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. The Batavia Fireworks Committee recently introduced its new Web site, BataviaFireworks.org, where residents can find out more about the show and make a donation to help cover the cost of the event.
"We share the disappointment of residents across the United States who will be deprived of a fireworks celebration on the nation's birthday," said Batavia Fireworks chair Roger Breisch. "Because the Batavia Fireworks Committee has been fiscally responsible, the residents of Batavia will once again be treated to the world renowned choreography of Melrose Pyrotechnics and 24 minutes of heart-pounding displays and music."
The primary audience venue will be at Engstrom Park, Main and Millview streets. There will be plenty of additional seating available on the Batavia High School athletic fields at the western end of the school property. The committee is working with the school district to broadcast the show music through the football field sound system, but there will be no food vendors at that location. In order to ensure the safety of the audience at Engstrom Park, Millview Street (from Morton to Main) will be closed from noon until midnight July 4.
"The soundtrack for the 2009 show is particularly upbeat and patriotic," added Breisch. "We thought, in this difficult economic time, people truly need a reason to celebrate, to have a few moments to remember and be grateful for the many blessing we share in this country."
As has become the tradition, the show's music will be simulcast by WBIG AM 1280. Engstrom Park will be filled with the aroma of food vendors and the sounds of the local musical group, Gallery. This will be an evening of food and fun.
"Since the fireworks are funded entirely with private donations, every dollar we collect helps us build on the pyrotechnic excellence the community started 50-plus years ago. The Fireworks Committee appreciates the money we collect the night of the show, during the Loyalty Day Parade (thanks to VFW Post 1197), from the Citywide Garage Sale and through the hundreds of other contributions we receive," Breisch said. "We couldn't do it without community-minded people helping us find the money to make this show happen. We are truly blessed here in Batavia."
In addition, the Batavia Fireworks Committee thanks this year's sponsors: Flinn Scientific, Batavia Rotary Club, Bataviachamber.org, Avenue Chevrolet and State Farm Insurance. In addition, WBIG-AM 1280 and Neighbors of Batavia magazine have once again committed to helping promote the event.
None of the cost of Batavia's Fourth of July fireworks is subsidized by the city of Batavia. A group of citizens, acting as the Batavia Fireworks Committee under the umbrella of the Batavia ACCESS Committee, plans and executes this show as an all-volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can write a check payable to the "Batavia Fireworks Fund" and mail it to 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, IL 60510.
The Batavia Fourth of July events begin with the annual American Dialogue at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. This event offers local citizens the opportunity to come to city hall from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. to discuss their "hopes, fears and dreams for the community, nation and the world."
The evening festivities begin when the food vendors open at 5 p.m. The "Savor The Flavor" vendor area will provide a variety of treats for the audience including tacos, pizza, snow cones, popcorn, funnel cakes and lots more. The Batavia Park District will again sponsor the Musical Showcase starring the band, Gallery. The entertainment will kick off at 7 p.m. and continue until to just before the Sky Concert, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. sharp.
Absolutely no parking will be allowed on Wilson or Main streets between Van Nortwick Avenue and Randall Road. No parking will be allowed on Randall Road from Main Street to McKee Street. Public parking for the show will be permitted at both high school lots (off Wilson and Main), the Ace Hardware Parking lot and at the Wilson Business Center on West Wilson Street. Parking will also be available at several of the major retail lots along Randall Road. A $5 donation per car will be requested at each lot. All proceeds will go to support the fireworks show. The portion of the high school parking lot off Main Street will be marked and reserved for vehicles carrying handicapped stickers.
After the fireworks: Evacuation of cars from parking lots will be delayed up to 20 minutes after the show to allow for pedestrian use of Wilson and Main streets. When exiting from parking lots, cars will be required to turn right to reduce congestion and disburse traffic more quickly. Police will be stationed at Randall Road intersections at Wilson and Main streets. On the school grounds, attendees will not be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages; light or brandish sparklers, firecrackers or other hand-held explosive devices in the crowd; bring dogs or other pets to the show; or ride bikes, scooters or mo-peds. Listen to AM 1280 and other Chicago radio and TV stations for last-minute rain date announcements from the Fireworks Committee. If the show is postponed, the fireworks will be displayed the following night, July 5, weather permitting. Due to conflict in schedules, the Musical Showcase will not be held if the fireworks are moved.