BatFest to feature family fun

Wham! Pow! Zap! Holy smokes - it's BatFest!

Batavia MainStreet hosts its annual BatFest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Batavia. A family-centered celebration with all the Halloween activities one could possibly want, this is one October event that packs a punch.

"This is my favorite festival of the year," said Britta McKenna, executive director of Batavia MainStreet. "Everyone is dressed up, in a good mood. It's just so much fun."

Children and adults alike will have the chance to extend the life span of their Halloween costumes by showing them off in multiple candy-filled activities. The downtown area will be hosting its own daytime trick-or-treating and scavenger hunt, and a costume contest will award the best princess, sci-fi, super hero, patriotic, group theme and classic outfits around.

There will also be a Farmers' Market, but these "boo"this will provide more than the standard offerings. Each vendor will hosting a craft, game or contest for children to get involved in.

"We wanted this area to be interactive and stay fun for the whole family," said McKenna.

BatFest began as a way to showcase the downtown Batavia area, and over the past eight years, the event has grown in size and popularity. Every year has offered something new and exciting, and the 2008 affair is no different.

The latest addition is the MainStreet Pumpkin Roll, where for $1, contestants will see whose gourd can wheel the furthest down Houston Street. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pumpkin and a cash prize will await the winner.

Also new this year is "Bat"avia Avenue, where local community groups and businesses will showcase their artistic talents by displaying their own crafty Bat Crows.

After spending the day engaged in so many Halloween happenings, those looking to sit and take a break will find several outlets. The Batavia Public Library will be reading spooky seasonal stories, and the Albright Theatre Company will be giving two performances of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at the Batavia Government Center.

No matter which activity you chose, it is sure to grab the attention of your ghoul or goblin.

"In a day and age where it costs a lot of money to be entertained, this is a fun event where you don't have to pay," McKenna said. "It's very safe, and very fun, especially if you dress up!"

For more information, visit downtownbatavia.com or call (630) 761-3528. For tickets and information regarding the "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" visit albrighttheatre.com or call (630) 406-8838.

BatFest Event Schedule

8:30 a.m.: NAMI 5K BatRun

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: "Bat"avia Avenue open

9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.: MainStreet Pumpkin Roll; $1 registration fee

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Downtown Trick-or-Treating

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Farmers' Market "Boo"this

12:30 - 1 p.m.: BatFest Stories

1- 1:15 p.m.: BatFest Mothers Club Halloween Parade

12 - 3 p.m.: BatFest Activities open

12 - 3 p.m.: Tractor pulled Hayrides - with canned food donation

1:30 p.m.: Costume Contest

1:30 - 3 p.m.: Batavia Park District Games and Activities

2:30 p.m.: "Bat"avia winners announced

2 & 7 p.m. - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Albright Theatre Company; $10 adults, $7 students