Batavia's Celebration of Lights kicks off holidays
How many flashlights does it take to light a sign over the river?
Hundreds? Thousands?
"I want everyone in town to come down to the bridge at 5:15 on Sunday night with a flashlight and help light the sign," said Craig Foltos, owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlour. "Each small little lamp will make one great light."
This year, walkers will be able to see a new addition to the Riverwalk - the "Peace On Earth" sign on the bicycle bridge that was orchestrated by Foltos for this weekend's celebration. As a special part of the Celebration of Lights event, Foltos is asking Batavians to bring their flashlights to illuminate the sign during the Celebration of Lights on Sunday, Nov. 30.
"We'll sing "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and then we'll carol en mass over to the Peg Bond Center for the annual carol sing." said Foltos.
Why did Craig Foltos think putting up the " Peace On Earth" sign was important to the community?
"I just wanted to make people feel good," he added. "I know how lonely some people are and I know how much fun these little things can be, especially for kids. I remember standing on the corner of Water St. and Wilson St. when I was a kid during Boo Boo Days. The street was closed for a fashion show or something and I thought it was so cool."
Apparently, the Park District doesn't have plans to light the sign so every man, woman and child needs to bring that energized flashlight down to help with the illumination. Maybe, the high beam spots that illuminated the water tower during the football games will show up as well.
Foltos plans a big countdown so that everyone turns their lights on simultaneously.
Once Foltos put the word out that he wanted to do the sign over the river, friends came forward to help. Terry McCarter owner of Cornerstone Cabinets and Remodeling cut the 12 foot letters out of 3/4" plywood. Jeff Matter, owner of Music Matters helped haul lumber. Jim Hagemann, owner of H&I Decorating and his crew spent two days priming and painting the letters. Park Commissioner Chris Beamer coordinated efforts with Erich Lacher of the Park District.
"When I got this idea, I started talking with customers about it and these four guys agreed to help with the project," he said. "They all enjoyed doing it and they all became friends through working on it."
The Celebration of Lights takes place at 5:30 on Sunday, Nov. 30. It is an opportunity for families to join in the caroling, take a hay ride, visit with St. Nick, and even roast chestnuts. Kids that arrive early will get a goody bag from Santa with items that have been personally packed by the employees at the Valley Sheltered Workshop.
"The people at the Valley Sheltered Workshop really enjoy putting the goody bags together," said Britta McKenna, director of MainStreet. " I think they feel like Santa's helpers packing the things that Batavia businesses have donated."
There is something magical about Batavia's Riverwalk being adorned in the twinkling of Italian lights. Perhaps, it's the rushing sound of the river nearby or the solitude of the wooded area but Christmas isn't Christmas without a walk around the popular path at the River's edge.