New locale for Batavia Farmers Market
The 18th annual Batavia Farmers Market resumes Saturday.
But don’t be thinking you can park as usual in the lot by the Walgreens, pick up a coffee at Panera Bread and then meander on to the market on Water Street. It won’t be there.
Instead, it is moving east of the Fox River, to the new woonerf on North River Street.
“The decision to relocate was based on many factors, including the ability to expand the market for a larger variety of vendors, amenities such as electric outlets, the beautiful aesthetics of a pedestrian-friendly plaza in the center of our vibrant downtown and positive feedback and support from surrounding businesses,” Jennifer Echert, a Batavia MainStreet director, said in a prepared statement. The nonprofit downtown-improvement group runs the market.
City officials envision having lots of festive events to attract people to the shops and restaurants on North River, which was remodeled last summer.
The street is now paved with bricks and there are no curbs. It is supposed to be a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly space.
The market is from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Parking is available at the city lot at the former First Baptist Church at State Street and Washington Avenue, as well as in the city parking deck at State and River.
Besides fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, eggs and other food, there will be free yoga and an artisans market.