Batavia Parks Foundation joins in #PeaceDay celebration Sept. 21
The Batavia Parks Foundation recently announced Batavia's participation in the United Nation's International Day of Peace on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
A team of enthusiastic volunteers is working alongside the Batavia Parks Foundation to stage the first ever Batavia #PeaceDay celebration, sponsored by Drendel & Jansons Law Group.
The event coincides with the U.N.'s annual celebration, echoing their 2022 theme, "End Racism, Build Peace."
The celebration will be held at the Peace Bridge and Riverwalk South Plaza at 100 N. Island Ave. downtown from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Craig Foltos, event master of ceremonies, is pleased to see the Peace Bridge as the backdrop to host the new #PeaceDay in Batavia. "What started as a simple community singalong on the Peace Bridge is growing into a way for Batavia to come together and amplify our voices as a community modeling peace to others."
The evening includes a variety of performing arts, a community sing-along at sunset by the light of luminaries (LED), and merchandise sales, coming together with the purpose of promoting peace. LED luminaries and LED candles will be available for attendees (free with suggested donation to support the project). Those coming to the fest may find seating on the limestone benches or should bring along a chair if needed.
At the Batavia Peace Bridge & Batavia Riverwalk South Plaza, there will be guitar selections by Dave Ramont at 5:30 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by a Unity Circle, led by Behati Hart, a dancer and mentor, showcasing the ancient ritual of dancing to represent healing and to honor and celebrate life. At 6:30 p.m., Batavia High School Orchestra, conducted by Allison Liska, will perform. At 6:55 p.m., there will be a poetry recitation of "Peace on Earth" by Christopher Kuhl and a reading of the City of Batavia proclamation
At 7 p.m., join a community sing-along. Songsheets are available by QR code and a limited supply of large print copies.
From 7:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sept. 25, the LED luminaria will be on display for thoughtful community reflection.
LED luminarias and LED candles will be available for attendees; free with a suggested donation to support the project. Out-of-town supporters wishing to send a message of peace or remembrance may sponsor a luminaria online at bataviaparksfoundation.rallyup.com/peace-day.
Those planning to drive to the fest may park on either side of the river near the Peace Bridge. Limited seating on the South Plaza limestone benches is available, or participants can bring along a chair if needed.
Peace On Earth campaign update
The "Peace On Earth" campaign has now raised over $32,000 in funds raised since the May 7, 2022, public kickoff.
The project's goal is to replace the aging painted wooden letters and seasonal, temporary lighting with permanent metal letters and LED lighting. The public is invited to contribute financially as an "Illuminator" (gifts up to $499), Peace Team ($500-$999), and a "Peace Ambassador" ($1,000 and greater). Corporate sponsorships and donations are also available by contacting bataviaparksfoundation@gmail.com. Donations via check may be made payable to "Batavia Parks Foundation" and mailed to Batavia Parks Foundation, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia, IL. 60510.
Batavia Parks Foundation president Britta McKenna encourages everyone's participation, "Whether you can sponsor a luminaria, purchase a $20 'Play it Forward' raffle ticket, or have the ability to be a major donor or sponsor, it will take all of us to install our permanent Peace On Earth art as a message of hope from Batavia to the world."
"Play it Forward" raffle drawing will be on Sept. 24. Purchase a raffle ticket to benefit the "Peace On Earth" permanent art. Ten prizes will be drawn at Batavia's new "Pints by the Pond," a craft beer fest at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Winners need not be present, and the drawing will be streamed live at www.BataviaParksFoundation.rallyup.com/peaceonearth.
Batavia "Play Partner" businesses teaming up with the Parks Foundation for the "Play it Forward" promotion include: an E-bike from Boj-E-Bikes; five-course wine dinner for 10 from Mirus; Sturdy Shelter Brewery/Party for 15 with pizza from Pal Joey's; headshot and family photo packages with Katie O'Brien; 2023 family Quarry Beach pass from Batavia Park District; family pass from Funway; a North River Street getaway (Sidecar Supper Club, two nights lodging at Airbnb and Comedy Club tickets); four tickets to Batavia Fine Art Centre; and a "Fishing for Peace" canvas photograph.
Individual raffle tickets are $20, three for $50, and six for $100. Each ticket purchased is a chance to win any of the following prizes from the foundation's play partners. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the raffle benefit the Peace On Earth project.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.BataviaParksFoundation.rallyup.com/peaceonearth.
The mission of the Batavia Parks Foundation is to foster recreation and open space initiatives that enhance residents'quality of life. Follow the foundation on Instagram and Facebook. More information on the nonprofit is available at bataviaparks.org/batavia-parks-foundation. Email bataviaparksfoundation@gmail.com for information.