Fall fun is not just reserved for Halloween day in downtown Batavia. BatFest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Get dressed up as your favorite villain, super hero, princess, or classic character and head down to the Riverwalk to enjoy a fall festival. Walk around town to the businesses for downtown trick-or-treating, Main Stage entertainment and activities will be at Peg Bond, and cross the pedestrian bridge to River Street to take a chance at the new Pumpkin Bowl.

“We absolutely love being a part of BatFest every year!” said owner of Batavia Academy of Dance, Anne Gugliuzza. “Our annual traditions of teaching the little ones the monster mash and performing Thriller are so much fun!”

BatFest offers fun for all ages. Downtown trick or treating is for anyone in costume. A favorite amongst preschoolers and elementary school aged kids, be sure to bring a bag big enough for loot from over 50 downtown businesses.

In the theme of the season, BatFest offers many pumpkin focused activities. The Pumpkin seed spitting contest will run the entirety of the event as will viewing of the 3D relief carved pumpkins from Fallen Star Tattoo. A pumpkin carving battle will take place on the Main Stage at 1:45p where YOU choose the winner.

With Houston Street still under construction, Troop 6 has a new take on their beloved Pumpkin Roll with this year’s Pumpkin Bowl. Bowling will take place on River Street.

Halloween stories and songs will be held at the Batavia Public Library at 11:30a followed by the Mother’s Club Costume Parade lead by characters from Funway Entertainment Center at 11:50a. Tractor pulled hay rides, dance performances, games and festive activities will be happening down at the Riverwalk throughout the event.

To add to the festivities, BatFest will include the last farmers’ market of the season with fresh produce, food and artisan wares for sale at the Riverwalk.

“This is our favorite day of the year!” Gugliuzza added.

BatFest is not the only fall amusement happening that day. Batavia United Way will host a community pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at Pal Joey’s. At 9 a.m., the United Way will also host a 5K/10K on the East side of the river. Music Matter School of Music will host its second annual Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to noon at 24 N. Washington Ave.

For a full list of events and activities, “like” the BatFest Facebook page, visit DowntownBatavia.com or call the Batavia MainStreet office at (630) 761-3528.

BatFest is put on in partnership with BATV, Batavia Academy of Dance, Batavia Mothers’ Club, Batavia Park District, Batavia Public Library, Boy Scout Troop 6, Bulldog Plumbing, City of Batavia, Music Matters School of Music, and River City Church. The event could not be possible without generous sponsorships from Advanced Disposal, Orange Door Hinge Designs, FunWay, Kane County Chronicle, Physicians Immediate Care, Congregational Church of Batavia, Gerald Nissan, Soleunique Dance Studio, Batavia Animal Clinic and Wazio Orthodontics.