Batavia Oktoberfest Expands to Three Fun-Filled Days: Oct. 5-7
Wilkommen!
Join Batavia MainStreet and Downtown Batavia businesses Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 7, as they present their third annual Batavia Oktoberfest on North River Street.
There will be beer from Sam Adams (presenting sponsor of the event) including Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Paulaner, and more, German food from local vendors including The Wurst Kitchen, Pal Joey’s and Gaetano’s, German bands, entertainment and more.
Oktoberfest hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Batavia is well known for being a family-focused community, and Batavia Oktoberfest has quickly become a fan favorite in town,” said Family Day at Oktoberfest Committee Chair Erin Meitzler. “Adding a third day to include fun activities for the young and young at heart, like face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and children’s musician, seemed like a natural fit to the growth of this tremendous community event.”
At Batavia Oktoberfest, Germans and their friends can dance to authentic tunes coming from the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and Naperville Stage by Die Musikmeisters, Mike Knauf Band and the Johnny Wagner Band.
Traditional German attire is encouraged and will be celebrated through the Dirndl and Lederhosen contest. Stick around to watch traditional German dances by local dance troops like A Step Above, Batavia Academy of Dance and more.
The fest activities will kick off with the ceremonial Tapping of the Keg by Bergermeisters, the Honorable Mayor Jeff Schielke as well music from the Batavia Community Band. The event will also be hosted by the Herr and Frau Festmeisters, Douglas and Jamie Saam of Bulldog Plumbing Inc. and former Batavia MainStreet executive director.
“Oktoberfest is by far one of my favorite programs to work on,” said Batavia MainStreet Director of Development & Special Events Cathy McNally. “I love the authenticity of Batavia Oktoberfest and the family friendly atmosphere. Even more so this year with a day completely devoted to just that with a community faith service, a 5k Brat Trot, kid’s stage entertainment from Miss Carole’s Macaroni Soup, and of course lots of authentic German food and beer!”
River Street will be tented for the event and filled with plenty tables of seating and dancing space. Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center has generously taken over décor at the event entry points. Wine and cocktails will also be available for purchase by local vendors.
This event is free to enter with tickets for food and beverages being sold inside the event. Batavia Oktoberfest is looking for a large number of volunteers to assist with various duties. Please contact Batavia MainStreet if you are interested in helping.
Batavia MainStreet is a 501©3 not-for-profit organization working to enhance, promote and revitalize Downtown Batavia as the heart of the community through dedicated volunteer efforts. For more information on Batavia Oktoberfest, please visit downtownbatavia.com or call 630-761-3528.
Save The Date For BatFest 2018
BatFest is Batavia’s annual Halloween themed family event attracting over 3,000 ghouls. BatFest includes, downtown Trick-or-Treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, pumpkin bowl, contests BatArt and games for free family fun. BatFest will be held in downtown Batavia from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.
Here are some of the activities that will be going on at this year’s BatFest:
- Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 10 a.m. to noon.
- The final Farmers’ Market of the season
- Pumpkins! That includes the Pumpkin Roll down Houston St., which is $1 per roll and a bring your own pumpkin seed spitting contest. There will also be a pumpkin carving battle hosted by Water Street Studios.
- Stories and Songs at the Library at 11:30 a.m.
- Dance Monster Mash at 10:30 a.m. and Thriller at 12:45 p.m.
- Costume Contest on the Main Stage at 12:15 p.m.
- Pet Costume Contest at 1 p.m.
SOURCE: Batavia MainStreet news release