Windmill City Festival, Batavia’s tried-and-true tradition for many local families in Kane County, will feature more than a few new events when it takes place Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 14, in the heart of downtown Batavia at the beautiful Riverwalk.

“Whether you check out the plethora of live bands, peruse the Craft and Vintage Market, participate in the Pet Parade or dive into the Ice Cream Eating Contest, every member of the family is sure to find a new favorite activity!” organizers said in a news release.

Admission is free.

Here’s a look at what to expect.

New This Year

The family-friendly Fun Zone is back this summer by popular demand and includes new inflatable attractions such as the Fun Fair Pack, 3-in-1 Carnival Game, and the Slip’N’Slide.

You can go leaps and bounds at the Quad Power Jump. Daily inflatable wristbands are available for $15 and allow unlimited entry for a single day. Quad Power Jump tickets are $5 each.

Be sure to visit the festival website for the full list of all the Fun Zone attractions and hours. Your family will be talking about this year’s festival for a long time to come!

The Fun Zone will also have a new Gaming Trailer. Teen, tweens, and adults alike can enjoy 30 minutes of gaming fun for $20. The trailer features game favorites such as Madden, NHL, Mario Party, and more.

Festival-goers can take home a souvenir this summer, including a new collectible can or cup koozie to keep your drink cool or a Batavia T-shirt to show off your town pride. Koozies are available for $3 each and T-shirts for $20 each.

Also new this year is Deb Krohn, fondly known as “the Frog Lady”, and her unique critters on-site at the Pet Parade from 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. Pet Parade participants can register from 9:15 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. near the Main Stage.

Pets can win ‘best overall’ in five categories: Best Trick, Most Unusual Pet, Best Costume, Highest Jump, and Best Kisser. The first 50 registered participants will receive a complimentary doggie “s-wag” bag to take home. Sponsored by Batavia Animal Clinic, DePAW University, Two Bostons, and Pet Supplies Plus- North Aurora.

Throw Back Activities

In honor of the Batavia Park District’s 50^th Anniversary in 2019, Windmill City Festival will host a handful of throw-back activities.

Batavia MainStreet have organized a Boo Boo Days Revival as part of Second Fridays, from 6 p.m. to  9 p.m. Friday, July 12. Select downtown businesses will have deep discounts and showcase “boo boo” clearance items.

MainStreet will also be hosting a free Tug-of-War activity at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, located in Appleton Park behind City Hall.

Batavia’s finest entertainers will compete at the Talent Show on the Main Stage, at noon Saturday, July 13, as part of the throw-back events.

Unique Offerings

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Two 50-foot gutters will house hundreds of scoops of ice cream for the Ice Cream Eating Contest set for 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14.

Participants will be divided into age categories and will compete against other ice cream enthusiasts to see who can finish their scoops the fastest. The contest is sponsored by Foltos Tonsorial Parlor and the Batavia Creamery.

You can tee one up at this year’s Golf Challenge. Participants ages 10 and up can take a shot at chipping a hole-in-one on a floating green in the Depot Pond.

The cost is $5 for six balls! Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14.

Favorite Traditions

The Batavia Mother’s Club Foundation will once again host the adorable Diaper Derby at a new time: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, underneath the big festival tent. Participant’s ages 6 months to 15 months will compete in this exciting “crawling race” to win fun prizes. Register by the Main Stage beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Fun follows Chuck the Duck everywhere he goes, and you definitely don’t want to miss Chuck the Duck Race at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 14. Compete in this fun water activity to see who can send Chuck the Duck across the finish line first! Participants must be at least 5 years old.

Fun for Adults 

There is a variety of offerings for the big kid in you, including a bags tournament, live music, and an adult-division in the ice cream eating contest!

Grab a partner and “Toss for a Cause” in the Batavia Parks Foundation’s annual bags tournament at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Teams of two can participate for j$25. Cash prizes will go to the top two teams.

For more information about Windmill City Festival or for a complete schedule of live music and events, please visit windmillcityfest.org.

SOURCE: city of Batavia news release