Aug 11, 2011
BATAVIA — If anyone knows of a well-known public figure who’d make a good candidate for a dunk booth, Jamie Rada wants to hear about it.
The United Way of Genesee County executive director has filled two spots so far for this year’s Summer in the City. Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell and City Manager Jason Molino have volunteered for their due dunkings, she said, and she could use a couple more people.
Her agency got involved in the dunk booth during its spring campaign.
“I said I was going to try and do this as an incentive,” she said. “Any county staff who increased their campaign pledge would get a free throw.”
The dunking will be part of food, crafts, adult and youth entertainment and — returning this year — Donald R. Carroll Toys for Kids 5K run/walk — for the seventh annual summer festival. It’s set for noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 20 downtown.
The race came to a halt a few years ago, founder Don Carroll said. Then while at a Jackson Square concert he and downtown manager Don Burkel resurrected the idea to have it at Summer in the City. Race time is “promptly” at 5 p.m. on Jefferson Avenue near Austin Park.
“It will give another dimension to the race. It’s for all ages and levels, to come out for training or do it leisurely. Bring the kids and walk. It’s a really good family event,” Carroll said Tuesday at the Business Improvement District office. “The first 200 runners get a T-shirt. And there’s a huge post-race party at Jackson Square. We want to get people who want to dance. We’re going to find some way to put it on (cable television).”
Race participants will be admitted free and guests pay $5 each for a chicken barbecue, turkey dogs, pizza, yogurt, fresh fruit and beer, pop and spring water. A DJ, lots of music and dancing will round out the party, Carroll said.
It will be filmed for a future commercial to help promote his cause: making Christmas wishes come true for children in need. All proceeds go to Toys for Kids and will stay right here in Genesee County to help support local families. For more information or to register, go to www.doncarrollrace.com.
Although he’s excited about the race and party, they are parts of the bigger picture, Carroll said.
“It’s a downtown festival,” he said. “People can come down and have a good time. I just envision all of the residents coming out and supporting it.”
Olympian John Tuttle of Rochester is expected to join the race while others are enjoying more than 30 food, craft and nonprofit booths that are expected to be lining Main and its adjacent streets. Barbecued chicken, hotdogs, pulled pork, pizza and prime beef are just some of the edibles from assorted restaurants including Red Osier, Clor’s, Alli’s Cones N Dogs and Batavia’s Original.
Main Stage will feature the new group of Shama Lama and its ’50s and ’60s rock and roll. Known as a party band, the group includes lots of audience participation, committee Chairman Jeff Gillard said. The music line-up will feature Ghost Riders at 2 p.m., Terry Buchwald’s Elvis show at 4 p.m. and Shama Lama at 7 p.m.
Gillard said the committee is appreciative of all of the sponsors and volunteers for this year’s event. It will happen rain or shine, and sunny weather will also ensure some 300 or more vehicles for the super car cruise and motorcycle alley.
Gillard invited anyone interested in participating to join the event this year.
“We could always use helpers, vendors or other ideas,” he said.“Mainly we want people to come out and have a good time.”
Deadline for registering as a vendor is Aug. 16. For more information or to become a vendor or volunteer, call Burkel at (585) 344-0900 or go to www.downtownbataviany.com or check out Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook.
