Nov 30, 2017
BATAVIA — Batavia’s annual holiday parade has moved a few hours closer to Christmas, capping what the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District believes will be a full evening of family-friendly fun.
“The businesses will be abuzz with in-store specials and activities,” BID Director Beth Kemp said as the final preparations for Friday’s Christmas in the City festival neared.
Holiday traditions are being made in many of the shops and organizations that dot Batavia’s downtown district. Blue Pearl Yoga wants patrons to make community peace flags, T-Shirts Etc. is hosting shirt-coloring workshops to benefit Donal R. Carroll’s Toys for Kids and Hearth & Soul is serving hot tea during a crystal grid workshop.
The Daily News is tackling arrangements for the man of the hour — as Santa Claus himself will be part of our photo studio at Go Art!, where a Slavic Christmas festival will be held alongside Kris Kringle. For $10, families can receive either a physical CD or digital copy of their child’s photo with Santa, said Daily News Publisher Michael Messerly, a member of the festival committee.
Messerly said the parade will be the highlight of the evening and Kemp agrees. It has been lengthened — down Main Street from Jefferson Avenue to Summit Street — and continues to feature competition for best float.
“The parade should be exciting again this year, with over 20 groups walking or riding on a float,” Kemp said, with Assemblyman Steve Hawley emceeing at the judging booth.
But the night will have already had many memorable moments by the time the parade starts at 8:15 p.m.
Heading down the parade route, The Batavia Concert Band is performing at City Hall, with a tasting sessions at YNGODDESS, a Christmas craft program at Batavia First United Methodist Church, games, crafts and refreshments at Independent Living of the Genesee Region and WBTA Letters to Santa at Pollyanna & Dot and The Hidden Door and family fun and music at the First Presbyterian Church.
On Jackson Street, the Girl Scouts are hosting crafts and cookies. Center Street has chili and a horse ‘n buggy ride at Adam Miller Toys and Bikes. Ellicott Street’s attractions include cookie decorating at Second Hand Heaven and professional pet photos at Amy’s Fluffy Friends.
Inside Go Art!, Executive Director Gregory Hallock said having a special Slavic Christmas inside the wider Christmas in the City will be a festive combination.
“We’ll have an accordion band — the Timeless Sound of Hank and Katie — and you can dance along,” Hallock said. They’ll also have basket raffles, cookies, snacks and beverages, along with selling Red Oiser roast beef sandwiches and ornaments.
“Go Art! will be a shopping place, a food place, and pictures with Santa — it’s like going to the mall, but cooler,” Hallock added.
