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OCTOBER 12 GET READY FOR A NIGHT OF SPOOKY SHOPPING FUN! Join us for a special evening at The Merc After Dark on October 12 in Downtown Batavia. This event promises to be a night of fun and excitement as we keep the shops and candle bar open late! In addition, we are excited to welcome our special guest, Annie Hex , who will be conducting tarot card readings throughout the night. For those who are interested in getting their cards read, Annie will be available for 15-minute sessions at a cost of $25 per reading. Please note that tickets are non-refundable, so be sure to book your spot in advance. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in a little bit of self-care, surrounded by the cozy ambiance of our shops and DIY candle bar. Don't miss out on this unique experience and be sure to join us for The Merc After Dark. We can't wait to see you there! 
 *There is no physical ticket mailed, your purchase will be emailed to you and we will have your name on file at the door 
 Wilson Street Mercantile Shops Open 5-9pm 
 • Arlo.Hendrix 
 • db goods 
 • Lily & Pie Sweets 
 • Light & Pine Collective Arlo.Hendrix 222 E Wilson St Ste 1, Batavia, IL arlohendrix.com

THE MERC AFTER DARK | Happening Tonight at Wilson Street Mercantile with Annie Hex

OCTOBER 12, 2023
Get Ready for a Night of Spooky Shopping Fun!

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PROST! OCTOBERFEST HAPPENING SEPTEMBER 8-10 BATAVIA–Bring your lederhosen for Sturdy Shelter Brewing 's first Oktoberfest celebration - September 8-10! 
 We can’t wait for you to try ShelterFest Festbier//5.6! It’s delicious! 
  
 –Friday, September 8 - Stein-holding contest, costume contest, photo booth, buttons, alpine hats, stein packages, and Burn’nBull BBQ with a solid Oktoberfest menu, 4-8 pm 
 –Saturday, September 9 -  All of the above plus Dies Musikmeisters German Polka Band from 3-6 pm and Smokey Rose BBQ     is back with German plates, 2-8 pm 
 –Sunday, September 10 -  They do it all again and Chef Terrell joins from The Real Dark Horse, 2-5 pm! 
 Pre-order stein packages on their WEBSITE . Prost to Community

BATAVIA | Oktoberfest Weekend at Sturdy Shelter Brewing

PROST! Octoberfest is Happening in Batavia September 8-10

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A MAGICAL TIME WILL BE HAD BY ALL! Saturday, July 29 • 12-1pm BATAVIA–Stop by Arlo.Hendrix to meet the beloved fictional character, Harry Potter for Wizard Weekend! This event is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans, as they will have the chance to get up close and personal with the wizarding world's hero. Take a photo, grab an autograph and take home a vinyl sticker! This is a free event, but come early - we expect a lot of traffic and only have Harry here for one hour! It is first come first serve. Arlo.Hendrix at Wilson Street Mercantile 222 E. Wilson, Batavia www.arlohendrix.com

BATAVIA | Harry Potter will Be at arlo.hendrix for Wizard Weekend July 29, Get a Photo & Autograph

A Magical Time will Be Had by All!

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SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO BATAVIA: LUXURIOUS AND UPSCALE MOVIE THEATRE COMING TO THE FORMER RANDALL 15 IMAX SITE BATAVIA–The largest movie theatre screen in Illinois is coming to Batavia at the Emagine Batavia theatre.  Emagine Batavia is located at 550 Randall Rd., in Batavia, Illinois and construction is underway . The venue, formally the Randall 15 IMAX, was purchased by Emagine back in the Spring of 2020 along with theatres in Saginaw, MI, Noblesville, IN and Portage, IN. The building is currently being renovated and will be completely transformed into a luxurious and upscale movie theatre. The new Super EMX auditorium, is designed to be the largest Cinemascope® screen in the state of Illinois. Measuring over 96 feet wide, Emagine’s Super EMX will be a spectacular theatre in which to enjoy Hollywood’s “tent pole” films.   The 4K laser-projected image will be paired with a Dolby Atmos® immersive sound system with 70 channels of sound to create the most remarkable moviegoing experience in the marketplace today. Additionally, the Emagine Batavia theatre will include 2 private screening rooms and 12 auditoriums, all equipped with 4k projections and feature luxury heated recliners and cuddle chairs. Completed renovations are slated for Summer of 2023. Emagine Entertainment, the 9th largest theatre chain in the United States, designs each of its theatres to provide luxury, upscale features and amenities that raise the bar on out-of-home entertainment. Headquartered in Troy, MI, Emagine operates 28 theatres in five states including theatres in Frankfort, IL and Chatham, IL. To learn more about Emagine Theatres, visit www.Emagine-Entertainment.com ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT  BATAVIA  KANE

BATAVIA | Emagine Batavia to Bring the Largest Cinemascope® Screen in Illinois

Something Big is Coming to Batavia

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COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO COME TOGETHER TO HELP LOCAL TEEN BATAVIA/MONTGOMERY–The community continues to come together to help check off bucket list items for 16-year-old Brice Worley, a junior at Batavia High School, who has been fighting an inoperable brain tumor.  After reading Glancer Magazine's feature story about Bryce and the fundraiser  that was setup to help him with home modifications, an accessible van, medical bills, and bucket list items, Ridge Ambulance in Montgomery  stepped up to fulfill Brice’s dream of wanting to become an EMT. Earlier this week on a brisk December morning, Brice arrived at the Ridge Ambulance main station in Montgomery to meet the team, tour the facilities, take a ride and schedule his EMT training.  It was a memorable day for all involved! Brice and his family are still in need of monetary donations as his battle continues. As many are giving to organizations and local charities this season, we are hopeful that donating to this local family will also be considered– it will help them so much. To stay connected for updates on Brice shared by his family throughout the month, including other wishes that have been granted, and to make a donation, please visit the link below: DONATE TODAY B RICE'S STORY -Kristen Kucharski Photos by Mike Catuara

BATAVIA | Dream Fulfilled for Brice Worley as He Receives EMT Training while Fighting Brain Tumor

Ridge Ambulance of Montgomery Stepped Up to Fulfill Brice's Dream of Becoming an EMT

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The Fox Valley Nutcracker: Continuing the Magical Tradition After Pandemic Hiatus Largest Nutcracker performance in Chicago suburbs combines the talents of professional dancers and local dancers and also gives back to the community BATAVIA– Fox Valley Ballet, a 501c3 organization, is proud to continue the magic and present The Fox Valley Nutcracker  on Nov. 26 and 28 at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre . Performances are almost sold out! The production, now in its eighth year, is continuously described as “the best Nutcracker in the Fox Valley area and western suburbs.” With sold out shows every year, this beloved holiday classic features lavish sets, festive costumes, dazzling special effects, and beautiful dancing paired with Tchaikovsky's original score.  The Fox Valley Nutcracker has been named Pointe Magazine’s  “Top 10 Must See Nutcrackers in Illinois.” 
  “Families who live in the suburbs don’t have to travel far to see a professional production of the Nutcracker,” said Ashlie Andersen, the Artistic Director of the Fox Valley Nutcracker. “Year after year, we like to bring new and fresh visual effects to our audience to keep them engaged and delighted.  And that we did this year!”  Andersen continues to utilize her family’s background and skills in technical theater with her husband’s business being a production company, and throw in special effects, moving sets and scenery and other magic!  “Audience members will see a new flying effect we have added this year which is always fun to watch and see.”  The performance brings together a community of dancers from all over the Chicago suburbs, and is a collaboration between student performers, young pre-professional dancers and professional dancers from around the world.  It has showcased professional dancers from Joffrey Ballet, Ballet 5:8, Chicago Repertory Ballet and more professional dance companies. This year’s show includes local dancers ages 5 through adult from approximately 25 dance studios in the Chicago suburbs from as far north as Algonquin to as far south as Plainfield which is the only production outside of the Joffrey Ballet that has this many student performers from outside dance schools.  “I love how I get to meet new people every year as well as see some returning friends I have made within the past and we get to put all of our talents together for one great performance and become a big family for 3 months” says Madeline Howard one of Fox Valley Ballet’s senior performers and has been in the show since it’s origin. The Fox Valley Nutcracker cancelled it’s performances in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic taking a big hit financially just like many other millions of organizations. “We came back last year in 2021 with a very little budget and doing less performances than we normally would since our cast was much smaller.  We had to prove that despite what was going in the world, your family can still enjoy the holiday season together."  Andersen says that this year was just as hard trying to get back to it’s regular cast size pre-pandemic, raising money for the it’s typical production needs and making sure to market the show double the amount to fill seats for it’s ticket sales. One thing Fox Valley Ballet will re-open this year since pre-covid is it’s scholarship fund.  Recently, a local nonprofit organization 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley, presented a gift to The Fox Valley Ballet. These funds will benefit individual scholarships and to help support the training and artistic excellence of pre-professional dancers through education, performance and community outreach in an encouraging and inspirational environment. The award was presented to Ms. Andersen and the 2021 Nutcracker Cast and states “I was beyond surprised, amazed and honored. We had applied for support for The Fox Valley Ballet for several years and in the midst of one of the most difficult years of trying to produce our biggest event, this came as a big surprise. We were honored to have been considered candidates this year.” The Fox Valley Nutcracker does more than entertain; the ballet gives back to the community and provides scholarships for dancers. Since starting the scholarship fund in 2018, Fox Valley Ballet has awarded more than $5,000 in scholarships to talented dancers in need of financial support for their training. In that same spirit, characters from the show visit the pediatric department at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL annually, showering the children there with gifts. Nutcracker dancers also perform and cook meals for the families at the Ronald McDonald House. The Fox Valley Nutcracker relies on the families of the dancers to volunteer as well as monetary donations from the community to keep the production alive. “It really does take the community to bring this spectacular performance to the stage. We are grateful to our partners and welcome the support,” said Andersen. “Because we are a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of donors. We have many opportunities for businesses to sponsor the production.” Sponsors for The Fox Valley Nutcracker include Soleunique Dance Complex (studio rehearsal sponsor), Comfort Inn & Suites, PERFORM Active Wellness, Dance Dynamics (Studio Partner), The Academy of Dance Arts (Performance Partners), OMNI Construction, Mason, Faith, & Hoscheit, D.D.S., and production partners Ghostlight Ent. and Technical Theater Services. Performances will be held at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and 27 at 2:00 p.m.  Adult tickets are between $25-40 and tickets for children 10 and under are $20-35. For groups of 15 or more, there is a special group rate with a 10 percent savings. Ticket holders can also add-on the special VIP package and join in on a backstage experience and meet and greet with characters after the show.  To purchase tickets, call (630) 937-8930 or go to Batavia Fine Arts Centre . For more information about The Nutcracker visit The Fox Valley Nutcracker . ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT HOLIDAY HAPPY BATAVIA

BATAVIA | The Fox Valley Nutcracker: Continuing the Magical Tradition After Pandemic Hiatus

The Fox Valley Nutcracker: Continuing the Magical Tradition After Pandemic Hiatus

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MISSING TEEN LAST SEEN SUNDAY NIGHT IN BATAVIA BATAVIA– Batavia  police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 16-year-old girl, according to a Fox News report released earlier today. Taya Russell has not been seen or heard from since Sunday night in the suburbs, police say. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 630-454-2500. No additional details were available at the time of this report. Visit FOX NEWS CHICAGO for updates on this story. FOX NEWS CHICAGO BATAVIA KANE

BATAVIA | Missing Girl (16), Last Seen Sunday, Batavia Police are Asking for Help In Locating Her

Missing Teen Last Seen Sunday Night In Batavia

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POPULAR SUMMER EVENT GETS A NEW NAME & A NEW SETTING 
 Cocktails in the Park is getting a reboot for the 2020 season, and it's bringing the party "home" for everyone who participates! I ntroducing COCKTAILS IN THE YARD – Saturday July 25 It’s a chance for the community to enjoy all the best of Batavia MainStreet’s Cocktails in the Park event in their very own home or yard, Food, drink and camaraderie! “We aren’t able to gather hundreds of folks together at Appleton Park this year, but we didn’t want to turn our backs on all the fun, or on the opportunity to showcase all the great things MainStreet does for the City of Batavia,” says Sherri Wilcox, Executive Director of Batavia MainStreet. So this year, patrons will be able to host small group get togethers at their own homes – cocktail and dinner parties filled with great local food and drink. 
 Here’s how it works: There will be a variety of cocktail crates for purchase, each filled with either bourbon, vodka, or rum and complemented recipes, all the fixings for several signature cocktails, cocktail glasses, barware and  more! Order your favorite (or favorites) online. At the same time, order dinner! A host of local restaurants are preparing a special menu just for COCKTAILS IN THE YARD. Mix and match to create the perfect menu for the evening, many in group/family style sizes. Then all will be provided for curbside pickup on the day of the event – July 25. But the fun doesn’t end there! Once you get your party started, login to the COCKTAILS IN THE YARD live stream event, featuring music, discussion, raffles and loads of “spirited” fun. Cocktail crates will go on sale June 22 at www.downtownbatavia.com . And they may go pretty fast, so mark your calendar, put an alert on your phone, and start your short list of invitees for your personal COCKTAILS IN THE YARD party, brought to you by Batavia MainStreet. The cocktails event has been Batavia MainStreet’s largest single fundraiser for the non-profit organization, which typically hosts city-wide events including Egg Hop. Well Batavia Festival, Batavia Dinner Table, Block Party, BatFest, Oktoberfest and more! As advocates for the downtown business community, MainStreet staff and volunteers work to keep the local economy vibrant, assist in marketing and promotions  such as Restaurant Week, Shop Local Sundays and Second Fridays, and operate the weekly Batavia Farmers Market, every Saturday, all year long. For more information about MainStreet, the COCKTAILS IN THE YARD event and purchasing information, or to become a MainStreet volunteer, visit www.downtownbatavia.com  or call MainStreet at 630-761-3528.

BATAVIA MAIN STREET | Cocktails In the Park to Become Cocktails In the Yard

POPULAR SUMMER EVENT GETS A NEW NAME & A NEW SETTING Cocktails in the Park is getting a reboot for the 2020 season, and it's bringing the...

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CURFEW IN PLACE, POLICE ADDRESS RESIDENTS REGARDING TODAY'S PROTEST Due to recent regional events, after learning of a protest being planned for today, Wdnesday June 3, The City of Batavia held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, June 3 to declare a State of Emergency. This was done due to regional civil unrest over the past few days. Though the police do not anticipate today's protest will turn violent, a general curfew was put in place beginning at 7:00 PM June 3, 2020 and ending at 6:00 AM June 4, 2020, in the interest of safety and welfare. Resident can view the order and ordinance here .  Following this State of Emergency declaration, many residents grew worried and concerned, becoming somewhat divided in social media. Amid this concern, the Batavia Police Department released a statement today indicating that all members of the Batavia Police Department " stand ready to facilitate a safe, peaceful rally this afternoon" . The rally is set to take place today, Wednesday, June 3 at 12:00 PM in the 100 block N. Island Avenue in downtown Batavia. Today's statement read: "The Batavia Police Department is saddened to hear that our post on 06/02/20 titled "BPD Emergency Alert" has created a sense of division and fear. It was not our intent, and we apologize. The primary mission of the Police Department is to provide public safety for all of our residents and citizens. After seeing the results of a number of other public assemblies over the past week which all began as peaceful initiatives, it is obvious that there are risks associated with an event of this nature right now. The scenes we’ve all seen play out night after night have distorted the power of the message to demand more accountability and restraint by police. We believe the intent of this rally is to refocus the energy of the people on the message. Since this event was first publicized by its organizers, many residents and business owners have called our department frantically trying to plan and prepare for a worst-case scenario. While we feel the risk is inherently low, we felt that it was our duty to notify the broader public about this event, and encourage each person and business owner to make the decisions that make them feel most safe. 
 We have no evidence or information that rioting, looting, or other crime is planned or expected at this event. Rumors and speculation of this possibility are rampant on social media, and over the past several days, these rumors have taken on a life of their own. On the contrary, the organizers of this event went to great lengths to ensure this is a peaceful, productive, and inspiring rally for change. The rally is set to begin at noon today, and, has a scheduled conclusion of approximately 2:30 pm The group plans to have a gathering which they’ve described to us as a peaceful “sit-in”. The group has considered safety captains and expressed intentions to police itself within the group to protect the purpose and construct of the rally, as well as the community within which we reside. They have worked with our department and have been open to suggestion and receptive to feedback. 
 While it is our solemn duty to always be prepared for all contingencies, the members of the Batavia Police Department stand ready to facilitate a safe, peaceful rally this afternoon. ALL KANE COUNTY ALL CIVIC NEWS

BATAVIA | Batavia Police Department Releases Statement About Planned Protest Set for Today

CURFEW IN PLACE, POLICE ADDRESS RESIDENTS REGARDING TODAY'S PROTEST Due to recent regional events, after learning of a protest being...

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