Bridge Bash and Duck Derby Join with 175th Anniversary for Batavia City-Wide Celebration
08-22-2008

Batavia, IL: Batavia Bridge Marketing Committee wraps up its work over Labor Day weekend, combining forces with the 175th Anniversary Celebration. The “Bridge Bash” event and “Chuck the Duck Derby” are both scheduled for Labor Day weekend as part of the 175th festivities. A full schedule of 175th anniversary events may be found at www.cityofbatavia.net or at www.downtownbatavia.com and clicking on the 175th anniversary logo.

The “Bridge Bash” consists of a bridge dedication at 4:30 p.m. featuring the winner of the final bridge milestones contest, Lauren Bartow from Batavia, who will cut the ribbon with Mayor Jeff Schielke and be the first to officially walk across the bridge. A bridge open house follows the dedication with a “Best of Batavia” (B.O.B.) progressive specialty dish tasting from 5-9 p.m. at the following downtown Batavia restaurants who are featuring $2.00 sample size portions of the following: Andre’s Restaurant: chicken salad wrap or BBQ ribs; Batavia Creamery: children’s double scoop of ice cream; Chicago Char House: Mini Gyros; East China Inn: General Tsao’s chicken; El Taco Grande: guacamole and chips; Fox Grill: Mini pulled pork or pot roast sandwiches; O’Brien’s Pub and Grill: Tacos and fried potato salad; The RendezVu: Shrimp Dejhonge; Limestone Coffee & Tea: Mini samples of muffins & bar cookies, ice tea & lemonade; Thai Village: Pad Thai, ground basil leaf with rice stir fried, Thai iced tea or coffee; The Venice Tavern: slice of pizza; Tusk Thai Restaurant: peanut noodles or Thai iced tea or coffee. A map of participating restaurants is available from volunteers wearing “Where’s B.O.B?” T-shirts at the event or at participating restaurants.

Bridge Bash bands and times on the main stage, located on the Donovan (Wilson St) Bridge are: Music Matters Steel Drum Band (5:30 p.m.) and Michael Heaton Band (7:30 p.m.) with fireworks shot off from Clark Island at 9:00 p.m. The Bridge Bash is sponsored by the City of Batavia and presented with partners from Batavia MainStreet, Batavia Park District, Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia Public Library and volunteers from downtown businesses.

The “Chuck the Duck Derby” is set for Saturday August 30th at 3 pm as part of Batavia’s 175th Anniversary celebration. If you found a construction duck, that’s all you’ll need to register for the race.

There is no fee to register, but you must have an official numbered construction race duck. Race registration is from Noon – 2:45 p.m. on the day of the race (Saturday August 30th) at the Riverwalk Peg Bond Center and at the Batavia Public Library in Youth Services (downstairs) from Monday August 25-Friday August 29th. Just bring in your duck and register your race information. In return, you’ll receive a race bib with your duck’s number to cheer on your fowl friend.

A few simple rules to remember: 1) You may not alter the structure of your duck in any way with weights or sails etc. or you will be disqualified. 2) You do NOT need to be present to win. 3) There is no guarantee your duck will be recaptured, so if you really like your duck, don’t race it. 4) Prizes will be awarded at the September City Council meeting.

Three lucky duck racers claim the top three prize baskets:
“Wii Have Fun in Batavia”, “Good Eats in Downtown Batavia.” and “Summer Fun on the Fox.” Winners will be recognized at the September 2nd City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Participants may line up at the finish line at Clark Island to get their ducks back, but there is no guarantee every duck will be retrieved. The Batavia Fire Department is assisting at the finish line to retrieve ducks with “Derby Detail” volunteers sorting ducks back into number sequence for pick up. A race bib must be shown to retrieve the duck matching a bib number.

More detailed information and complete set of rules for the duck race and 175th anniversary are available on the City of Batavia’s web site at www.cityofbatavia.net <http://www.cityofbatavia.net/> or by calling (630) 761-3528.