Summer in the City

There will be no Elvis impersonator, no hot rods, no dunk booths, no kettle corn on Main Street in Batavia this August. 

Summer in the City is cancelled for 2016, and quite likely, in any future summers, according to Laurie Oltramari, executive director of the Batavia Business Improvement District.

Oltramari is in her first year as BID director and since taking the position learned that city is clamping down on the BID's operational budget, restricting spending to just $55,000 a year.

In recent years, the BID has spent $120,000 on operations, but City Manager Jason Molino said the BID has been allocating more of its special tax levy to operations than state law allows.

The law allows only 20 percent of the city's levy on properties in the BID to go to an improvement district's operations, plus an additional levy to service any debt.

The BID took on nearly a million in bonds in 1999 to fund a series of upgrades to downtown, such as new street lamps, paving stones and landscape improvements. The BID's final $15,000 payment will be made this year.

While Molino's insistence this year that the BID follow the budgeting requirements of the General Municipal Law, a memo Molino prepared for next week's City Council meeting makes it clear that prior to Oltramari taking the director's job, he tried to bring the requirement to the attention of the BID.

"When reviewing prior records, budgets and the district plan, the BBID (Batavia Business Improvement District) has struggled to comply with the GML regarding oversight of assessment funds and consistency with the district plan," Molino tells council members in the four-page memo. "In addition, as recent as 2013 and 2015 the city has advised the BBID of both budget management concerns as well as compliance with the GML faults."

Dropping Summer in the City is the biggest change in the BID's budget, Oltramari said, but there will be other cuts, including cutting down the hours worked by her part-time assistant.  

There are other annual programs that the BID sponsors that will continue, Oltramari said, because they both make money and do a better job of promoting downtown businesses, including the Fall Wine Walk, Beertavia (in June) and Christmas in the City. All are self-funding, if not profitable, and help boost local business, but downtown merchants have long complained that Summer in the City took away parking while doing little to generate foot traffic into their stores. Oltramari said it generated very little revenue for the BID.

Even without Summer in the City, the BID can continue to work hard to promote downtown, Oltramari said, and seek out opportunities for "small victories" that in the long run can pay off big for the local business community.

To purchase prints, click here.

Press release:

As always the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) strives to bring great entertainment and events to Downtown. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, Flatop Gypsy can no longer play at Summer in the City. Although the BID is sympathetic to the band’s situation, they are pleased to announce that the OHMS Band will be playing in their spot.

Therefore, the line-up for bands for Summer in the City includes the Old Hippies (1-2 p.m.), OHMS Band (rock music; 4-6 p.m.), and of course Terry “Elvis” Buchwald (7-9 p.m.).

The BID, which is an independent non-profit organization, is dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown. Every year it has a group of dedicated volunteers to help organize the event and/or help the day of the event. If anyone would like to help the day of the event, they are still looking for strong volunteers for take-down at 9 p.m.

The BID would like to thank its major sponsors Alpina Foods, The Batavian, The Home Depot, and WBTA Radio as well as several other sponsors who helped make this annual event happen once again.

For more info contact the B.I.D. Office at 585-344-0900 / e-mail Laurie at LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com, visit  us at www.DowntownBataviaNY.com, or  LIKE us on Facebook at DowntownBataviaBusinessImprovementDistrict.

CALLING ARTISTS OF ALL AGES: Enter for a chance to win one of several great prizes, including our top prize of $250 for 1st Place! Right now we have very few adult artists signed up to chalk so your chances of winning big are, well... BIG! We also have a People's Choice category for the public to vote on their favorite with the winner receiving a gift basket from Alex's Place Restaurant!

Teens can walk away with a $75 cash prize and our youth prize is a $75 gift basket from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle! The contest takes place during Summer in the City this Saturday, Aug. 15th. Artists can start at 9 a.m. and work until 5 p.m. Judging and awards will be presented immediately after and announced on stage!  Artists can enjoy food, drinks and entertainment from the Summer in the City festival.  

With every artist's registration, you will receive a goody bag consisting of a box of 24 chalks to get started, an event T-shirt from T-Shirts Etc., and a Snapple beverage from CH Wright!  

If you are an area artist and are a member of GO ART! or Batavia Society of Artists, your registration is discounted by 50 percent!   

This contest is raising money for future art events through GO ART!, and will help fund the youth art program at GO ART!, which helps bring art programs to children all around our county.  

A huge shout out to our platinum city sponsors that have made this event possible: Main Street Pizza Co., Alex's Place, Batavia Business Improvement District, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, CH Wright and T-Shirts Etc.! And many many more! Register today by click here.

Press release:

As you know Summer in the City is this Saturday and we are excited to have thousands of people coming Downtown! This is the schedule for street closures.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Laurie at the BID office at (585) 344-0900 or e-mail LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com. We hope to see you and your families there!

Close streets (barricades) at 7:30 a.m.: Bank, Main, Center, School, Jackson, Court & Jefferson:
Bank at Alva Place
Bank at Washington
Main at Upton Monument

Main at Liberty / Summit

Jackson at Ellicott
Center at School
Court at Ellicott

Parking Lot Entrances /Bank Drive-Thru -- Jefferson Avenue at intersection of Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union & Wendy’s Parking Lots
Wendy’s -- Main Street Entrance
 
5K Race / Walk -- Barricades setup at:
                                                Alva Parking Lot
                                                Bank & Washington Avenue

Main Stage: Will be located in front of Wendy’s / County Building #1 on Main Street facing east. Entertainment: begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.       
Featured: Old Hippies (1-2 p.m.), TBA (4-6 p.m.), and Terry Buchwald (Elvis) (7-9 p.m.).

Vendors: Crafters and nonprofits & KidsZone will be located on Main, Court & Jefferson. Food vendors will be on the north side of Main Street from in front of Larry’s Steakhouse west to corner of Main & Jefferson. Commercial vendors will be on the south side of Main Street from corner of Court to Center Street.

Super Cruise: Vehicles will be on the north side of Main Street from Jackson Street east to Liberty / Summit and the south side from Center to Liberty Street. They will also be on Jackson, School and Center streets and a segment of Bank Street.

Donny Carroll 5K Race: Start/ Finish line will be at the entrance of Bank of America Drive-Thru. The race starts at 9 a.m. and ends / finishes by 10:30 a.m.

Chalk the Walk: In front of City Hall, registration is at 9 a.m. Event is from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Reopen streets at 11 p.m.

Gena Korn and Jennifer Gray are creating a bit of chalk artwork in front of City Hall this morning to help promote GO ART!s Chalk the Walk event Aug. 15 during Summer in the City. (Photo by Howard Owens).

Press release:

GO ART! will be presenting the second annual Chalk the Walk on Aug. 15^th from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. during Summer in the City. Artists, professional and amateur and young and old, will be able to purchase a square section of concrete by the City Center to decorate with chalk pastels. There will also be a children’s section for fun scribbling.

Using materials available, artists will follow the theme “GO ART!...Where does art take YOU?” to create inspired pieces for a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Prizes will be awarded to those whose pieces are most outstanding. Adult First Prize will be $250. People’s Choice Award will be a $20 Alex’s Place gift card, two T-shirts, and two mugs. The Youth Prize will be a basket of goodies worth over $50.

A jury will select the winners for Adult First Prize and the Youth Prize. People’s Choice will be chosen by the general public by way of donation voting (ie: the art piece that receives the most donation money will be the People’s Choice winner). All donations collected for the People’s Choice Award will go to funding GO ART! youth programs.

To sign up for this event, people need to register online at http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or register in person at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, from Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also sign up and pay the day of the event but it is highly encouraged to do so ahead of time.

Remember, no one is officially registered until payment is received. Fees are $20 for adults (18+) and $10 for Youths (17 & under). Every registered artist will receive a box of chalks and a drink to get them started. There will be a chalk swap area where people can trade out their chalks for other colors they need. Artists are encouraged to bring their own chalks as well.

It is important to assure that each artist and their work, as well as the event itself, is respected, so there will be rules and regulations. These are available on the Web site at athttp://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/.

People can find updates on Chalk the Walk by going to the Web site:http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or by following Chalk the Walk on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BataviaStreetPaintingFestival.

Please consider participating! It's going to be a great event! If you have any questions, please feel free to phone 585-343-9313 or visit americorps@GOart.org.

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will once again host the 13th Annual Summer in the City Festival in Downtown Batavia on Saturday, Aug. 15th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last year, the event brought in more than 5,000 people from all over Western New York with over 200 classic cars. This year is expected to be even bigger and better.

The festival includes the annual Don Carroll 5K Race, a Summer Car Cruise, and at least 50 food and craft vendors. The KidsZone will include a Eurobungy (NEW), bounce houses, and lots of activities including workshops by The Home Depot. You can also participate in the GOArt! “Chalk the Walk” to win several prizes. (You must register with GO ART! to participate in this activity.)

New to the festival is a Bicycle Wheelie Contest by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle on Center Street.

Entertainment for Summer in the City includes the Old Hippies (1-2 p.m.), Flatop Gypsy (Country music, 4-6 p.m.), and, of course, Terry “Elvis” Buchwald (7-9 p.m.).

The BID, which is an independent nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the revitalization of downtown. Every year it has a group of dedicated volunteers to help organize the event and/or help the day of the event. If anyone would like to help the day of the event, they are still looking for strong volunteers for setup and take-down.

The BID would like to thank its major sponsors Alpina Foods, The Batavian, The Home Depot, and WBTA Radio as well as several other sponsors who helped make this annual event happen once again.

For more info contact the BID Office at 585-344-0900 / e-mail Laurie at LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com, visit us at www.DowntownBataviaNY.com, or  LIKE us on Facebook at DowntownBataviaBusinessImprovementDistrict.

With any luck, this dude from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada, won't come down and pop-a-wheelie with the locals...

Press release:

The Batavia Improvement District’s Summer in the City festival presents GO ART!’s Chalk the Walk. As part of the bash that is Summer in the City, which is sponsored by the Batavia Improvement District, there will be some extra artistry and competition.

GO ART! will be presenting the second annual Chalk the Walk on Aug. 15th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artists, professional and amateur and young and old, will be able to purchase a square section of concrete by the City Center to decorate with chalk pastels. There will also be a children’s section for fun scribbling. Using materials available, artists will follow the theme “GO ART!...Where does art take YOU?” to create inspired pieces for a crowd of at least 2,000 people.

Prizes will be awarded to those whose pieces are most outstanding. Adult First Prize will be $250. People’s Choice Award will be a $20 Alex’s Place gift card, two T-shirts, and two mugs. The Youth Prize will be a basket of goodies worth more than $50.

A jury will select the winners for Adult First Prize and the Youth Prize. People’s Choice will be chosen by the general public by way of donation voting (ie: the art piece that receives the most donation money will be the People’s Choice winner). All donations collected for the People’s Choice Award will go to funding GO ART! youth programming.

To sign-up for this event, people need to register online at http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or register in person at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, from Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also sign up and pay the day of the event but it is highly encouraged to do so ahead of time. Remember, no one is officially registered until payment is received.

Fees are $20 for adults (18+) and $10 for Youths (17 & under). Every registered artists will receive a box of chalks and a drink to get them started. There will be a chalk swap area where people can trade out their chalks for other colors they need. Artists are encouraged to bring their own chalks as well.

It is important to assure that each artist and their work, as well as the event itself, is respected, so there will be rules and regulations. These are available on the Web site at at http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/.

People can find updates on Chalk the Walk by going to the Web site: http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or by following Chalk the Walk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BataviaStreetPaintingFestival.

Chalk the Walk is currently seeking financial sponsors to make this exciting event happen and those interested should e-mail or call Gena Korn at americorps@goart.org or at (585) 343-9313.

CONTACT PERSON: GENA KORN
PHONE #: 585.343.9313
E-MAIL: americorps@GOart.org

It was more like Autumn in the City than Summer in the City, but that didn't stop people from coming out, having a good time and enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Batavia's premier summer event.

Terry Buchwald as Elvis was as entertaining as ever and the classic cars still managed to shine.

We didn't have a winner in our $100 T-shirt giveaway, but I did hand out five Dave's Ice Cream gift cards to fans of The Batavian.

Here's something I didn't know until a couple of days ago: Daily News photographer Mark Gutman restores classic VW buses. He had one of his buses (from 1960) at the car cruise yesterday.

To purchase prints, click here.

Preperations are under way for tomorrows Summer in the City in Downtown Batavia.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes live music, food, vendors and classic cars.

Come on out, have some fun, and wear your T-shirt from The Batavian.

Photographer Amanda Earl captured some shots late this afternoon of the BID's Don Burkel, Laurie Oltramari and Jeff Gillard as they marked off vendor booth space on Main Street.

Summer in the City is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Here's the notice of streat closures for the day:

Streets closed (barricades) at 7:30 a.m.:  Main, Bank, Center, School, Jackson, Court & Jefferson:

Bank at Washington (For Race Only)
Bank at Alva
Main at Upton Monument
Main at Liberty / Summit
Jackson at Ellicott
Center at School
Court at Ellicott  / Parking Lot Entrances /Bank Drive-Thru
Jefferson at Intersection Tonawanda Valley & Wendy’s Parking Lots
Wendy’s -- Main Street Entrance

Main Stage: Will be located in front of Wendy’s / County Building #1 on Main Street facing east. Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

Vendors: Crafters and nonprofits & KidsZone located on Main, Court & Jefferson. Food vendors will be on the north side of Main Street from in front of Larry’s Steakhouse, west to corner of Main & Jefferson. Commercial vendors on the south side of Main Street from corner of Court to Center Street. BID Businesses south side from Jackson to Center Street.

Super Cruise: Vehicles will be on the north side of Main Street from Jackson Street, east to Liberty / Summit, and the south side from Center to Liberty Street. They will also be on Jackson, School & Center streets and a segment of Bank Street.

Donny Carroll 5K Race: Start/ Finish line will be at the entrance of Bank of America Drive-Thru.  The race starts at 9 a.m. and ends finishes by 10:30 a.m.

Access To Parking Lots:  Court / Jackson access off of Ellicott Street;
                                            Alva access off of Alva Place & Bank Street (after 5K Race
                                            ends at 10:30 a.m.);
                                           Center Street access off of School Street

Reopen streets at 11 p.m.

Press release:

Downtown Batavia  –  “Bring Your Feet Downtown” to the Batavia Business Improvement District’s 11^th Annual “Summer in the City” Festival in beautiful Downtown Batavia from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16.

More than 5,000 people attend this event annually – rain or shine.

There will be more than 65 vendors. Food concessions will be serving: BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried dough, lobster rolls, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, and ice cream and lots more delicious treats.

Artists and crafts persons will have several booths featuring a variety of artwork, furniture, jewelry and unique clothing and gifts for sale.

A super entertainment lineup throughout the afternoon and evening on the Main Stage located on Main Street near Wendy’s. 

• Corfu Pembroke Community Band starts things off at 11 a.m.
• Old Hippies with favorites from the '60s and '70s (12-1 p.m.)
• Area Dance Groups (1-2 p.m.)
• BHS Trumpet Ensemble ( 2-3 p.m.)
• Terry “Elvis” Buchwald will be rock’n' Downtown ( 4- 6 p.m.)
• The headliner: Mitty & The Followers will have everyone dancing to their MoTown and R&B sounds ( 7-9 p.m.)

KidsZone is bigger and better with five bounce houses, games, face painting and lots more for the entire family throughout the day. The Zone will be located on Court Street.

A Super Car Cruise and Motorcycle Alley for car and cycle enthusiasts with over 400 vehicles of all kinds. This includes vans and trucks. Parking will be on Main, Bank, Center and Jackson streets.

For runners and walkers the 33rd Donald R. Carroll 5K Race & Walk will take place at  9 a.m. on Bank Street. Registration is 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. Register online at: DonCarrollrace.com

*** New this year --  Chalk Art Fest with artists creating unique artwork on Downtown Batavia’s streets. Artists will begin their masterpieces on Friday, Aug.15th at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 16^.  Prizes will be awarded. Contact: leanna@vibrantbatavia.com

Be healthy at United Memorial Medical Center’s Health Fair under the big tent on East Main Street featuring all kinds of heathy lifestyle tips and testing.

For more information Call 585-344-0900 or visit the B.I.D. Web site at www.downtownbataviany.com

There were 57 vendors at the 10th Annual Summer in the City yesterday. Don Burkel, Business Improvement District director, said more classic cars showed up than ever before. It's impossible to count how many people were there, but it sure seemed like -- and Burkel agreed -- that more people showed up than ever before.

And it was a beautiful day.

Thanks to the City Fire Department for letting me ride up into the sky over the city in Ladder 15 to get some aerial shots.

Thanks to the dozens and dozens of people who stopped by our booth and said great things about The Batavian, especially the ones who followed up by becoming members of The Batavian Club. Your support is so greatly appreciated. Thanks to Bonnie Marrocco for helping out in our booth. 

I missed Don Carroll's 5K race, so I apologize about that.

Next to our booth, I set up a big U.S. flag that I normally use for awards dinners and took photos of several people who stopped by our booth. If I took your picture and you wish to purchase a print, follow this link.

To purchase prints, click here.

It's the biggest day of the year for the City of Batavia with the arrival of Summer in the City.

This is the 10th year for the Downtown event, which opens at 11 a.m. and goes until 9 p.m.

There will be over 45 vendors. Food concessions will be serving: BBQ, hot dogs & hamburgers, fried dough, pizza, and ice cream and lots more delicious treats. Artists & crafts persons will have a variety of artwork, jewelry and clothing for sale.

The entertainment lineup runs throughout the afternoon and evening. Downtown will be rock’n with Terry Buchwald is on stage from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. performing as Elvis and also doing a country music show. Hit N Run takes the stage at 6 p.m. and performs until 8 p.m.

There is also a kids' zone and classic cars.

At 6:15 p.m. is the 32nd Donald R. Carroll 5K Race and Walk, starting on Bank Street.

City firefighters will be holding a free child passenger safety seat check at the Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 18 Evans St.

The following street closures are in effect now through 11 p.m.:

• Bank at Alva Place

• Bank at Washington (Closes at 3 p.m. / Reopens at 
 7:30 p.m.)
    
• Main at Upton Monument
• Main at Liberty / Summit

• Jackson at Ellicott
 
• Center at School
• Court at Ellicott  / Parking Lot Entrances /Bank Drive-
Thru
• Jefferson at Intersection Tonawanda Valley &
  Wendy’s Parking Lots
• Wendy’s -- Main Street Entrance

Other events going on today: The East Pembroke Mud Races, a 5K run at Frostridge and Hogs for Paws at Stan's.

Well, it looks like it was a beautiful day in Batavia for Summer in the City, judging by these pictures from Steve Ognibene.

More pictures after the jump (click on the headline):

\

Photo below from Tim Walton, Pink Gorilla T-Shirts.

Ready, set, go! Join the 5K Run/Fun Walk starting at 6:15 Saturday afternoon to benefit Donald R. Carroll's Toys for Kids program. The 5K is in conjunction with historic Downtown's Summer in the City.

All proceeds help make Christmas wishes come true for disadvantaged children in our community.

Check out the Web site at DonCarrollrace.com to register online. The first 75 entries get a T-shirt.

Preregistration is $20. High school students pay $10 (no shirt giveaway). On race day, registration is $25 and you can register from 3 to 6 p.m. at Bank and Main streets near the Senior Center.

The course is certified to be accurate by USA Track & Field ( #NY06914KL). The Start Line (6:15 p.m. SHARP) is Main and Bank by the Senior Center. The Finish Line is there also.

Trophies will be awarded to the best overall male and female; and first-, second- and third-place trophies by age category. There will be no duplicate winners.

Afterward, there will be a 31st Anniversary Party Extravaganza, free for all participants with race numbers, and guests are welcome for a $5 donation. The party will feature music and dancing, chicken BBQ, turkey dogs, yogurt, freshly sliced fruit, ice cold water, and a beer coupon.

Sponsors of the event are:

• T-Shirts, Etc.
• Southside Deli
• That Taco Place
• Wortzman Furniture
• Jerry Arena's Pizzeria
• Center Street Smoke House
• Clor's Meat Market
• Amputee Treatment Center
• Max Pies Furniture
• Grace Baptist Church
• The Insurance Center
• Coffee Culture
• The Enchanted Florist
• Downtown Batavia Business District
• Lays Potato Chips
• The Batavian

At Summer in the City this Saturday, United Memorial Medical Center will have a Health Fair featuring free health screenings, giveaways, raffles, refreshments, information and more.

It will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the tent at Cary Hall, located at 211 E. Main St. -- near the car show.

Bring your kids and grandkids!

Jeremy Newman of WBEE 92.5 will have a live remote broadcast from 2 to 4 p.m.

The free health screenings offered are for blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol. Also, men's prostate health checks will be available from 2 to 4 p.m.

Community partners for the event, which will be there with giveaways and information, are:

• Genesee County Sheriff's Office
• Genesee Veterans Support Network
• Community Action
• County Department of Health
• Lovey's Imagination Station
• UMMC Infection Prevention
• Summit PT and OT
• UMMC Cardiac Rehab
• UMMC Foundation
• Healthy Living
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center
• Maternity
• Fidelis Care
• Dr. William Guthringer
• GC Office for the Aging
• VNA of WNY
• NYS Public Service Commission
• Genesee ARC
• Jerome Senior Apartments
• Cornell Cooperative Extension
• MVP
• GCASA
• Homecare and Hospice
• Dr. Irene Burns
• Allergy Advocacy Association
• Justice for Children Advocacy Center
• ProcAir and UMMC Sleep Services
• Crossroads

Starting at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, the streets of Downtown Batavia, will start closing so vendors, classic car owners, food stands and musicians can start setting up for Summer in the City.

Main Street will be closed in both directions from Court Street to Liberty Street. Court, Jackson, Center and Bank streets will all be closed.

For a map of closures and locations of Summer in the City attractions, click here (pdf). For more detail on closures, click here (pdf).