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If nothing else, 2020 has proved that “normal” has changed.
Most likely our celebrations for the holidays will look different. Instead of bemoaning what won’t happen, embrace change and start a new tradition!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we urge you to support our local communities and the businesses that are a critical part of it. Multiple events are planned to support Batavia’s dining and shopping venues.
Batavia MainStreet currently is hosting a Creepy Crawl, a multiday event for children in costume and their parents. Making a purchase at a participating shop earns you a stamp on an 11-square passport. Once you have 10 stamps (the MainStreet square is free), turn the passport in by Nov. 6 to be entered into a chance to win $200 in Chamber Bucks.
Speaking of Chamber Bucks, these $10 certificates work just like cash at nearly 70 area businesses. Giving the gift of Chamber Bucks, you can support local businesses and make family, friends, teachers, colleagues and employees happy. To purchase Chamber Bucks, stop by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, 106 W. Wilson St., Suite 15, in Batavia, or call 630-879-7134 and purchase with a credit card and your Chamber Bucks will be mailed to you.
Limited-edition models of the Batavia United Methodist Church still are available to purchase. They cost $50 each. Batavia United Methodist Church will receive 25% of the proceeds.
The Chamber also has Batavia-Opoly games for $25 each. Stop by the Chamber office or call to reserve a game.
Shop Small Business Weekend
We're expanding the traditional Shop Small Business Saturday in Batavia to include the entire weekend, Nov. 27 to 29. The theme is Home for the Holidays. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with Batavia MainStreet to promote shopping local during this weekend after Thanksgiving. Watch BataviaChamber.org and DowntownBatavia.com for more details, including how to win a "Ready Your Home for the Holidays" gift and services package.
Access Toy Drive
and Adopt A Family
Every year, Batavia Women in Business hosts a special holiday luncheon in December, which benefits two special Batavia holiday gifting campaigns. Normally, the group raises close to $2,500, which is split between the Batavia Access Toy Drive and Batavia United Way’s Adopt A Family. The group also collects new toys for the toy drive and gift cards, which are divided between the two organizations. This year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person BWIB event will not take place. Instead, BWIB is conducting a toy and gift card drive, which began Oct. 19 and runs through Dec. 8. New toys can be dropped off at K. Hollis Jewelers, 147. S. Randall Road; The Tea Tree, 29 N. River St.; Gia Bella Designs, 11 N. Batavia Ave.; and at the Batavia Chamber office, 106 W. Wilson St. All locations are in Batavia. Gift cards are to be brought to the Chamber office. There will be a virtual event Dec. 8 with raffles. All raffle money raised will benefit the two worthy projects. Please support this effort, as there are likely to be even more families who can use a helping hand to make this holiday season a bright one.
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce is here for you. Call 630-879-7134 or visit our office at 106 W. Wilson St., Suite 15, in Batavia. We ask that you wear a mask to enter our office.
Stay safe, shop local, be kind and, above all, enjoy the holidays.