Batavia, IL – September 9, 2023 - The Batavia Parks Foundation proudly announces the schedule of
events for Batavia Peace Day, amplifying efforts of the United Nation’s International Day of Peace on
September 21, 2023. A team of enthusiastic volunteers are working alongside the Batavia Parks Foundation
to host the second annual Batavia Peace Day celebration presented by the Rotary Club of Batavia. The event
coincides with the UN’s annual Day of Peace and is being held at the PEACE Bridge and Riverwalk South Plaza
in downtown Batavia from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Thursday, September 21st.
Batavia Peace Day includes a variety of community groups hosting activity tables, performing arts selections,
merchandise sales, free Yoga, an Inner Peace Walk, and concludes with a community sing-a-long at sunset
with luminaria (LED), coming together with the purpose of promoting peace. LED luminaries and LED candles
will be available for attendees (freewill donation to support the project). Those coming to the fest may find
seating on the limestone benches or should bring along a chair to assure seating. Those seeking food over the
dinner hour can find it at Pal Joey’s (Peace of Pizza and other offerings) or from their favorite downtown
restaurant. Activity tables are free (bring cash to tip them!) or for a small fee (tie-dye).
2023 Batavia Peace Day Schedule of Events: Batavia Peace Bridge & Batavia Riverwalk South Plaza
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Yoga onsite registration at the Information tent by Peace Bridge (west side)
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm – FREE Yoga: “Peaceful Yoga and Sound Healing” by Jenny Bergold (bring your own
mat/blanket and register at Information tent)
4:00 pm – 7:30 pm – “Inner Peace Walk” FREE self-paced reflective walk on the Riverwalk, by Behati Hart
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Page 2, Batavia Peace Day 2023 Press Release
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Activity Tables open (rock painting, button-making, tie-dye, luminaria)
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Peace Readings and Poetry – Craig Foltos, MC + Community members
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm - Dave Ramont, Guitar and Bass
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Ryan Carney, Cello
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – “Dance is Universal”- Batavia Academy of Dance + Behati Hart
7:00 pm - Community Sing-a-long – Song sheets available by QR code, a limited supply of large print copies
7:30 pm – 8:00 am on 9/25: LED Luminaria on display for thoughtful community reflection
Batavia Peace Day is organized by a volunteer team of individuals and brought to you by the following
sponsors: Batavia Park District, Drendel & Jansons Law Firm, and Kiss the Sky, along with the following nonprofits adopting activity tables: Batavia United Way/Button-making; Batavia Woman’s Club/Rock Painting;
Water Street Studios/Tie-Dye activity (bring your own white t-shirt for a small fee or purchase one onsite);
and the Women’s League of Voters/ Information Tent. Special thanks to Behati Hart (Inner Peace Walk and
dancing) and the Batavia Academy of Dance) as well and Jenny Bergold, Light of the World Yoga, for sharing
their gifts with Peace Day. The Batavia Peace Day logo was designed by the talented team at Plimsoll Studio
of Batavia and is featured on stickers and T-shirts available for purchase to support Peace Day at the event.
Peace on Earth Permanent Artwork Update
$50,000 was raised in 2022 by the Batavia Parks Foundation and Craig Foltos to support the design and
construction of the permanent “PEACE ON EARTH” letters. Using the beloved 12’ wood letters as a
prototype, the project was put out to bid in the spring of 2023 by the Batavia Parks Foundation, and
awarded to VC Signs and Lighting of Oswego, IL. The letters are currently in production with installation
anticipated later this fall. The project is targeting completion with a separate ribbon-cutting ceremony in
late 2023, dependent on the construction schedule.
About the Batavia Parks Foundation
The Batavia Parks Foundation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of filing its incorporation paperwork on
October 19, 2003. The mission of the Parks Foundation is to foster recreation and open space initiatives
that enhance residents’ quality of life. Follow the foundation on Instagram and Facebook. More
information on the non-profit is available at https://bataviaparks.org/batavia-parks-foundation
