Playing a set of classic rock and country hits, the Rochester-based band Another Vice entertained fairgoers on Thursday evening at the Genesee County Fair.
Fame Racing – Radio Controlled Car Racing (SAT 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SUN 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; MON 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; TUES 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; WED 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; THURS 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; FRI 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SAT 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm)
Fair Trivia Hunt – All Day (July 20th-26th) – Exhibition Building – DAILY PRIZES Events & times on the schedule are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.
Lots of rides at the Fair to entertain families. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Midway was the Genesee County Fair's popular entertainment destination on Thursday, with families enjoying perfect fair weather for rides and games.
Catholic Charities is gearing up for the new school year with its annual Socks and Undergarment Drive to benefit school-age kids and teenagers in grades Pre-K through 12th in need throughout Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
“Just like notebooks and pencils, growing children also need new socks and underwear for the upcoming school year,” said Kate DiSalvo, tri-county district director, Catholic Charities. “We understand that back to school supplies and clothing can be an added financial burden for many families in our community, which is why this annual drive is so important.”
Donations of new, unopened packages of socks and underwear are being accepted from Aug. 1 – 31 at the following Catholic Charities offices:
25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia
243 South Main St., Business Office Suite, Albion
6470 Route 20A, Perry
All colors and sizes from children to adult are needed. The donated items will be distributed to community members later this summer.
Additional information about Catholic Charities’ services can be found at ccwny.org/services.
Live harness racing returns to Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 27) as the 2024 summer/fall season gets underway with a full 15-race card that starts at 6 p.m. The season runs through Saturday (Dec. 7) and features a 56-day meet.
The opening night card includes the first visit of the year from the New York Sire Stakes as the 3-year-old pacing fillies will be on hand to compete in two $58,100 divisions. There will also be three Excelsior races going for $20,000 each, bringing the total stake purses available that night to $176,200.
The live schedule changes several times throughout the year. It starts out with a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday schedule through August 17. Then it switches to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday through November 23 with the exception of Friday (Sept. 6) which will be dark due to the special Monday (Sept. 2) Labor Day matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m. The final two weeks of the meet cut back to Wednesday, Saturday. Post time for all race days -- with the exception of the Labor Day matinee -- will be at 6 p.m.
Once again, there is a hearty slate of New York Sire Stake action. The state-bred series will be in action on Saturday (July 27-$103,000 3-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (July 31-$103,000 3-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 7-$93,000 2-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 14-$93,000 2-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (Aug. 21-$93,000 2-year-old colt trot), Saturday (Aug. 24$103,000 3-year-old colt trot and $103,000 3-year-old filly trot) and Wednesday (Aug. 28-$93,000 2-year-old filly trot).
Also on that NYSS double-header 3-year-old colt and filly trotting card on Saturday (Aug. 24) will be the Down’s signature event, the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational pace that will go for $100,000 this year. Free Kane Pace T-shirts will be given away on that night.
Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, looks to build on the record wagering that the track realized earlier this year.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming meet, anticipating that the momentum from the highly successful winter meet will continue for the remainder of this year. We set several betting records during our early year meet and hopefully we can keep that going during this session,” said Hoover.
Looking to drive that momentum is Tom Agosti, who recently joined the staff at Batavia Downs as the new race secretary. He will be responsible for putting together the competitive fields that will be featured throughout the year.
Agosti has established a new text line to relay vital information regarding draws and racing information for the upcoming meet. Horsemen and women can sign up for this service by texting bataviadowns to 732.363.7700. Subscribing to this service will be advantageous to all when it comes to filling races or having immediate knowledge of any changes in schedule. All are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Bettors will have plenty of opportunities with a wagering menu that includes three Doubles, 10 Exactas, 10 Trifectas, nine Superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five available on every 10-race card.
All the top drivers will be back including last year’s top five leaders Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Kyle Cummings and James McNeight Jr.
Leading trainers Sam Smith, Shawn McDonough, Dave Russo, Tammy Cummings, James Rothfuss and Ryan Swift will also be back along with a host of others.
The clubhouse will be open for all race dates and offer a varied menu. Every Friday and Saturday will feature a buffet while the other race nights have a menu provided by the Center Street Smokehouse. The Railbar will always be open for live racing.
Patrons will also have plenty of promotions to look forward to throughout the year.
On opening night there will be free programs in the grandstand and the Lotta Cash Giveaway, where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win two $250 betting vouchers and a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that includes one night’s stay at the Batavia Downs Gaming Hotel, $25 in gaming Free Play and a $50 dinner certificate to Fortune’s.
The Play and Stay promotion will also be held every Wednesday during the meet where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that was previously described.
Also on Wednesday is the Finale Frenzy promotion where you get $25 gaming Free Play when you wager $25 on the last race at Batavia Downs.
And there is also the Early Bird Daily Double, where you receive $10 in gaming Free Play when you wager at least $10 at the same time on the Early Daily Double.
Plus every live racing program includes a $5 gaming Free Play coupon.
All promotions require participants be Players Club members and gaming Free Play is subject to required base points being earned before redemption. Full rules are available in the program and online.
You can watch all the live racing action for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel and free, full past performance programs for every live race night will be available on the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab.
It was a busy day at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday and there are plenty of activities for the whole family at the fair on Thursday, including the midway opening at 4 p.m., the 4-H livestock auction at 6 p.m., and the exhibit hall open all day.
Today, members of The Batavian's Early Access Program have a coupon for free entry to the fair, courtesy of The Batavian.
Also, stop by the Media Center (The Batavian/WBTA) to enter The Batavian's eagle drawing contest before 3 p.m. We are giving away a guitar to the 17-and-under winner (a random selection from among the best drawings) and a $100 gift card to the adult winner. After 3 p.m. through Saturday, voting for the people's choice award begins.
The 100-Lap Enduro was held at the Genesee County Speedway on Wednesday at the Genesee County Fair.
The race pits drivers and their near-scrap-yard vehicles against each other and their ability to just make it through all 100 laps without breaking down.
CLARIFICATION: Only the Jell-O side is being painted on Saturday.
The iconic Jell-O/Mail Pouch Barn on Asbury Road in Le Roy will get a fresh coat of paint on the old advertising signs on Saturday by John Doemling, who originally painted the signs on the barn in 2013.
The public is invited to stop by to watch Doemling bring back the vibrancy of the signs, which have faded over the years.
The barn was built in 1820.
Jell-0, as many know, was founded in Le Roy in 1897.
Up until 1992, the Mail Pouch chewing tobacco company of West Virginia maintained signs on 20,000 barns in 22 states around the country, paying a small fee to farmers to advertise their product on the side of barns. The big benefit for farmers was getting a regular coat of paint on the entire barn for free, which helped maintain and preserve it.
Federal government regulation, the Highway Beatification Act, curtailed barn advertising, but historic landmarks, such as Mail Pouch Barns, were exempt.
The Hive Collective Inc. is hosting its second annual Family Fun Festival located at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center at 44 Lake Street in Le Roy. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event boasts carnival-style games, food trucks, live music, superheroes and princesses from the Justice League of WNY, face painting, basket raffles, and more.
Admission is free with game tickets for purchase. Each game ticket has 10 spots. Every time a game is played, a volunteer will hole punch the card, and once filled, the card can be redeemed for prizes. The hive hopes to meet a donation goal of $500.
“All proceeds from this event go toward our ability to run the program and provide a fun and safe environment for homeschooling families. Some of these things include building rental costs, supplies, insurance, etc.” says Vice President Sydney Harvey.
The hive is a 501c3 homeschool organization based in Le Roy that was formed in 2023 to provide community, enrichment, and fun to the local homeschooling families. We are a membership association that hosts a weekly cooperative program, field trips, fundraising events, mom’s nights, park playdates, and much more.
Debra Shettler of Leroy was recently granted her wish to visit family and her childhood friend in Michigan. She had not seen her sister since 1989 and her childhood friend since the 6th grade.
She has been wanting to visit them for many, many years. They thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent together reconnecting and getting to know nieces, nephews and cousins she had never met.
Senior Wishes’ grants wishes to lower income seniors living independently and to those living in care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties. Wishes have included attending sporting and cultural events, visiting a loved one not seen in years, and re-engaging a senior in a hobby. Requests for needs are also considered.
Wish recipients must be 65+ and a resident of Western New York with an annual income under $38,000 for a household of one or under $44,000 for a household of two. Permanent residents of care facilities are exempt from the income qualification.
Founded by the United Church Home Society, Senior Wishes strives to bring special moments to seniors across WNY and allow them to feel seen, important and not forgotten.
Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel announced that Saturday, October 26 will be the first Roswell Park Night at the Races in the Historic Batavia Downs Clubhouse.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the live racing meet starting at 6pm. A $50 ticket includes a buffet dinner, $25 in Free Play, and a racing program. In addition, there will be a silent auction with donated items, including various prize baskets, tickets to local sporting and music events alongside autographed sports memorabilia. Proceeds from the evening will support cancer research and patient care initiatives at Roswell Park. Tickets can be purchased at www.bataviaconcerts.com.
A full card of harness racing highlights the evening, beginning at 6 p.m. Race sponsorship opportunities are available and interested parties can contact Barb O’Rourke at 716-998-2179.
“We know how important the work is that Roswell Park does in our community,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “We are honored to host this event that will help raise awareness and provide funds for their mission.”
“Roswell Park is thrilled to be the Live Racing Series Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season at Batavia Downs. Batavia Downs, their board and staff have shown a deep level of commitment by organizing and hosting a variety of events throughout the season where a portion of the proceeds support the incredible work we are doing at Roswell Park. We are immensely grateful,” said Jenn Hickok, Roswell Park’s Director of Corporate and Sports Partnerships.
The Alexander Fire Department will be hosting two Summer Red Cross Blood Drive and Hands on C.P.R. Events at our Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Rd., Alexander.
Wednesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 7 from 1 - 6 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to give blood you can download the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
You may schedule an appointment for a Hands-Only CPR Class, which can be scheduled at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., or 5 p.m. The classes are free and only 30 minutes, please call Cate at 1-716-778-4399 to schedule your class. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.
The Red Cross is experiencing a CRITICAL SUMMERTIME NEED. Hospital patients need your help. Please call and schedule today.
On August 4 the Batavia Tractor Supply store will host a Farmers' Market featuring locally-grown, fresh produce, as well as other seasonal products.
"This is a great opportunity for members of our community to support local farmers while also getting to enjoy deliciously fresh food," said Amber Raab, manager of the Batavia store. "As a company, we believe in fostering community relationships while supporting the rural lifestyle, and this event allows us to do just that."
From noon to 5 p.m., shoppers can stop in for Arts & Crafts, Homemade crafts, Local produce and Food Truck, all produced by neighbors in the Batavia area.
Participating vendors will have tables set up at the tented space by the storefront where they will showcase their goods. Some of the local vendors participating include:
The Red Osier - On site noon to 5 p.m.
The Batavia Fire Department - On site noon to 5 p.m.
Batavia Peace Garden - On site noon to 5 p.m.
This event is open to the public and will take place at 4974 E. Main. For more information, please contact the Batavia Tractor Supply at 585-343-0078.
Eric James Flowers, 36, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with felony driving while under the influence of drugs, vehicular assault 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, failure to yield the right of way, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Flowers was charged following an investigation into a three-vehicle accident at 8:29 a.m. on June 26 on East Main Street Road at North Ag Park Drive in Batavia. He is accused of causing physical injury to another person while driving under the influence of drugs. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Donald Daniel Ryan, 40, of Main Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, robbery 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, and two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation. Ryan was arrested on July 4 following a victim report regarding an alleged assault on June on Park Road in Batavia. He is accused of applying pressure and of blocking the nose and mouth of a person to obstruct breathing and blood circulation. He was arraigned and jailed.
Anthony T. Wenhold, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, and Laura M. Barber, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, are both charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Wenhold and Barber are accused of passing through the self-checkout lane at Walmart on July 17 and not scanning all items in their cart, and then attempting to leave the store. The total value of the items was $173.11. They were both issued appearance tickets.
Travis Martin Klotzbach, 34, of Morning Glory Court, Mechanicsville, Va., is charged with DWI, speeding, open container, and failure to notify DMV of an address change. Klotzbach was stopped at 12:20 a.m. on July 6 on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. He was held pending arraignment.
Nicholas Edward McEneany, 26, of Clinton Street, Avon, is charged with petit larceny. McEneany is accused of stealing a can of beer from a concession stand at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on July 12. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Maxwell William Matricardi, 28, of San Fernando Lane, East Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Matricardi was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and Xanax during a larceny investigation at Batavia Town Center on Veterans Memorial Drive at 4:30 p.m. on July 17.
Jesse Edward Szczech, 44, of Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, is charged with 184 counts of criminal contempt 1st. No details about the case were released. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Zachary Steven Natale, 30, of North Street, Medina, is charged with disobeying a court mandate. Natale is accused of sending text messages in violation of an order of protection. He was processed and released.
Aavion Jamier Bethel, 19, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bethel, a Walmart employee, is accused of stealing $100 from a cash register at the store on 3:58 p.m. on July 19.
The Genesee County Master Gardener Volunteer training will begin September 5 and run through November 21. Sessions will be held from 5:45 - 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings and two Tuesday evenings with an additional session on Saturday, October 19. All sessions will be held in-person at the CCE Genesee office, 420 East Main Street, Batavia.
Each session will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. Some of the topics to be covered include botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, woody plants, pruning, fruits, perennials, annuals, integrated pest management, and organic gardening. By attending the Master Gardener Volunteer training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.
Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Class size will be limited. The fee for this training is $225 per person. This includes all class sessions and handouts. Pre-registration and payment by August 28 are required.
We recommend that you order the 860-page, hard cover PennState Master Gardener Manual ($75 plus SH) as a resource for the class. (Manual is not included in the cost of the program.)
If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. Genesee County residents who graduate from the program are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local CCE Master Gardener program.) A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at volunteer training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must. Once approved, new Master Gardener Volunteers are asked to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours their first year.
Contact the CCE Genesee office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia for an application or to register.
Fame Racing – Radio Controlled Car Racing (SAT 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SUN 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; MON 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; TUES 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; WED 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; THURS 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; FRI 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SAT 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm)
Fair Trivia Hunt – All Day (July 20th-26th) – Exhibition Building – DAILY PRIZES Events & times on the schedule are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.
NOW HIRING seasonal agribusiness positions. CDL A & B Drivers to deliver bulk crop nutrients. Potential long-term opportunities. Great for retirees! GENERAL LABOR positions. Daily variety of indoor/outdoor responsibilities. Loader experience a plus. SIGN-ON BONUS and plenty of OT during spring/summer months. Apply in person at: 8610 Route 237, Stafford, NY www.cecrocker.com
