Families in Batavia, Illinois, embraced the Halloween spirit early at the annual BatFest on October 25, 2025. The event, organized by the Batavia MainStreet group, provided a festive atmosphere with a range of activities designed to engage local residents and visitors alike. Attendees enjoyed a community costume parade, trick-or-treating, and the popular pumpkin roll, all while celebrating the upcoming holiday.
The festivities commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a lively parade that began at the intersection of Houston Street and Island Avenue. Kristen Desler, assistant director of Batavia MainStreet, highlighted the event’s significance for children. “It offers the first opportunity for kids to get their costumes on and practice trick-or-treating, if you will, around town,” she said. Desler also noted that the event fosters community connections, stating, “Our businesses are always excited to welcome so many visitors to Batavia for BatFest.”
Local families expressed their enthusiasm for the festival. Ashley Muhr of Elburn, attending with her husband Jason and their daughter Violet, age three, shared, “We like all the family activities they have and the trick-or-treating. This totally extends the holiday and gets everyone ready for the official trick-or-treating.”
Another attendee, John Lupei of Batavia, described BatFest as a cherished tradition for his family. Pushing his two-year-old son Jackson in a stroller, he remarked, “It’s fun to take the kids and have them do a little trick-or-treating and just enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere. It brings the whole community together.”
One of the highlights of the day was the pumpkin roll, where children and their parents took turns rolling small pumpkins down the hill on Houston Street. Janelle Szweistis, whose son is part of Troop 6 Boy Scouts from Batavia, explained the event’s charitable aspect. “This is a service project, and the winner splits the pot, with one share going to the food pantry,” she said, emphasizing that the event relies more on luck than skill.
Families dressed in creative costumes delighted in the pumpkin roll, with Amy and Steve Allen from Batavia declaring it their “pre-Halloween costume reveal.” Amy noted, “We generally come to this every year,” showcasing the festival’s role in family traditions.
BatFest not only marks an early celebration of Halloween but also highlights the importance of community engagement. With its mix of fun activities and a spirit of togetherness, the event serves as a reminder of the joy that local celebrations bring to families and residents in Batavia.
