Pride In Downtown Batavia: Events Include Fashion Show, Workshops

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia is celebrating Pride Month with a weekend of activities in the downtown area June 27-28.

Kicking off festivities will be the Express Yourself Pride Fashion Show from 7:30-8:30 p.m. June 27 at the Peg Bond Center Stage, 151 N. Island Ave. Paula's Couture Consignment is hosting the event that "celebrates love, self-expression and inclusivity," sponsor Batavia MainStreet wrote in a news release.

Models will walk down the runway styled in bold clothes and accessories from Paula's, and hair and makeup looks will be created by Urban Style Salon and Spa.

Pride celebrations will continue the next day. Organizers promise downtown Batavia to be "bursting with Pride" as more than a dozen merchants offer workshops, giveaways, treats and limited-edition merchandise.

These businesses are slated to participate:

• 63rd St Apothecary: Hand-crafted rainbow soap
• Flyleaf Bakery Cafe: Violet lemonades
• New Moon Vegan: Free mini rainbow sprinkle cookies to the first 50 visitors
• Light of the World Yoga: Chakra Pride Sound Meditation (Registration required)
• Giron Apparel, Home and Coffee: "I am Batavia" Pride t-shirts
• Sidecar Supper Club: Selfie station/Photobooth
• Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co.: Free mini rainbow krispie with purchase
• Light & Pine Collective: Free Pride buttons
• Arlo Hendrix: Free Pride stickers and coloring sheets
• Sturdy Shelter Brewing: Cheers to Community Pride stickers
• Bocaditos Cafe: Pride-themed alfajores
• Red Hive Market: Pride swag
• Batavia Popcorn Depot: Popcorn Pride specials

Also happening Saturday will be a Pride Ride fundraiser sponsored by Fat Sam's for Pets and the Aurora 88s Roller Derby team. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at 102 First St. Ally Magee Yoga and Zen Loft Collective will host sunset yoga on the lawn from 7-8:15 p.m. behind Geneva Winery, 5 N. River St.