Woodturning Festival Returns To Fundraise For Local Food Pantries

BATAVIA, IL — The annual woodturning festival will return to Batavia Oct. 12, with proceeds benefiting three local pantries.

The Chicago Woodturners and the Windy City Woodturners, which are dedicated to wood-turning education, are hosting the Empty Bowls event — an international project by artists to help fight hunger — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, located at the corner of Wilson Street and Route 25.

During the event, volunteers will be selling donated and locally crafted bowls and other wood-turned items. It's possible the event could end early if all items sell out, organizers said.

"The pop-up shop will feature wooden, hand-crafted, one of a kind items produced by local artisans," reads a news release from Batavia MainStreet. "Each item would make a beautiful holiday gift for your friends or family members, or perhaps you might find that 'something perfect' for your home decor."

Funds raised will go toward the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and the Fox Valley Food for Health.

Owners of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops are also participating in the event by collecting canned goods and other food pantry stables. All customers who bring items to the fundraiser or make a purchase at any of the Boardwalk Shops on Oct. 12 will be entered to win a gift basket filled with items donated by the shops.