Proximity to Chicago and to other communities of the Fox Valley gives Batavia residents convenient access to a world of entertainment, high culture, and professional sports.

The newest jewel in the heart of our downtown is the new Water Street Studios featuring the work of many local artists and lofts for those who want the opportunity to work side-by-side with fellow artisans.

Other choices are many, from summertime concerts in the park to award-winning high school musical productions. Batavia is fortunate to be home to The Albright Theatre Company which features a variety of productions throughout the year.

In nearby St. Charles, celebrity entertainers regularly appear at the Norris Cultural Arts Center. The Norris Center often features the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Other orchestral organizations that draw large audiences are the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Valley Concert Band, and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.

In Aurora, the 1,888-seat Paramount Theatre give Batavian's added opportunities to see and hear internationally renowned stars. The Paramount is a splendid example of the elaborate movie theaters that flourished in the years before World War II. Its original glory is fully restored and it brings to its stage the best talent available.

Another popular spot is the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The resort's Zanies Comedy Club and Mega Expo Center regularly presents top name entertainers like Kenny Rogers, Jerry Seinfeld, Dana Carvey and Reba McIntire.

One of the must visit venues for families is Funway - the Ultimate Entertainment Center. Enjoy bowling, roller skating, arcades and lots of outdoor sumertime fun!

Festivals highlight Batavia's calendar of events. The Loyalty Day Parade brings crowds to line downtown streets the first Sunday every May. On the first Sunday in June, the annual Mid-American Canoe Race, among the oldest in the nation, brings more crowds as people line the Fox River to see hundreds of canoes and kayaks speed down the river from St. Charles to Aurora.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is another big event in Batavia, drawing thousands from the Fox Valley area. It features the Musical Showcase and Savor-the-Flavor, and climaxes with a spectacular fireworks display. The second weekend in July, the Windmill City Fest turns Batavia's downtown area into a carnival of fun. There are food vendors, an arts and crafts show, live entertainment, and other family entertainment. Downtown merchants add to the mix with sidewalk sales.

New in August, 2005 is the Art In Your Eye juried fine arts show and festival. This unique event includes the show with more than 80 award winning artists, live entertainment, an artists' school and activities for children.

Each year in June, Batavia plays host to more than 700 Athletes who swim, bike and run in the Batavia Sprint Distance Triathlon & Duathlon. Hundreds of spectators line the Harold Hall Quarry Beach, the city's neighborhood streets and the scenic Fox River bike path to view the race.

The most avid of Batavia's golfers find satisfaction and challenge on as many as 14 courses in the Fox Valley area. Batavia's 18-hole Settler's Hill is the most convenient and features a driving range where golfers can practice their swing.

The pure fun of minor league baseball is available in Geneva, Batavia's next door neighbor. The Kane County Cougars, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, play at nearby Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium at Kirk Road and Cherry Lane. The Cougars games feature great baseball, great food and great family fun.

Nestled in a very secluded and quiet area of the Events Center, the Campbell House is a source of pride for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. The Art Gallery hosts six to seven art exhibits every year, with artists from Kane County and the entire Chicagoland area.

With Chicago a quick trip away by car or by commuter train, Batavians can enjoy the big city's myriad of cultural assets, from its superb museums and galleries to the Lyric Opera, the famed Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Broadway plays, and full range of professional sports.