Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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“No go” on Swedish Days Parade for 2026
Geneva's Swedish Days Grand Parade is sitting out 2026.
In a statement, the Geneva Chamber said it will use the break to reimagine the event and plans to replace it with family-friendly downtown activities on parade Sunday. The broader festival (food, entertainment, activities, the usual) isn't going anywhere.
I know for many folks, the Swedish Days Parade is a beloved tradition, and I’ve always enjoyed seeing the community come together for the annual event. Given that this year was described as a “pause,” it seems like the door is open for a return in a future year.
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🎨 Creative Arts Camp for the kids. Five free evenings for you. Only $50.
Some summer camps entertain kids. This one also feeds them, which gives you a built-in “parents night out.”
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva is hosting a weeklong Creative Arts Camp June 8-12 from 5-8PM nightly — and yes, dinner is included.
Open to everyone (you don’t need to be a church member), the camp is designed for pre-K through rising 6th graders and features a skit-based program with art, creativity, play, and even a theater component. Kids will build confidence and create plenty of summer memories — while you enjoy five well-deserved free nights.
Cost is $50 for one child, $75 for two, with a $100 family max — plus complimentary childcare is available for younger siblings of registered campers. Know a local parent who might be interested? Share this with them!
☑️ Utility hike: St. Charles officials voted to overhaul water, sewer, and electric rates over four years — with significant water and sewer increases funding a state-mandated lead pipe replacement program (partially offset by an electric rate cut).
☑️ Corner conversion: Geneva officials will review a proposal to build 13 new residential units with live/work spaces at 223 E State Street, transforming a corner lot at Garfield Street currently home to a single commercial building.
☑️ Randall review: Following two recent fatal crashes, Batavia police analyzed nearly seven years of Randall Road crash data and are recommending a boost to enforcement, a review of traffic signal timing, and public education to address driver behavior.
☑️ Temporary boat ban: The IDNR has closed a large stretch of the Fox River to recreational boating, citing dangerously high water levels, submerged structures, and heavy debris. The restriction could potentially last up to 90 days.
☑️ Plaza on deck: Construction on Batavia's new downtown River Street Plaza is set to begin next week, resulting in a space that will include seating, landscaping, public art, and a self-cleaning restroom. The tentative completion date is June 8.
☑️ News notes:
The Village of Elburn has again qualified as a Tree City USA community for the 27th consecutive year.
Geneva officials honored GHS senior Reese Lackey for winning the 2026 state title for gymnastics floor exercise.
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☑️ Making an impact: St. Charles officials honored two community members with Spirit of St. Charles awards Monday night — Mark Weiss (of Comic Books for Kids) and Dawn Phillips (of Brown Butter Baked Goods). Get details on the award presentations.
☑️ Empowering local women: The Modern Domestic Woman just released its April digital magazine — packed with nature-forward stories, local small business spotlights, and a new in-person MDW Market launching April 11 in Geneva.
☑️ River rides: St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats out of Pottawatomie Park is now taking bookings for its 2026 season, which begins May 9. Check out some video footage of past tours and view their charter availability.
☑️ Earthy entertainment: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is hosting a free Earth Day tree planting event on April 18 at Fabyan Forest Preserve with giveaways, a naturalist-guided hike, and no registration necessary.
☑️ Community champs: Batavia City Council recently honored Fire Lieutenant Greg Stoffel, who retired after 29 years with the department, and BHS student Kai Enos, who won the IHSA Boys Class 2A State Wrestling Championship. See photos of the honorees.
What kind of music are you into — acoustic? Opera? 90s pop? Dueling pianos? Perhaps house music, bluegrass, or classic rock?
We’ve got all that and then some in the Tri-Cities this weekend. Enjoy.
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🥂 Bocaditos is much more than empanadas and coffee
You already know Bocaditos for the delicious food, empanadas, and that Belgian chocolate mocha — but there's more to this downtown Batavia spot than most people realize.
Every Thursday, they run a 2-for-1 deal on alcoholic beverages, valid all day. Make sure to note that on your calendar.
And while you're there, browse the shelves — Bocaditos carries one-of-a-kind merch and a curated selection of books right inside the cafe. So pop in for a meal, stay for some light reading, and leave with a local gift for someone special.
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☑️ Clay + caffeine: Steep N' Clay, a family-owned tea shop and working pottery studio from Elgin, opens its second location in downtown Geneva on April 18 with tea samples flowing all day.
☑️ Not your average art class: The newly opened Art as Alchemy studio in St. Charles has planned a full month of April classes themed around money, abundance, neuroscience, and psychology. Check out the schedule.
✳️ Choose your own April adventure: Zen Loft Collective has seven exciting, family-friendly events on the books this April — from puppy yoga and a sound bath to a puzzle throwdown and a family music night. Get all the details and sign up.
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Tri-Cities Central Dinner Club
Thursday, April 23 | Downtown St. Charles
The first Dinner Club event is happening — and I forgot to mention, you can register with a plus-one! Take a quick quiz, get matched with a small group for dinner, then head to a surprise post-dinner meetup spot to keep the fun going.
Spots are limited, so sign up soon if you’re interested.
🎟️ JULIETS Weekend | Fri 4/10 - Sun 4/12, All Day | Downtown Geneva | Curated weekend of shopping, dining, and exclusive experiences for women. Kickoff reception Friday.
☑️ Fairy Garden Festival Weekend | Sat 4/11 & Sun 4/12 | Heinz Brothers Garden Center, STC | Family-friendly scavenger hunt, make-and-take fairy gardens, and miniature gardening fun.
☑️ K. Hollis Jewelers 21st Anniversary Celebration | Sat 4/11, 10AM–5PM | K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia | Enjoy a trunk show, 21% off jewelry, and potentially win a diamond.
☑️ Birdflower Farm Fresh Flower Pop-Up | Sat 4/11, 10AM–2PM | Scout & Gem, Geneva | Fresh cut flower wraps and arrangements available from a local farm.
🎟️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 4/11 & Sun 4/12 | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Shop antiques, collectibles, home decor, clothing, and crafts.
☑️ Annual Poetry Reading | Sat 4/11, 2PM–4PM | St. Charles Public Library | Local poets celebrate National Poetry Month; registration required.
🎟️ Learn from the Experts: Spring Ephemerals | Sun 4/12, 9AM–11AM | Johnson’s Mound, Elburn | Naturalist-led woodland stroll identifying native wildflowers and their history.
🎟️ Japanese-Inspired Wine & Food Pairing | Sun 4/12, 12PM–2PM | Up North Wine Tasting Room, Geneva | Winemaker Blake Lougheed pairs delicious wines with Japanese cuisine.
☑️ Buildapalooza & LEGO Drive | Sun 4/12, 1PM–4PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Free LEGO free-build for all ages supporting Bricks of Hope nonprofit.
🎟️ Batavia History Trolley Tour | Sun 4/12, 1:30PM–2:30PM | Batavia Depot Museum | Guided open-air trolley tour of Batavia's history. Monthly events through August.
🎟️ Lazarus House Trivia Night | Mon 4/13, 7PM–9PM | Pollyanna Brewing, STC | Trivia fundraiser benefiting Lazarus House, with prizes.
Looking ahead:
🎟️ Fox Trot 5K & 10K Run | Sat 4/25, 8AM | Peg Bond Center, Batavia | Run for Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation with kids fun run and DJ Katie B cheering you on.
Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Suzy is a gorgeous, gentle girl with a heart of gold. She may be nervous at first, she’s incredibly loving and eager to bond with her people. She’s been getting along wonderfully with dogs and cats and slowly expanding her comfort zone.
Mr. Grey is a 1-year-old boy who’s ready to charm his way right into your heart. With his brown tabby coat and striking green eyes, he’s as beautiful as he is sweet — and loves attention and head rubs.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s website or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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