New Year's Eve

Press Release:

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown reminds New Year's Eve revelers that Batavia Downs has a full line-up of free activities to ring in the new year that includes music, fireworks and a balloon drop.

The night starts with DJ Eddie Woo live inside 34 Rush at 8 p.m. that includes music and dancing, and is free and open to the public.

That will be followed by a live Fireworks show, by Youngs Explosives of Rochester, that will start at 10:30 p.m. on the outdoor track area. Patrons can view the fireworks show from the enclosed second floor grandstand area.

And then at the stroke of midnight, a balloon drop inside 34 Rush to celebrate the start of 2025.

Batavia Downs President and CEO said, "Batavia Downs has become a destination spot not just in Genesee County but in Western New York. With all we have to offer from almost a thousand gaming machines, a fabulous hotel, great
dining options and of course live racing, that’s why people love coming here. And Batavia Downs will be the place to be on New Year's Eve with shows, restaurants, fireworks and much more."

And the action continues at Batavia Downs in 2025 with the start of the Live Winter Racing Season on Monday, January 6th. Racing will be Mondays and Thursdays until February 24th with post time at 3 p.m.

The Coupe De' Villes will be providing the live music at "The Roaring '20s Party" from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Band begins at 8:30pm.

Price is $125 per person and includes an open bar, buffet dinner, free play and more! Get more details here. Limited hotel rooms available.

Call 585-343-3750, ext. 6439, to make reservations.

We will be offering a special New Year's Eve Dinner for Two menu from 4 to 8 p.m. with desserts provided by Eden Cafe.

Genesee Ted will be performing starting at 9:30, and we will bring in the New Year with a ceremonial keg drop and the tapping of a new brew -- BRUT-ally Honest IPA. Click here for more details.

The Le Roy community will ring in the new year with its annual fireworks display.

And there’s no need to wait until midnight.

The display is planned for 9 p.m. Thursday. The best viewing locations are along the Oatka creek bank near Main (Route 5) and Wolcott streets.

The New Year’s Eve forecast calls for a high of about 35, dipping toward freezing in the evening. Flurries or snow showers are possible.

Several stores and restaurants Downtown will offer specials between 5 and 9 p.m.

Also, the historic Le Roy House, 23 E. Main St., will open at 7 p.m. for warm cider and coffee, old-fashioned games and more. 

The annual event is sponsored by the Le Roy Business Council, whose First Night Raffle raised funds to pay for the fireworks display.

The drawing for six prize packages was Dec. 21. Winners were:

— Grand Prize (dinner and limo ride): Jen Hart

— Wine Time: Ann Walters

— Around the Home: Mary Gugino

— Dine All Day: Nicole Vink

— Health & Beauty: Francis McCall

— Tailgater Special: Mike Smith

City of Batavia New Year’s Eve Centennial Celebration schedule of events for children/family activities Dec. 31, 2014:

Falleti Ice Arena

6 to 6:30 p.m.    --    Free Open Skate

6:30 to 6:45 p.m.    --   Warm Up (Buffalo Skating Club/Falleti Ice Arena Learn to Skate Program)

7 to 7:45 p.m.    --    Buffalo Skating Club Demonstrations

7:45 to 9 p.m.    --    Photos with Queen Elsa (Warming Room)

                                 Free Open Skate

St. Mary’s Church, basement

7 to 9 p.m.    --    Children's Carnival, with games and prizes

                            Balloon Animals

                            Face Painting / Caricatures (FREE)

"Centennial Plaza" at the corner of Ellicott and Evans streets

6 to 9 p.m.    --    Outdoor Winter Carnival

10 p.m.    --    FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA!

Other activities will include: Snowshoe Races; Bean Bag Toss Competitions; Hula Hoop Contests; Balloon Blizzard Races; Life-size Jenga; Snowman Snowball Toss; Trivia by the Holland Land Office; and tours of the Batavia Fire Department.

In addition, there will be FREE pony rides, FREE limo rides, and a photo booth. Michelle’s Bakery and Batavia’s Original will have food and hot drinks available for purchase. A large bonfire and live music/performances will go on throughout the evening.

Century Club Celebration (inside City Centre) -- tickets are still available for purchase at $50 per person at City Hall in the City Manager’s Office until noon Wednesday, Dec. 31 (while supplies last). Tickets will not be sold at the door. Price includes live music, DJ, dancing, champagne toast and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Pick a decade during the past 100 years and dress accordingly!

For more information, contact Leanna Di Risio at 585-738-7388.