Hello Batavia! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Batavia Downs catches the "Polka Buzz" w/ Crusade and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. GO Health to hold final free drive-thru rabies clinics of 2026 in October (thebatavian.com) — Batavia pet owners can get free rabies shots for dogs, cats, and ferrets at a drive-thru clinic on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street. Health officials urge Genesee and Orleans County residents to use these final 2026 clinics and share safety tips for avoiding contact with potentially rabid wildlife.
2. Wings Over Batavia sets attendance record with more than 18,000 at 2026 show (thebatavian.com) — Batavia's own Wings Over Batavia airshow drew more than 18,000 people to Batavia Airport this year, setting a new attendance record and cementing its status as a major Western New York attraction. Organizers credit strong community support and a kid-focused Discovery Zone, where children met pilots, tried aviation activities, and even tested out drone soccer for the first time at the show.
3. Genesee County Parks and ACORNS win state tourism award for Junior ACORNS program (thebatavian.com) — Families in and around Batavia can take pride in Genesee County Parks and ACORNS, whose Junior ACORNS youth stewardship program just earned a 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Award. The program engages local kids ages 7–14 in caring for Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area, and organizers are inviting more young volunteers and families to get involved.
4. Why Six Western New York Betting Parlors Are Shutting Down (wyrk.com) — Batavia Downs is seeing increased betting revenue even as Western Regional Off-Track Betting prepares to close up to six struggling parlors across New York, including in Rochester and other nearby cities. Leaders say consolidating operations and selling properties could raise about $2 million for local governments, reflecting how online wagering is reshaping where and how Batavia-area residents can place bets.
5. Granny's Watching, Chase Russo win at Batavia Downs – U.S. Trotting News (ustrottingnews.com) — Harness racing fans in Batavia just saw a big night at Batavia Downs, with Granny's Watching capturing the featured $13,500 AA-Open and 18-year-old driver Chase Russo earning his first pari-mutuel win. Live racing returns tonight at 5 p.m., including a sizable Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover and free past-performance programs available online for anyone planning an evening at the track.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Batavia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Batavia Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.