On the day this episode is released, Batavia kicks off Boo Boo Days. For me, Boo Boo Days is a new concept, a sort of quaint and slightly bizarre throwback that just started a few years ago. But the reality is, Boo Boo Days originated decades ago and played a crucial role in the origin of the Windmill Festival.

But what really interests me is the whole concept of this oddly named celebration. Where did this idea come from, and why organize an entire celebration around mistakes?

To explore those questions, I brought back a previous guest, Kate Garrett, director of the Batavia Depot Museum to help us understand what made the downtown we all take for granted what it is, and how grass roots campaigns like Boo Boo Days have shaped Batavia’s culture and landscape.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purchase tickets for Richard's Sturdy Speaker Series Talk
• My previous episode with Kate Garrett
• BataviaHistory.org
• My conversation with Craig Foltos

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Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Just before the pandemic, Chris Otepka helped open Riverside Pizza and Pub in his hometown of Batavia with a few of his friends. Now he's helping run it. But most of his adult life, Chris Otepka was a touring musician.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I speak with Chris about his long journey back home, what he learned about himself and Batavia while traveling the country, and his consistent presence in his friends' life as a "utility man".

• More about Otepka's band, Troubled Hubble
• Chris's solo project, the Heligoats

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Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

It's not easy to live in Batavia while remaining unaware of its historical roots. Around here, it's talked about a lot. But what does this history really mean for a town in the here and now?

According to Depot Museum Director Kate Garrett, Batavia's appreciation for its own history provides opportunity for what she calls "pro-social behaviors." And it turns out, those kinds of behaviors ultimately add up to a better community for all.

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Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

From landscape to architecture, spaces matter. And for Josephine Tucci, creating spaces that inspire belonging is a lifelong pursuit that started with museums and continued into the Batavia Library.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the executive director of the Batavia Public Library about the winding career path that brought her to Batavia, her love of landscapes, and integral role the library plays in Batavia.

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Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Some, who make grand claims of being self-made, might see their success as being a result of their own hard work. But Scott Beltran openly acknowledges the many people who have come alongside him to help make Daddio's a reality.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Daddio's Diner about those in his family and community who have helped make Daddio's the staple in Batavia it is today.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

The stakes are high. Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, each one with their own idea of what it means to thrive in Batavia. And by the end of the season, they'll have a very real sense of just how likely their business is to succeed.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to the 2025 slate of Batavia Boardwalk Shops about what inspired them to start their business, the roads that led them to Batavia, and why Batavia felt like the perfect place to pursue their dreams.

The Boardwalk Shops featured in this episode are:

• A Rooted Home
• AHA Kapeh Traditional Bread
• Giron Guatemalan Apparel and Home
• Jaclyn Sue Boutique
• Scout and Gem
• Jodi Mac Sweets and Treats
• Kumba's African Market
• Pet Wants
• Stitched By Stephanie
• Tabletop Game Shop

If you liked this, also check our episode with last year's slate of Boardwalk Shop owners.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

There's no new episode in your feed today because we're working fast to turn around a special Opening Day Boardwalk Shops episode. That episode will release this Friday. Thanks!

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Batavia Public School Superintendent Tom Kim was forced to grow up fast. But as a second generation immigrant surrounded by family, teachers, and mentors willing to help him achieve his goals, he found his place in the world. Now, he's looking to do his same for Batavia's children.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Tom Kim about his early aspirations, the unique community focus of Batavia, and why he almost left education for good.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.