Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on September 10, 2025
McCarthy Ice Arena Opening Delayed Two Weeks; ‘Try Hockey for Free’ Moved to Sept. 27
The opening of the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia will be delayed two weeks.
Operating manager Matt Gray says the new ice chiller replacement system ran into problems when it was hooked up to existing equipment. Contaminants were found in the line, but after running new filters, the system is now clean and expected to start making ice next week.
The rink had been scheduled to reopen this Saturday with a “Try Hockey for Free” event, but that has been pushed back to Saturday, September 27th, from noon to 1:30.
Gray said while the delay is disappointing, a two-week setback on a project this size is “minor and acceptable.”
The $1.2 million upgrade was funded through the state’s Climate Smart Communities initiative. Gray’s firm, Batavia Sports Facility Management, entered into a management contract with the city in 2022 and now oversees all aspects of arena operations.
The rink is now expected to open September 22nd.
Guest Speaker Series at Holland Land Office Museum
TheHolland Land Office Museum welcomes Kevin Pawlak tonight at 7 p.m. as part of its Guest Speaker Series. Pawlak will discuss his book John Brown’s Raid: Harpers Ferry and the Coming of the Civil War, detailing the pivotal October 1859 raid that helped ignite the Civil War.
The presentation is richly illustrated with maps and images, including a walking and driving tour of sites connected to the raid. Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. For more information, call 585-343-4727 or email hollandlandoffice@gmail.com
Pawlak is a historic site manager for Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation, a Certified Battlefield Guide at Antietam National Battlefield, and author of four books in the Emerging Civil War Series.
Batavia BID Announces Return of Annual Scarecrow Contest
The Batavia Business Improvement District is bringing back its popular Scarecrow Contest for 2025, inviting local businesses, organizations, and families to join in the seasonal fun along Main Street. Participants pay a $25 entry fee and receive a starter kit including a wooden post, straw, twine, and a designated pole for display.
Scarecrows can be scary, whimsical, funny, or wacky, but must follow contest rules—no political, religious, or social messaging, and decorations should be secure to prevent theft or wildlife issues. Supply pick-up runs September 16 through 18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Jackson Square. Scarecrows should be installed the week of September 29, with a removal deadline of November 2.
The public will vote for “Most Creative” on the BID’s Facebook page, with cash prizes awarded to winners. For registration and more details, visit the Batavia BID website or email director@downtownbataviany.com
