Blues on the Fox

Date:  Saturday, June 18, 2022
Leader:  Ray Ziemer
Co-Leader: 
Location:  Fox River - Batavia to Aurora
Skill Level:  Beginner
Category:  Day Trip
Details: Blues for Canoes (or kayaks if you choose).

Join us for a brief, breezy afternoon float down the Fox River to the bluesiest beach in the ‘burbs! Aurora’s popular “Blues on the Fox” again takes place at the sparkling River Edge Park. Call Ray: 630-669-7831.

Plan on a 12:00 noon car shift from a Batavia put-in. We will shuttle cars to a public lot near the boat ramp. After the paddle we can load the boats onto cars and those who go to the festival can leave them parked right there. Let me know if you do intend to go to the music festival after paddling, or not, as it’s a consideration for the car shift. 

We don’t usually stop for lunch, since you can look forward to plenty of festival food and brews for your blues. We’ll time our arrival for Saturday’s first act, opening at 3:00 p.m. It’s up to you if want to stick around for any part of the festival. Of course, you can laze around off shore in your boat as long as you like at no charge.

A new event this year is a free party at the Wilder Park Promenade on the west side of the river, with music and food available. The line-up at River Edge Park this year includes Melody Angel (3pm), Billy Branch (5pm), Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers (7pm) and finishes up with Chicago Blues legend Buddy Guy. I recommend you get your tickets online early. 

DIRECTIONS to PUT-IN: From IL Rte. 31 or 25, go to Wilson St. in Batavia. On the west side of the bridge over the Fox, turn north onto Island St., go north past Police Station to the North Lot area for put-in. 

Check out the full music program here: