If you live in Batavia, chances are you know Craig Foltos, owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor on Wilson Street downtown.
If you haven’t met him, you should, because he is one of the nicest, kindest, most generous guys in the Fox Valley. And he gives a darn good haircut. The opportunity to do both will be June 5 and 6 when Foltos will host the 20th annual “Chop Around the Clock,” a 30-hour fundraiser to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. It’s really a two-day, giant party and not particularly structured. “That’s what I like about it,” says Foltos. “Ninety-nine percent of what happens is people coming.” While there are definitely some organized activities such as appearances by jugglers and balloon blowers, Foltos is most excited about a local bluegrass group that plays spiritual music, and he’s not really sure who they are or where to find them. But they come every year and play mandolin, guitar and violin. He thinks they are awesome. June 6: 9 a.m. live bluegrass music noon pie-eating contest. Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, 7 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Call (630) 879-5253. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. “I always feel like I’m ready to baptize somebody,” he says, after he’s heard them play each year. Then there’s the pie-eating contest, which is scheduled for noon June 6. No utensils are used, so could be messy.
Bingo is planned for 7 p.m. June 5, followed by “mixer madness” — newcomers to the area are encouraged to come out and meet others. Foltos loves introducing people to each other. He himself thrives on meeting people and finding out what matters to them. But be warned, he is planning the world’s largest Congo line…