Weekend of free family fun on tap in Aurora

Six free, family events encompassing a variety of tastes are on tap this weekend in Illinois' second largest city.

The day begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 14, with the weekly downtown Aurora's Farmers Market at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave.

The market, which continues 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 18, is celebrating its 102nd anniversary and is the oldest farmers market in Illinois. More than 60 vendors offer fresh produce, tasty products, artisan crafts, and more, as well as children's activities and live music.

Once again this year, Illinois Electronic Benefits Transfer Link Cards are accepted. The market is sponsored by Bath Fitter Bathroom Remodeling and Rasmussen College. For information about the farmers market, including two additional markets opening in July on the city's far east and far west sides, visit aurora-il.org.

At 9 a.m., the Louche Puce Market, an outdoor European-style vintage and collectible fair, returns to downtown Aurora on the Water Street Mall, between Galena Boulevard and Downer Place. Patrons can re-purpose an eclectic mix of antiques, retro furniture, vintage fashion and more until 3 p.m.

The market is open the second Saturday of each month through September. For information, email Jeanne Norris at louchepuce@gmail.com or search Facebook.

The fifth annual Aurora GreenFest is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fox Valley Park District's Prisco Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave. The event, which highlights the latest environmental ideas and technology, features more than 100 eco-friendly exhibits and speakers featuring environmental services, money-saving tips, on-site recycling of everything from electronics to old and unwanted medications, hands-on children's activities and more. The event is sponsored by the Aurora Green Lights, in affiliation with the Conservation Foundation. For information, visit auroragreenfest.com.

Saturday also marks the first day of both the Illinois Paddlesports Festival and Art in the Park at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive.

The paddlesports festival is a two-day canoeing and kayaking event running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Mastodon Lake inside Phillips Park. Patrons can check out plenty of activities both on water and land for beginners and experts, including free boating lessons, vendor demonstrations and skill competitions.

The sixth annual festival is presented by the Illinois Paddling Council, in partnership with the city of Aurora.

After taking a ride on the lake, visitors can stake claim to more land-based activities with Art in the Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The third annual event features live music, an art sale and show, and a wine tasting at the west end of Phillips Park.

Information on both events is available at illinoispaddlesportsfestival.org.

From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., the annual Juneteenth Celebration is at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Farnsworth Avenue and Grand Boulevard.

The event features cultural enrichment, inspirational speakers, food, games, a basketball tournament and entertainment for all ages and ethnicities. Juneteenth, which originated as a celebration for the ending of slavery in Texas, is celebrated throughout the United States symbolizing freedom for African-Americans.

The event is sponsored by the African-American Men of Unity, in partnership with the city of Aurora. Find more information at www.aamou.org.