Puerto Rican Heritage Fest offers feeling of 'home'

Aurora's Puerto Rican Heritage Festival marks a special time for Puerto Rican native JJ Negron each year.

"It's nice to feel a little bit of home here in Aurora," he said. "We love our music, we love laughing and having a good time."

Negron, president of the city's Puerto Rican Cultural Council, said RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., will be filled with a wide selection of food, dancing and the sound of Puerto Rican music when the festival returns for a 45th year this weekend.

Between 8,000 to 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which runs noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23, and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 24. Admission is $10 per day, or $5 for ages 12 and younger.

While the event draws Puerto Ricans from across the suburbs, and even from other states ­- many of whom Negron said treat it like another holiday and use it as an excuse to visit family in Aurora - it also welcomes people of other backgrounds and cultures.

"We have people that only come for the food, even if they don't understand the language," he said. "Others are just curious about our culture and we are excited to share it with them."

Negron said attendees can expect the same great music, food and activities they have experienced in the past, but this year will offer a little more variety, with more parade floats, new food vendors and more well-known music performers.

Live performances from professional musicians who will play salsa, merengue and bachata music are an essential part of the festival. This year's headliners include salsa singer Tony Vega, who performs at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and salsa composer and singer Ismael Miranda, who takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to music, festivalgoers will have the opportunity take part in games, arts and crafts, and other family-friendly activities.

An Aurora's Got Talent competition at 1:30 p.m. Saturday will showcase the skills of young artists, mostly singers.

A parade opens Sunday's events starting at noon on the corner of River and Benton streets and traveling toward the reviewing stand, 20 E. Downers Place.

Parade participants include Mayor Tom Weisner and 2016 Puerto Rican Parade Queen Aricela Mendez, a 24-year-old hair stylist, among other local businesses and organizations.

"We're proud that we can continue to share this," Negron said. "It is important for us to continue doing it, to continue sharing our traditions with the younger generations."

Proceeds from the event support the Puerto Rican community in Aurora through scholarships and charitable donations. For information or a full schedule, visit auroraprcc.org.

If you go

What: Puerto Rican Heritage Festival

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23; 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 24

Where: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora

Cost: $10 per day, $5 for ages 12 and younger

Info: auroraprcc.org