Something for everyone at North Aurora Days
The 35th North Aurora Days festival is Friday to Sunday at Clock Tower Plaza, Mooseheart and other locations.
It certainly has evolved from about 25 years ago when it was held at a park, the beer was free and people would leave a donation, according to Village Trustee Mark Gaffino, a member of the organizing committee. "Now we have over 4,000 people a night enjoying the activities."
There is no shortage of activities, including music, food, kids activities and games, carnival and fireworks Saturday night. Musical acts include School of Rock at 5 p.m., Big Sugar at 6:30 p.m. and Breakfast Club at 9 p.m. Friday. Saturday entertainment includes Ali Morgan at 5 p.m., Southern Side Up at 6:30 p.m. and Friction at 9 p.m. Serendipity plays at 2 p.m. and 7th heaven at 4 p.m. Sunday in Riverfront Park.
Some of the daily highlights include:
Friday: Friends of Messenger Library book sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; gaming truck and amusements from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at Clock Tower Plaza, 113 Oak St.; the Emergency Vehicle Lights and Sirens parade at 6:30 p.m. Participants line up at 150 S. Lincolnway and head north on Route 31 to John Street, west on John to Willow Way, north on Willow Way to Oak Street, west on Oak past the festival site, then south on Randall Road.
Saturday: The Run for the Riverfront 1-mile Fun run starts at 7:05 a.m. at the Mooseheart Fieldhouse, Route 31 and Mooseheart Road. There is also a 10K and a 5K. Visit runfortheriverfront.com; the Crossway Chapel Free Community Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at 115 Oak St.; Kids Fishing Derby at Willow Lake Park from 9 to 11 a.m.; Touch a Truck and Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mooseheart Fieldhouse parking lot; the Flat 43 BMX Team Performance and petting zoo from 2 to 4 p.m. at Clock Tower Plaza; A&W Cruise Night classic cars from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the A&W on Route 31; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. near Oak Street and Randall Road.
Sunday: Pet parade judging from 10:30 to 11:50 a.m. at Routes 31 and 56, then the parade heads to South Island Park (the entry deadline is 6 p.m. Friday with forms online); 80th anniversary party of the library's founding from 1:30 to 4 p.m.; Party in the Park with music and food trucks at 2 p.m. in Riverfront Park.
The community garage sales begin Thursday and continue through Saturday. Go to northauroradays.com or stop by the village hall for a map of locations.