Kids come first at 15th annual Aurora festival
There's no better to reason to celebrate, a group of Aurora church leaders says, than children.
The 15th annual Celebrate Our Children festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Aurora's McCarty Park, East Galena Boulevard and Fourth Street.
"The idea is to give kids hope and affirm them," festival chairman John Ross said.
The fest began after members of a local Bible study group decided they wanted to do something for the community. The event now is hosted by First Presbyterian Church, Main Baptist Church, Warehouse Church and Wayside Cross Ministries.
The free festival is geared toward elementary kids, offering entertainment, music, clowns, games, crafts and food as well as a pony riding ring, petting zoo and inflatables.
Children's singer-songwriter Mr. Nicky will perform at 1:45 and 3 p.m.
Also visiting are Ozzie, the Kane County Cougars' mascot, the Merry Hearts Clowns, Shiloh Dance Studio, the Master's Martial Arts Academy, the Aurora Public Library bookmobile, and McGruff and the DARE car.
"We're trying to put forth the message that there's hope and love out there in the community," Ross said. "We just want to show God loves and cares about them."
Community outreach and service agencies also will have booths at the fest.
Organizers say a couple thousand people are expected. Roughly 150 volunteers will lend a hand.
Parking is available in the Warehouse Church lot, 308 E. Galena Blvd., and at First Presbyterian Church, Fourth Street and Downer Place.
In case of rain, the event will move to the Harkness Family Center, 60 S. Fourth St. For information, visit celebrateourchildren.us.
If you go
What: Celebrate Our Children festival
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: McCarty Park, East Galena Boulevard and Fourth Street, Aurora
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 879-8828 or celebrateourchildren.us