Plans begin for North Aurora Days

North Aurora wants the planning of its summer spectacular to be a little more official, trustees said Monday.

North Aurora Days, a three-day event at the end of summer, remains one of the most popular events in the village. However, volunteers have been harder to find and that has meant a reduction in events.

In order to spread the responsibility and ensure the festival continues to maintain its size, the village board seemed to agree that an official appointed committee should replace the ad hoc volunteer committee, which currently organizes events.

Village Administrator Sue McLaughlin said making the committee more official would mean budgets and seeking authorization from the village board before money can be spent and events can be planned.

"Right now we're kind of winging it," McLaughlin said.

Trustees hope the increased responsibility in organizing events would translate to expanding its base of dedicated volunteers, and, ultimately, in events. Discussion on a formal committee will continue at 7 p.m. on March 17 at village hall.

In 2006, North Aurora Days lost about $1,900, a figure which ballooned to almost $12,000 last year. A major reason, Trustee Max Herwig said, was a lack of help. The village canceled one of the largest revenue-generating activities -- the 5K race -- due to lack of volunteers.

The loss of the race meant a loss of more than $5,000 to a mostly donation-based budget.

But the issue is events, not money, Trustee Dale Berman said. The board did not oppose running in the red, he said. Berman also suggested the village should look at paying professional event organizers.

"It's gotten to a point where it needs to be structured better. It needs to be something the village is willing to put money into," Berman said.

With 17 years of experience working on North Aurora Days, Trustee Bob Strusz said a formal committee with village support is a way for the event to become bigger and better. Trustees Linda Mitchell, Mike Herlihy and Mark Gaffino also stated they liked the idea of a structured committee.