Lillian Perry to lead Aurora Parade
Lillian Perry has been a leader in her own right for decades. Friday she'll lead something she's never led before, Aurora's Independence Day Parade.
The city's annual Fourth of July parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the corner of River and Benton streets. The route will continue down Broadway, Galena Boulevard, Stolp Avenue and Downer Place and end at Middle Avenue.
Perry, honored during a recent city council meeting, settled in Aurora in the 1950s after a move from Georgia. She quickly took up the causes of integration, civil rights and equality.
Perry has been involved in Citizens for Neighborhood Improvement, Blacks in Politics and the Aurora Youth Job Program. She also has been honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Aurora YWCA and has received numerous awards from other city organizations.
Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Seville said Perry was an easy choice for the selection committee.
"We hear from many people in the community and usually when they call they want something for themselves," Seville said. "Lillian calls and she wants something for someone else, so her being honored in this way is very deserving."
Perry, surprised by the honor, promised to be the best grand marshal she can be.
"This truly is a special honor and one that I take seriously," she said. "Baby, I'm excited to lead this parade."
Special events coordinator Sanura Young said the celebration will continue after the parade with free family fun courtesy of the Aurora Historical Society, including horse-drawn carriage rides and the traditional ringing of the bells at the Tanner House Museum on the corner of Oak and Cedar streets at 1 p.m. The pie-eating contest will begin at 2:15 p.m.
More community events are scheduled later in the day leading up to the fireworks display at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic High School grounds between Edgelawn Drive, Randall Road, Sullivan Road and Indian Trail.
F.O.G. (Five Old Guys) will perform some oldies favorites beginning at 8 p.m. and leading into the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display.
DreamWorks' "Bee Movie" will be shown on a large inflatable screen after the conclusion of the fireworks show. Visitors are welcome to stay for the movie and avoid the traffic after the fireworks.
For information, call the city's information line at (630) 264-4636.
If you go
What: Aurora's Independence Day Parade and festivities
When: Parade begins at 10 a.m. Friday, with activities following at 1 p.m. downtown and at 8 p.m. preceeding the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Parade marches from River and Benton streets to Downer Place at Middle Avenue; afternoon activities at the Tanner House Museum, Oak and Cedar streets; fireworks on the high school grounds bordered by Edgelawn Drive, Randall Road, Sullivan Road and Indian Trail
Info: (630) 26404636