North Aurora Days festival might be moved to Mooseheart

The North Aurora Days festival might not technically be held in North Aurora this year.

The organizing committee is thinking about having it at Mooseheart, a residential school just north of town in an unincorporated area.

The festival needs a new home since last year's spot on Route 31 is where the new police station is being built.

Village Trustee Max Herwig, chairman of the festival, wanted to have it at the North Aurora Towne Center, off Orchard Gateway Boulevard and Randall Road. But representatives of the Target and JCPenney anchor stores in the shopping center would not agree to it, he said.

"I think it is a shame. It was slated to help promote the shopping center," Herwig said.

So, this week, he met with Mooseheart officials.

There are still some details to be worked out, such as police coverage and where fireworks could be detonated from. But if everything falls into place, the festival would take place on the southeast corner of Mooseheart's grounds. The arts and crafts show would be held in the field house, band performances and other entertainment on the football field, and a carnival in the parking lot at Mooseheart Road and Route 31, Herwig said.

If the Mooseheart arrangement falls through for some reason, the backup plan is to have the festival at the Clock Tower Plaza at Oak Street and Randall Road. However, it is not large enough to hold all the activities, so the arts and crafts show would probably still take place at Mooseheart, Herwig said.

Mooseheart has been involved with North Aurora Days in the past, hosting a 5K run and the Touch-a-Truck activities.

The location has to be firmed up by June 1 so it can be published in brochures and other advertising for the Aug. 1 and 2 party.

The festival is expected to cost nearly $47,000, up almost $6,000 from last year's. Herwig expects it to make $26,200 from food and beer sales, sponsorships, vendor fees and a community garage sale. The village pays the difference from hotel-motel tax revenue earmarked for tourism promotion.