Traditions continue at North Aurora Days
Some minimal changes and fine tuning will keep North Aurora Days' events and activities similar to last year.
The festival runs from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, and brings in almost 5,000 visitors a night for live music, carnival rides, and fresh food.
Mark Gaffino, chairman of the North Aurora Days Committee, said minor changes will make the festival more accessible and improve people's visits.
"We moved food vendors around and changed some locations; hopefully these tweaks will make the music sound better and make the food more visible for people coming," he said.
But one change they did make was the combination of fireworks events - which used to be on both Friday and Saturday - into one large display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday by the clock tower
The festival is inviting and local, a "community reunion" of sorts, Gaffino said
"People come back during the event, also you get to see your neighbors who you don't see too often," Gaffino said. "It's nice and comfortable. You don't have to spend any money - you can go totally free - or you could buy some drinks and enjoy the atmosphere. It's a good time for everybody."
Marilynn Hupp, who organizes the car, truck and bike show, said they have adopted a number of new food options for visitors including Natez Dogz Hot Dogs and Brats, and Tacos Diablos Mexican Cuisine.
The vehicle show, which takes place Sunday on the Mooseheart campus, will maintain the new structure adopted last year.
"Last year we changed the awards up a bit to offer Top 20 versus Top 10 and additionally offer Best Paint, Best Interior and Best Engine," Hupp said. "We will be doing that again this year."
Automotive enthusiasts can submit their car for competition for $10. Hupp also said she feels the new sponsor this year, Hupp Family Allstate Agency, no relation, will help to promote the event.
"Proceeds are split up between charities, usually a veteran charity and a local animal charity," Hupp said. "There may be more depending on the totals. We hope with all this support, we will be able to donate more."
Although little has changed with the festival since last year, Gaffino said it has been much harder to gather volunteers than in years past.
"Sadly, volunteers are really low this year," Gaffino said. "We're kind of struggling. I don't know if everybody is busy or what. I'm guessing it's peoples' busy lives. We've got a couple of new ones, but we need some people to come out."
Last year organizers had almost 20 volunteers heading into the festival. This year they only have six.
For information on the festival and volunteering visit www.northauroradays.com
If you go
<span class="fact box text bold">What:</span> North Aurora Days festival
<span class="fact box text bold">When:</span> 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8; and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9
<span class="fact box text bold">Where:</span> Downtown North Aurora, Clock Tower Plaza
<span class="fact box text bold">Admission:</span> Free
<span class="fact box text bold">Details: </span><a href="http://www.northauroradays.com">www.northauroradays.com</a>