Aurora greeting season with parade, fireworks
While the North Pole may seem like the geographical center of the universe for the next few weeks, the river island in Aurora's downtown is about to make a bid for the city's attention.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by live reindeer, will arrive on the banks of the Fox River near Stolp Island amid a Holiday Parade that will be followed by the city's tree lighting and a fireworks show at the Winter Lights event Friday evening.
The processional parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include squad cars, a modern fire truck, an antique fire engine and several floats, said Gina Moga, Aurora's special events manager.
"We stage it behind the central fire station," near the intersection of Spring and LaSalle streets, Moga said. From there, the parade will travel three blocks south on Broadway to Downer Place, where it will head west to Water Street. Downer Place will be closed to traffic between Water Street and South Stolp Avenue, she said.
The antique fire engine will carry the winners of the Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost contests for 4- to 7-year-old Aurora residents. Moga said Grace Gault was named Miss Merry Christmas and Logan Kluber won the Jack Frost title. The 12 members of the winners' courts will ride a float, she said.
Aboard another float will be cast members of the Paramount Theatre's production of "A Christmas Story," set to open Nov. 25, Moga said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive on a float featuring members of the AKA Dance Studio performing in reindeer costumes.
Simply Destinee will give a live street performance at 7 p.m., followed by a performance by the AKA group.
After the parade, Mayor Tom Weisner will light the Christmas tree about 7:20 p.m. in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Museum, 25 E. Downer Place, with the help of Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost. Winners of the window decorating contest will be announced.
More lights will follow.
"We'll have a 12-minute fireworks display over the river," Moga said. She said the fireworks are designed to explode low over the horizon, producing a dazzling effect with the river's reflections.
Santa and his wife will retreat to the Riverfront Playhouse, 13 Water St., where Santa will be seated on stage to visit with children.
Moga said last year's extreme cold prompted Santa's move this year from outdoors to inside the theater.
From 5 to 9 p.m., shoppers will find unique opportunities at several "pop-up shops" that will be open for the night in unused spaces inside the Water Street Mall.
"That's something our neighborhood redevelopment commission is coordinating," Moga said.
Several close-by businesses will be open during the event. Moga said the River's Edge Café will roast marshmallows on sidewalk grills.
Several food trucks will be open for business, she said.
If you go
What: Winter Lights
Where: Downtown Aurora, East Downer Place and South Water Street
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 256-4636 and www.aurora-il.org