Roots Aurora block party returns Sept. 1

Roots Aurora, the free community block party celebrating the cultural richness of Aurora, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Water Street Mall and Mundy Park in downtown Aurora, kicking off the Labor Day Weekend.

"We are incredibly excited for the event this year," said Mariana Osoria, vice president of Centers of Family Focus, which has presented the festival for the past three years.

The City of Aurora, African American Heritage Advisory Board, Aurora Historical Society, Indian American Outreach Advisory Council, and the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Council are also co-producers of the event.

Roots Aurora is a community celebration of dance, music, art and food, presented by local nonprofit organizations and community leaders. The free event is made possible with sponsorships from businesses and individuals, with proceeds supporting Family Focus, which nurtures children by strengthening families in the Aurora community.

For more information, visit www.rootsaurora.org or call (630) 844-2550. Sponsorships are also available.

Family Focus Aurora has been providing critical support services to the community for more than 30 years. The center, at 550 E. Second Ave. provides early childhood, youth development, educational services, family advocacy and immigrations services. For more information, visit www.family-focus.org or call (630) 844-2550.