Holiday lights would be first for Aurora

This year, the City of Lights may shine even more brightly around the holidays.

That's thanks to plans by the Aurora Rotary Club for a Holiday Festival of Lights at Phillips Park at Hill Avenue and Montgomery Road.

The plans, which still need approval from the city council, call for families to be able drive along a 1-mile route that will feature more than 35 large light displays from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 23 through Dec. 31.

Organizers hope the free event becomes an annual tradition and eventually the biggest holiday lights display in the state.

Checking out decorated homes is a popular family tradition, said Rotary member Ron Gabaldon, and this would give people a chance to see numerous displays at once.

"We're going to put up continuous lights, both static and animated displays, such as a waving Santa Clause and an eagle flying next to the flag," he said.

Many themes will tie into Phillips Park activities. For example, a display near the golf course would show a golfer hitting a ball and it landing on the green.

Community businesses would sponsor each display. At the end of the loop, each car would get a goodie bag of coupons and promotions. Donations will be accepted.

The Rotary Club hopes to raise at least $100,000. Proceeds would benefit groups including Hesed House, Fox Valley Girl Scouts, and the YMCA and YWCA.

Organizers expect attendance on a slow night to be roughly 750 cars or 2,250 people. On a busy night, it could reach 5,000 cars or 15,000 people, they said.

The festival would be the area's largest lights display, Gabaldon said, and the club hopes it grows each year.

Volunteers would operate the event. There also would be spots along the route for families to get out and eat or meet with Santa in the visitors' center.

"It'll be a nice draw for Phillips Park and Aurora," said Stephanie Kifowit, alderman of the ward in which the park sits. "Everyone loves displays. It's very exciting."