Aurora's holiday parade to have patriotic theme

Aurora residents will observe Memorial Day Monday with the city's first parade of the year.

Based on the theme, "Aurora Celebrates Courage," the procession will step off at noon from South River and Benton streets. Pre-event observances begin at 11 a.m. at the reviewing stand at 20 E. Downer Place.

City special events coordinator Sanura Young said about 70 units are scheduled to participate, including the Jesse White Tumblers, the Aurora American Legion Band and several high school and junior high marching bands and veterans' groups.

More than 3,000 guests are expected, Young said.

The "Aurora Celebrates Courage" theme will carry on to all city parades throughout the year.

"We're really encouraging everyone to decorate their floats and cars in a patriotic theme," Young said. "Everything should look really nice."

Other Memorial Day events in the city include a cemetery service at 2 p.m. Sunday at West Aurora Cemetery, 543 Wilder St.

The service will take place at the gravesite of Daniel Wedge, Aurora's last Civil War veteran.

If you go

What: "Aurora Celebrates Courage" Memorial Day Parade

When: 11 a.m. Monday

Where: Parade steps off from South River and Benton streets and ends at Middle Avenue and Benton

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 844-4731