Aurora kicks off holidays Friday
Aurora city organizers are crossing their fingers for another successful holiday celebration after last year's event met with perfect weather and record crowds.
The city's Holiday Magic festivities, which include a parade of lights, tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks display, start at 6 p.m. Friday in downtown Aurora.
A 20-minute parade kicks off from Broadway and Benton Street, heads to Galena Boulevard, down Stolp Avenue and then ends at the Aurora Public Library.
"We try to keep this manageable due to the temperatures," special events organizer Liz DeLeon said.
About 30 units will participate, including illuminated floats, Jesse White tumblers, inflatable snowmen and nutcrackers, horses, clowns and Aurora area Shriners.
Mayor Tom Weisner and his family will ride in a horse and carriage, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be led by real reindeer.
After the parade, people will gather at North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd., for the tree lighting.
The tree, donated by an Aurora resident, is 42 feet tall and weighs about 3,000 pounds, DeLeon said. It will be decorated with silver garland and about 2,000 environmentally-friendly lights.
Weisner and Santa will be helped by the city's "Miss Merry Christmas" and "Jack Frost" -- 4-year-old Mikayla Runge and 5-year-old Keyonte Weston, respectively.
The two winners were named and crowned at a recent city council meeting.
A 15-minute fireworks display over the Fox River will end the celebration. DeLeon said the city receives numerous calls about it having the best holiday fireworks display in the area.
"It's real intense," she said.
The event is free and open to the public, with parking available at the Downer Place garage.
Last year's Holiday Magic festivities drew about 5,000 people. This year, organizers are hoping for up to 4,000, depending on the weather.
"Last year, we couldn't even get Santa from the end of the parade route to North Island in his golf cart," DeLeon said. "There were people packed in the streets. It was awesome."
Also this weekend: Santa's House at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, will be open Saturday through Dec. 23.
Santa will chat with children at the visitors center from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to the free event. Schools and groups can arrange appointments by calling (630) 978-4774.
If you go
What: Aurora's Holiday Magic festivities
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Downtown area; parade begins at Broadway and Benton Street
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 844-4731