Puerto Rican Heritage Parade back on in Aurora

The Puerto Rican Heritage Parade is back on in Aurora.

Mayor Richard Irvin and representatives of the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council announced the decision Tuesday at the mayor's twice-a-month news conference.

The cultural council had canceled the parade earlier this year, after being informed it would have to pay for some city services, such as police and paramedics. It decided the money would be better spent on an accompanying festival, which was going to be held in RiverEdge Park.

But after receiving some financial aid from the city, and moving the festival to a different site, it decided to have the parade after all.

"For nearly half of a century, the Puerto Rican community of Aurora has proudly celebrated its heritage and we can't stop now," Irvin said. "The city is committed to working with the APRCC to plan and promote a day of festivities that will continue this honored tradition."

The parade and festival start at noon July 28 in downtown Aurora. The festival will be held in Parking Lot B, south of Downer Place, across from city hall.

"The community responded with both support and disappointment when we announced the cancellation of the parade," said Iris Miller, cultural council president. "After seeing the potential opportunities available to us and with the support from the mayor, we are very excited to be able to work together to save the parade. We are asking everyone to come together to help make this year's festivities a success."

The council is still trying to raise $17,000 to pay for city services. It has a GoFundMe campaign at www.gofundme.com/2019-aurora-puerto-rican-parade-and-fest.