Aurora planning July 4 procession to honor health workers

The city of Aurora is replacing its traditional Fourth of July parade this year with a new event: the Salute to Healthcare Workers Fourth of July Processional.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Rush-Copley Medical Center, 2000 Ogden Ave., and it's expected to end about 10:45 a.m. at AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center, 1325 N. Highland Ave.

Along the way, it will pass seven nursing homes and senior care facilities to honor those working there during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of the city's typical Fourth of July parade and community fireworks. The route also will pass many neighborhoods, schools, downtown streets and open parking spaces where residents can watch from a safe social distance.

Included in the processional will be 10 vehicles from Aurora's police and fire departments, the city's emergency management agency and the Kane County sheriff's office.

"While the traditional Fourth of July Parade isn't possible this year, we will still take the time to honor our local heroes as we celebrate our nation," Mayor Richard C. Irvin said in a news release. "Last year, we honored 911 operators in Aurora. This year, we'll honor our doctors, nurses and all health care professionals for their work during these trying times and every day of the year. They certainly have helped to keep our community together while sacrificing so much of themselves in the process."

The processional has been mapped to travel along the following route: North from Rush-Copley Medical Center on Waterford Drive to Alden Circle; past Alden of Waterford to Montgomery Road; west on Montgomery to Hill Avenue; north on Hill to Sixth Avenue; west on Sixth past Sunnymere Senior Living Community to Smith Street; north on Smith to Fifth Avenue; west on Fifth to Jackson Street; north on Jackson to North Avenue; west on North to Lasalle Street; north on Lasalle past Jennings Terrace to Downer Place; west on Downer past city hall to River Street about 10:25 a.m.; north on River to West Park Avenue; west on West Park past Presence Fox Knoll to Lake Street; south on Lake to Galena Boulevard; west on Galena past Elmwood Terrace, Symphony of Orchard Valley and Bickford of Aurora; north on Orchard Road to Indian Trail; east on Indian Trail to Mercy Lane, ending at Presence Mercy Medical Center about 10:45 a.m.