Aurora cancels Fourth of July parade in favor of neighborhood procession

Citing lower-than-desired participation, community impact and cost savings, Aurora officials have decided to cancel the city's annual Fourth of July parade in favor of a procession through neighborhoods.

Aurora first held a procession in 2020 during the pandemic, and officials said in a news release that it was well-received.

The procession will begin at 10 a.m. July 4 at Phillips Park and will be led by public safety vehicles and a Trolley of Heroes with local veterans.

It will travel past Sunnymere Nursing Home and through nearby neighborhoods before hitting downtown. It will continue through to the west side of Aurora and travel back east on Indian Trail to Aurora's far east side, where it will pass several neighborhoods and schools. Then it will head south on Eola Road. It will conclude at Aurora Fire Station No. 12, 2424 Hafenricter Road.

There will be designated "candy zones" along the route where the procession will slow down so spectators can get candy.

The route will be posted this weekend, along with estimated times that the procession will reach key locations, at aurora-il.org/FourthofJuly and across the city's social media platforms.

The city says nursing homes, schools and parks are key locations along the route, providing an opportunity to reach more Aurorans, including those who may not be mobile.

The annual fireworks show will be held as scheduled later in the evening at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park, with fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m.

RiverEdge Park will feature DJ Suavesmooth and food vendors. McCullough Park will feature DJ Pena and family-friendly entertainment. Food trucks also will be available at the Wilder Park Promenade.