Aurora's First Friday goes 'Virtual Plus' on Dec. 4
It's a Virtual Plus First Fridays on Dec. 4 in downtown Aurora. There will be both virtual and in-person options plus everyone is encouraged to participate in the Cocoa Non-Crawl.
True, we'll miss out on the big, festive Cocoa Crawl this year. But we get a cookbook, a mug kit, and some other fun things out of it. Keeping in the merry spirit, join them for "Aurora Express," train-themed holiday storefronts, on First Fridays and throughout the holiday season.
Sugar Skull City prints will be up for auction on Aurora Downtown's Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/auroradowntown/. Two dozen local artists submitted artwork for the event, and the prints will be up for auction until 9 p.m. on First Fridays. Bids open up on Thursday, Dec. 3.
• Join The Perch online to make tree-shaped luminaries and chat about ways to bring light to the holidays this year. Register for free on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theperchplace/ or www.theperchplace.com, and get a downloadable template for the luminaries as well as the Zoom login information. The Zoom event will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4.
• Visit Aurora Regional Fire Museum's online store at www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org for some deals on mugs, toys, and more. Pre-order their special ornament collaboration with local artist Chris Hodge in support of the Fire Museum and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
• Crystal House will be going live from 4 to 8 p.m. to introduce La BeeHouse Collection, a 100% beeswax candle collection and custom holiday products. Take a look at paintings by Chaz Nieponski. Plus enjoy the sounds of Atiba Yali - African drums and percussion.
• Celebrate First Fridays with Aurora Public Library on Facebook and enjoy the premier of the "2020 Cocoa Crawl Cookbook," followed by a live holiday Zoom storytime with Miss Sophie at 6 p.m., and a Facebook live holiday performance by The Jeff Ford Quintet. Register in advance for storytime at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4633268.
The "2020 Cocoa Crawl Cookbook" is a collection of community submitted hot chocolate recipes for the Cocoa Non-Crawl hosted by Aurora Downtown.
• Take a self-guided tour of Aurora Express. Get some selfies by holiday displays and see the city tree all lit up in front of G.A.R. Memorial Hall and Museum, 23 E. Downer Place.
Mask up and visit the following stores in downtown Aurora.
• Gary Brown Art & Studio, 7 S. Broadway: Buy art for the holidays from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the studio to see and purchase the work of 12 local artists: Devan, Maureen Gasek, Mays Mayhew, John Cornelissen, Cassidy Alexander, Mark Radina, Karen Dolce, Ariel Rodriguez, Bill Austin, Kip Pasta, Susan Brown, and children's book author Sarah Sommer plus the work of Gary Brown.
• Creaciones Morelos, 14 N. Broadway: Stop in the store for special Christmas pricing from noon to 8 p.m. Enjoy the windows decorated for Aurora Express along Broadway.
• Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 16: Pop-up vendor in the house for the holidays. Find cozy and festive gifts. And buy vegan cupcakes from 5 to 7 p.m.
Downtown restaurants are offering curbside pickup, delivery, and in person dining options. Check with your favorite downtown restaurants to see what they have to offer.
For links and more ways to participate in First Fridays, visit auroradowntown.org.
Aurora Downtown is a nonprofit group of business and property owners within Special Service Area (SSA) #One dedicated to a healthy and thriving downtown for everyone to enjoy.