The city of Aurora has announced details of Fourth of July weekend events planned in the city including fireworks, the annual parade and more.
Aurora’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration will take place from 6 to 9:45 p.m. Friday, July 3, according to a press release from the city.
Two viewing locations for the fireworks will be available for the public — RiverEdge Park at 360 N. Broadway and McCullough Park at 150 W. Illinois Ave., according to the release.
DJ Suavesmooth will provide music and entertainment at RiverEdge Park, while DJ Pena will do the same at McCullough Park. The 6050s, a local band consisting of residents and city employees, will also be performing a free concert at RiverEdge Park showcasing 1980s, ‘90s and 2000s music during the event.
Food trucks will be on hand at Wilder Promenade at 350 N. River St. and McCullough Park throughout the evening, according to the release.
The city’s fireworks display will launch at dusk, close to 9:15 p.m., officials said.
Five free park-and-ride shuttles will operate round-trip service from 6 to 9 p.m., helping attendees reach both locations to watch the fireworks, the release said. The shuttles will resume service following the fireworks show, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m.
More information on the shuttles is available on the city’s website at https://www.aurora.il.us/Recreation-and-Amenities/Events/Special-Events.
Additionally, the RiverEdge Park Pedestrian Bridge will be open on July 3, allowing attendees from the west side of the Fox River to cross over and watch the fireworks show from RiverEdge Park, officials said.
On Saturday, July 4, the city will host its annual Fourth of July Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Benton Street and Broadway in downtown Aurora. The Reviewing Stand will be placed in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center at 20 E. Downer Place.
Longtime leader and community member Juanita Wells will serve as this year’s parade grand marshal.
Wells moved to Aurora in 1972 and has served in a number of leadership positions throughout the city, the release said. She is the past president of the Fox Valley American Legion 798 Women’s Auxiliary, a former board member of the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center and a charter member of the Bionic Temple 1296 Improved Benevolent Protected Order of the Elks of the World, officials said.
Wells is also currently a member of Blacks in Politics and the African American Black Business Expo Committee, serves as the secretary for Friends of LaSalle Street Historic Auto Row, and assists Progressive Baptist Church’s women’s ministry and children’s church, the release said.
She was also an 18-year member of the East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education and a 12-year member of the Aurora Township Board, officials said.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive for the parade before 9:30 a.m. to provide enough time for parking and viewing preparation on the parade route, according to officials.
Immediately following the parade, the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum will open its latest exhibit, “America’s 250th: How the G.A.R. Shaped Our Nation,” to further commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, as well as the 149th anniversary of the laying of the museum’s cornerstone, the release said.
The new exhibit explores the political, cultural and economic influence of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Civil War veteran society formed in Decatur, Illinois, in 1866.
The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 5. The G.A.R. Military Museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
