David Sharos

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Aurora Beacon-News.

Members of Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl prepare to begin their presentation Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at RiverEdge Park in Aurora during the two-day Fiesta Patrias celebration held over the weekend. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Fiestas Patrias event at RiverEdge Park a celebration of Aurora’s Mexican community

September 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The 13th annual Fiestas Patrias, held over the weekend at RiverEdge Park, was staged by the city of Aurora, in partnership with the city's Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board.

Visitors on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, check out a new art exhibition at the Schingoethe Center Museum at Aurora University. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

New exhibition of Illinois art at Aurora museum focuses on struggle, empathy

September 11, 2026 at 2:04 p.m.

A new exhibit opened Tuesday at the Schingoethe Center Museum at Aurora University that features the work of more than 30 Illinois artists.

Jazz Weekend features more than 50 performances at venues across St. Charles

September 10, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.

The 15th annual St. Charles Jazz Weekend has already begun, and will run at sites around the city through Sunday.

A crowd outside the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles watches the parade honoring the venue's 100th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Arcada Theatre in St. Charles celebrates its 100th anniversary with Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley and more

September 9, 2026 at 12:08 p.m.

Owners of the iconic Arcada Theatre threw a 100th anniversary party for the venue on Sunday complete with a parade through downtown and appearances from Chubby Checker and Priscilla Presley.

Carnival attractions and food are always popular options at the Yorkville Hometown Days Festival, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at Beecher Community Park in Yorkville. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Hometown Days Festival a Labor Day weekend tradition in Yorkville

September 6, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The city of Yorkville is once again celebrating the Labor Day weekend with its 33rd annual Hometown Days Festival, which opened on Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Aurora resident Randy Brown, left, helps fellow Aurora Lions Club members get ready to clean up the Virgil Gilman Trail in Aurora on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

For Aurora Lions Club volunteers, cleaning up Virgil Gilman Trail a real pick-me-up

September 1, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Helping the environment, camaraderie benefits of volunteering for clean-up effort, Aurora Lions Club members say.

Students prepare to check in Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during move-in day for freshmen and transfer students at Aurora University. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Move-in day a rite of passage for new students at Aurora University: ‘I’m pretty excited’

August 30, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Officials said the university is welcoming about 1,200 new and transfer students.

Guests mingle at the opening of the "Masks: Identity in Diversity" exhibit at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center in downtown Aurora on Aug. 21, 2026. The exhibit will run through Nov. 1, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

New art exhibit featuring rare masks opens in downtown Aurora

August 27, 2026 at 4:21 p.m.

Aurora’s Public Art Division unveiled the exhibit, which features over 60 artists along with a rare mask collection provided by the Federation of Michoacan Clubs in Illinois.

Visitors look at vintage cars at the Geneva Concours d’Elegance event in downtown Geneva on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

‘High-end’ show brings lovers of vintage vehicles to Geneva

August 25, 2026 at 3:34 p.m.

Fans of antique, classic and modern vehicles were drawn to downtown Geneva over the weekend for the annual Geneva Concours d’Elegance car show.

Ashley Krueger of Sugar Grove and her daughter Gwen, 9, check out a vendor on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the annual Elburn Days festival in Elburn. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Elburn Days fest a summer tradition for families: ‘It brings the community together’

August 25, 2026 at 10:08 a.m.

The Elburn Lions Club organized the three-day Elburn Days celebration, which ran over the weekend.

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