Aurora prepares to celebrate America’s birthday on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 with an action-packed day of Fourth of July activities - from the parade in the morning to a picnic in the afternoon to the fireworks at night!
Parade
Themed "Party On, Aurora," Aurora’s 2017 Fourth of July Parade will be led by Grand Marshal Tony Galvez, a tireless advocate for children with disabilities.
The pre-parade program begins at 9:15 a.m. at the reviewing stand located in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with more than 100 exciting units. Stepping off at Benton and River Streets, the parade heads east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Galena Boulevard, south on Stolp Avenue, and west on Downer Place, ending on River. The best viewing locations are at two separate reviewing stands: the main stage in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., and a second stage near Benton and Stolp.
Picnic
Following the parade, the Aurora Historical Society will hosts its annual Independence Day Picnic and Bell Ringing Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tanner House, 305 Cedar St. The annual event will feature old-fashioned Fourth of July with music, games, petting zoo, museum tours, pie-eating contest, food for purchase, and the national Ringing of the Bells at 1 p.m.
Fireworks and Family Activities
The City of Lights lives up to its name with a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky over the Fox River at approximately 9:35 p.m. The best viewing will be at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park, where free family-friendly activities begin at 6 p.m. McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, will feature the horns of Pawnshop playing live blues, rock, soul, ska and everything in between, staring at 7 p.m. Giant inflatables for children and tempting treats from a variety of local food vendors will be for sale all evening. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, will feature patriotic music from the American Legion Band, beginning at 6:15 p.m., and the Fox Valley Orchestra, beginning at 7:45 p.m., on the main stage of the Dunham Pavilion, Aurora’s premiere outdoor music venue. There will be a head banging contest and the traditional community line dancing will commence at 9:15 p.m. with the Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle and more!
Set a World Record
Aurora’s ’Wayne’s World’ celebration ends with "Bohemian Rhapsody" performed live with a Guinness World Record attempt for the Most People Head Banging Simultaneously at approximately 9:00 p.m. at RiverEdge Park. Join in on the fun -- wear flannel and when the Fox Valley Orchestra performs "Stairway to Heaven," head down to the stage to be counted. Participation is limited to the first 1,000 people in order to get an official count. Volunteers are needed - learn more by finding the event "Head Banging World Record Attempt" on Facebook.
Free Shuttle Buses
The City of Aurora offers free park-and ride shuttle service from 6 to 9 p.m. with roundtrip rides to 10 convenient locations throughout the city. The shuttles resume service following the fireworks, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m. See details at www.aurora-il.org/4thofJuly