AURORA, IL - Aurora's recently crowned young royalty will lead the City's annual Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow - Friday, November 17, 2017.

On Tuesday evening at the Aurora City Council meeting, Mayor Richard Irvin crowned 5 year-old Jeremiah Smith-Jones as Little Mr. Aurora and 7 year-old Sienna Flores as Little Miss Aurora.

Formerly known as Miss Merry Christmas and Jack Frost, Irvin enhanced the role of the winners and announced their new titles.

"As Little Mr. Aurora and Little Miss Aurora, they will represent the City of Lights beyond just this season and throughout the next year at parades and other events," said Irvin. "Their first official duties will be to lead the parade and light the tree at Winter Lights this weekend."

Led by the royal pair and their court, the Winter Lights Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. The parade, which includes themed floats and a special appearance by Buddy the Elf from "Elf the Musical" at the Paramount Theatre, will step off at Downer Place and Middle Ave, proceed east on Downer Pl. and end at Water Street.

Immediately following the parade, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence at the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 23. Downer Place. The ceremony includes a special performance by local teen singer Nathaniel Mojica, an award presentation for the winner of the Downtown Window Decorating Contest and the community countdown to the lighting of the City's Christmas tree.

After the ceremony, participants can enjoy the evening by taking photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, petting real reindeer, roasting marshmallows, meeting a cast of costumed-characters, riding a fun trackless train and visiting downtown businesses, pop-up shops and food vendors.