With the theme ‘Aurora Strong,’ the energy, pride and strength of Aurora will all be on full display for the City’s annual Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks on Thursday, July 4, 2019. With activities planned for the morning, afternoon and evening, Aurora will come together to celebrate the nation's 243rd birthday.
MORNING PARADE
The pre-parade ceremony is a community celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the reviewing stand located in front of the GAR Memorial Hall, 23. E. Downer Place. The ceremony will feature special remarks from Mayor Irvin, a presentation to the grand marshals and performances from Simply Destinee and AKA Dance.
The parade steps off from the intersection of River and Benton Streets at 10 a.m. led by the 911 Operators – our 25 headset heroes of public safety. These courageous first responders answered more than 247,000 calls per year for the Aurora Police Department, the Aurora Fire Department and the North Aurora Police Department.
AFTERNOON 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.
EVENING FIREWORKS AND FAMILY FUN
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 5 p.m.
- McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, will feature music by DJ Suave Smooth with carnival rides and giant inflatables for children. Food vendors include: Andre's Restaurant, Gallego's Snow Cones, Harvey's Firebox, Holy Pierogi, Jaquilita's Tacosa, Something Sweet Lemonade, and Wurst Kitchen
- RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, will feature patriotic music from the American Legion Band, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and Bruce in the USA at 7:10 p.m., on the main stage of the Dunham Pavilion, Aurora's premiere outdoor music venue. The community dance will commence at 9:05 p.m. with the Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, an Old Town Road Sing-a-Long and more! Food vendors include: Aurora Noon Lions, Bayou Chili, Beans, Greens & Proteins, Genoa Italian Concessions, Senor Taco, and Umbrella Azul
FREE SHUTTLE BUSES
The City of Aurora offers free park-and ride shuttle service from 6 to 9 p.m. with round-trip rides to 11 convenient locations throughout the city. The shuttles resume service following the fireworks, with the last shuttles departing at 11 p.m. For the complete shuttle schedule, visit www.aurora-il.org/4thOfJuly