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By Brendon Kolodziej September 1 marked the start of National Suicide Prevention Month. To help spread awareness, a local organization kick-started a campaign utilizing the unique blend of art, culture, and community for which the city is widely known. Shine the Light on Suicide showcases the works of local artists in the form of large, masterfully-painted lightbulb sculptures, which can be discovered scattered around downtown Aurora. The artists’ work serves as a reminder to people, and the community at large: Suicide is a serious epidemic that cannot be ignored. In addition to the twenty art sculptures out on display on the streets of Aurora (14 are found in downtown Aurora), the Shine the Light on Suicide campaign created by Simply Destinee, a youth dance team whose mission is to encourage awareness and understanding when it comes to suicide, is sponsoring a slew of events all month long. Such events, from poetry readings on Sept. 19, to informative presentations by the Kane Co. Sheriff, Suicide Prevention Services, and Simply Destinee on Sept. 20, both at Santori Library, will focus on promoting both the awareness and prevention of suicide. The events and festivities began at Aurora Downtown’s First Fridays in September. Aurora Downtown, an organization of business and property owners within SSA #One is also a sponsor of the project.  More community events focused around Shine the Light on Suicide kicked-off Sept. 2 at Fox Valley Mall with a public meet and greet with the artists, as well as performances and speeches by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, Hope for a Day, and the Aurora Police Department. On Sept. 5 at Aurora’s City Hall, Mayor Richard Irvin signed a proclamation allowing for the erection of street art associated with the cause. This proclamation officially gave artists and local...

  DOWNTOWN AURORA – First Fridays hosts two outdoor events plus more than 20 venues open with art, music and more on Sept. 1. Stolp Island Block Party, hosted by the Aurora Downtown organization of downtown business and property owners, features live art, live music, an outdoor market, a beer tent, and more from 6 to 10 p.m. on Stolp Avenue from Galena Boulevard to Downer Place. It’s the second block party of the year with the first one in August bringing more than 1,000 attendees. More than a dozen artists will once again create live art on Stolp in front of If These Walls Could Talk, who is curating the art portion of the evening. The First Fridays summer concert series caps off with The Desperate Bastards at 6 p.m. and Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts at 8 p.m. at the gazebo at Millennium Plaza. Aurora is the last stop for Nielsen’s summer tour before heading back to Rockford, Ill. An outdoor market features fresh, locally grown produce from Renewed Roots Initiative; baked goods by Frosted Fig and Atrevete Confections; homemade soaps from Aroma Roots; essential oils and more from Illuminate Space; and pickled goods from Just Divine Foods. Food vendors include Grumpy Gaucho, Wurst Kitchen, and . Gillerson’s Grubbery is setting up a beer tent at the festivities. Additional food vendors including Joe’s Street Kitchen, Yum Dum, and others will be set up on Water Street Mall from 5 to 9 p.m. for the annual Roots Aurora, a cultural celebration benefiting Family Focus. Roots Aurora offers a variety of diverse entertainment including Simply Destinee, youth performers from Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl. A talent show showcasing local youth begins the evening. Art openings, live music, and more...

Alley Art Festival returns to Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26.   Alley Art Festival will fill the tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly mall between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard with local art, music, food, spectacle, and fun for the day.   The festival continues to be one of the largest gatherings of local artists in the Fox Valley, bringing more than 60 artists to display their original works, prints, and creations.     “Alley Art Fest continues to provide an opportunity for the community to support local artists while enjoying a fun day downtown,” said organizer Marissa Amoni.   Joining the hip and eclectic lineup of art this year is Dept., a group of teachers from Naperville Central High School including Daniela Cirone, Danielle Figueroa, Becky Mancuso, Amy Murphy, and Greg Padgett. Fox Valley Robotics will be demonstrating robots and have a Lego build activity. A children’s art tent will also feature hands-on, creative opportunities.   Alley Art Festival was started in 2010 by Marissa Amoni, Jen Evans, Lisa Green, and Nate Miller. The festival is supported by artists and volunteers, and is sponsored by Downtown Auroran Magazine, Aurora Downtown, and the City of Aurora’s Neighborhood Festival Funding.   The day-long festival is family-friendly, and welcomes patrons of all ages to patronize local artists, listen to local music, and support local food vendors.   To find out more about Alley Art Festival, visit Alley Art Festival on Facebook or online at...

Released on June 1, 1967, the music of the Beatles’ eighth album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, was different, exciting and colorful.   That’s the idea behind the Aurora Public Library Foundation’s Beatles Barbecue, set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 in the Richard and Gina Santori Public Library’s Parker Garden.   “Two librarians – Robb Winder and Dan Smolla – suggested a 50th anniversary-type party with Beatles music, 60s fashions and a cookout, and the event committee loved the idea,” said Foundation President Kelly McCleary, who is busy working on themed décor for the outdoor celebration.   “This is a fundraiser to support early literacy and scholarships as well as delivery of library materials to the homebound,” McCleary said. “It will also help purchase technology and STEM tools for all library locations.”   But like the 1967 album, the event will be different from past Library Foundation events.   “We will have a live band (the Dog and Pony Show), dancing, karaoke, raffles, trivia and prizes,” said Foundation Manager Laura Stoney, “but there will not be an auction at this time. We just want people to come out and have fun and support their library.”   Tickets are available online at http://www.santorilibrary.com/beatles-barbecue-tickets/ for $50 each, which includes an on-site barbecue with all the trimmings by Reuland Food Service. Beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail created just for the occasion are included in the ticket price.   Call 630-264-4124 for information or...

Stolp Island Block Party adds some outdoor fun to First Fridays on August 4 and September 1. The block party, hosted by the Aurora Downtown organization of downtown business and property owners, features live art, live music, an outdoor market, a beer tent, and more. The block party is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Stolp Avenue from Galena Boulevard to Downer Place. About a dozen artists will create live art on Stolp in front of If These Walls Could Talk, who is curating the art portion of the evening. The First Fridays summer concert series continues on Aug. 4 with Ron Porter Trio at 6 p.m. and Scott Tipping Trio at 8 p.m. at the gazebo at Millennium Plaza. An outdoor market features fresh, locally grown produce from Renewed Roots Initiative; baked goods by Frosted Fig; homemade soaps from Aroma Roots; essential oils and more from Illuminate Space; and unique fresh air topiaries from Aurora Botanicals. Food vendors include Grumpy Gaucho, Taco Grill, and Gobble Doggs. Gillerson’s Grubbery is setting up a beer tent at the festivities. Art openings, live music, and more are featured at First Fridays on Aug. 4 at several locations throughout downtown including: If These Walls Could Talk, 32 S. Stolp Ave., opens “Pencils and Pallets,” art from Eva Balek & Jennifer Hunger. 7 to 11 p.m. Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd., hosts an annual urban art show from 4 to 9 p.m. Spoken word starts at 8:30 p.m. Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton St., features “Three Artists in One Space.” 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Indie Studio Space, 105 E. Galena Blvd., welcomes director Andre Boyd and photographer Ryan Lynch. 5 to 8 p.m.   David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., is currently...

Are you wondering what you’ll do with the kids this summer? Grab the kids and go enjoy these great, local activities in downtown Aurora, IL. Free fun at Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Blvd. Kids enjoy crafts and stories at an event at the used bookstore. Culture Stock hosts activities and summer camps. Visit them on Facebook for more info. 1. SciTech. It’s a fun and educational place for the kids. You can also make a day of it and do lunch in downtown Aurora. Super SciTech Saturdays are free for kids with adult admission on the last Saturday of the month. If you’re downtown during First Fridays in Downtown Aurora, it’s free for the whole family to get in. Whee! 2. Swimming Stones. Across from SciTech on Benton Street are fabulous swimming stones that are kinetic and wet. Wonderful fun for free. 3. Saturdays in downtown Aurora. They’ve never been more fun. There’s the Aurora’s Farmers Market every Saturday morning (June to Oct) with kids crafts and more; there’s Summer Second Saturdays on the second Saturday of the month from June thru Sept at Millennium Plaza on Stolp Ave; and the last Saturday of August is Alley Art Festival – fun for the whole family on August 26. 4. Aurora Public Library. Check out the website and find lots of kids activities including storytime, Lego Club, crafts, and more! If you’re looking to meet other parents, the library is the BEST place. You can meet great friends there. (The Bookmobile parks at the Aurora’s Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.) 5. River’s Edge Cafe. They will save your life with their awesome kid-friendly play corner. Grab a latte and rest for a few minutes. They also have a beautiful deck with a river view that rivals Venice. There’s also Endiro Coffee – try their real juices in their comfy basement. Two Brothers Cafe has great pastries (scones!) and...

Looking for something to do during Aurora’s Harry Potter Festival? Did you miss out on tickets? Sunday, July 30 welcomes wizards of all shapes and sizes to downtown Aurora. Aurora’s Harry Potter Festival is SOLD OUT and a magical spell won’t help you to get in; you’ll need a special wrist band to enter the festival, but don’t run under the stairs and hide in your tiny room. Check out these fun and magical events that do not require a festival ticket for entrance. Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway Noon to 5 Stop by the Aurora Regional Fire Museum from 12-5 pm on Sunday, July 30 for demos, activities, a Muggle Museum, Pop Up Vendors and more! The best part is, they are open by donation to all Muggles and Wizards! Admission: Donation SciTech Hands On Museum, 18 W. Benton St. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join SciTech for a magical Fantastical Astronomy Fair! Hosted at SciTech Hands On Museum and only steps away from ‘Diagon Alley’, the Fair will captivate guests with lessons and magics of the sun, moons, and stars. Cost is $9 3/4 ($9.75 in advance/$15 at the door). THIS IS A SEPARATE EVENT WITH SEPARATE TICKETS! Admission: $9.75 in advance; $15 at door Aurora Historical Society, Tanner Museum 1 to 4 p.m. The 1857 Tanner House Museum, 305 Cedar Ave., will be open free of charge from 1-4 pm on Sunday, July 30 during the Harry Potter Festival in Aurora.  Both the Tanner Museum and David L. Pierce Art and History Center (The DLP at 20 E. Downer) will be featuring treasure hunts for innovations that are considered unremarkable or even quaint today but which seemed like magic at the time they were introduced in the 1800s and early 1900s.  Correct answers...

Downtown Aurora will soon be the home of a unique new hangout spot. A Victorian tearoom. A local business owner, Tanya Barkdoll of Lincoln Avenue’s Calla Lily Salon, is opening a the new Victorian Tea Room on LaSalle Street by early fall. Barkdoll hopes to bring an authentic tea room experience to Aurora. She previously apprenticed with a tea room owner in England. Her experience doesn’t end there; Barkdoll ran Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room in Montgomery, Ill. before relocating to Aurora. Barkdoll intends for her tea room to serve traditional English high tea as well as a more casual afternoon tea, functioning similarly to English tea houses. Though the tea room is based on foreign customs, Barkdoll has been working closely with local businesses for supplies. The tea blender is a Naperville native while the honey served in store will come from an Aurora beekeeper. The tea room will function like a complete restaurant, serving sandwiches and other finger food as well as more interesting options like honey tea infusions and tea pairings with desserts and such. Barkdoll says that though the tea room is open to everyone, she wishes for it to be a place for women to congregate and for it to feel like “lounging and relaxing at Grandma’s”. She said that the former Montgomery tea room felt like a dainty women’s club, which she wants to bring to Aurora because she thinks it is a place for women to “relax and kick back and not feel rushed or hurried”. She added that the tea room will continue to host bridal and baby showers as well as women’s groups after hours like the previous location did. The tea room will fit in well with Aurora’s culture since it has already been...

  The David L. Pierce Art and History Center’s World War I exhibit is open to the public for free until January 6, 2018. The exhibit is open from 12 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 20 E. Downer. The exhibit is based off of the 1919 book With the Colors From Aurora, which was compiled by Aurorans about their experiences in World War I. The complete text of With the Colors From Aurora is available digitally at archive.org. Artifacts from the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Memorial Museum and the Aurora Historical Society are also on display. The World War I showcases the memorabilia of Auroran veterans of various branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the naval and army uniforms. Posters, as well as other forms of propaganda from the era, are displayed alongside the other historical items. One of the most impressive pieces contained in the exhibit is the lifesize replica of a trench, complete with costumes for visitors to try on, a model rifle, a gas alarm, and a periscope. The exhibit’s interactive components, such as the full scale trench replica and coloring posters, make it appropriate for visitors of all ages, even children. However, its in-depth look into WWI’s impact on Aurora and greater America mean that it is engaging to older visitors with a stronger understanding of the war as well as tourists and longtime residents of Aurora alike. While the exhibit does not explore the more gruesome parts of WWI to a large degree, it leaves visitors with a better appreciation for Aurora’s role in the war effort along with the war’s impact on the city itself due to the homage it pays to the Aurorans that participated. Laura Nicholson Tom, a employee...

  In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the release of Wayne’s World, the City of Aurora invites you to help us break the Guinness World Record for the Most People Head Banging Simultaneously. The Fox Valley Orchestra will be providing the soundtrack with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ performed live on stage before the Fourth of July Fireworks. (No way! WAY!) The current record to beat is just 320 people. And while we are going to smash that record, participation is limited to the first 1,000 people who arrive and are checked into the participation area. To participate: 1. Wear flannel or a bandana. 2. Come to RiverEdge Park for the Fourth of July. (It’s free and includes live music, plus food vendors will be around all evening starting at 6 p.m.) 3. When ‘Stairway to Heaven’ plays, that’s your cue to join us at the front of the park, to the barricaded area just in front of the stage. We’ll click you in to make sure you’re counted. 4. Sing along to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and when cued (you know the part!) head bang! (Please be conscious of your space and your neighbors.) WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! In addition to participants, Guinness World Record attempts require a number of volunteers to act as stewards, counting the crowds, monitoring participants to make sure everyone is participating, and submitting affidavits about the attempt. Volunteers will receive an identifying and commemorative bandana and the eternal gratitude of event organizers. (We’re not worthy!) Sign up to volunteer at:...

  Aurora Museums After Dark welcomes visitors to two downtown museums on June 8, July 13, and August 10. This summer, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, GAR Museum, and SciTech Hands On Museum are staying open for an extra few hours for families to enjoy. The museums will open from 5 to 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month from June to August. Children are free with paid adult admission and members are free. Each month the Aurora Regional Fire Museum will feature an array of changing activities. ·         June: Be Safe – Children can create their own mini first-aid kit and learn some basic first-aid tips. ·         July: Cool Off – Color your own fire helmet, enjoy an ice cream treat, and partake in educational demonstrations. ·         August: Create – Create your own mini collection to take home and learn about what a Museum is and why they collect what they do. SciTech will also offer interactive STEAM activities for children. GAR is open for visitors to explore. Aurora Museums After Dark is being supported by Inspection Reports Online and Aurora Downtown, with activities at the Fire Museum sponsored by Universal Security Instruments, Inc. Brian Failing, executive director of Aurora Regional Fire Museum, is excited to boost museumofferings in downtown Aurora. “This series seeks to bring families downtown to enjoy all that our great museums have to offer and allow us an opportunity to collaborate on new programming,” he said. Venture downtown when the stars are out, and enjoy a fun and educational treat for all ages....

The City of Aurora will honor the service men and women who gave their lives for our country during the annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade on Monday, May 29, 2017. The pre-parade ceremony – In Memory of Many, In Honor of All – will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the reviewing stand in front of the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place.   The parade steps off at noon from River and Benton streets, heads east to Broadway Avenue, turns north to Downer Place and concludes at River Street.  The best viewing area will be the in front of the Pierce Art and History Center. WWII veterans Ray Moore,  Bill Moore and William Wallbaum will serve as grand marshals. Leading the parade as Grand Marshals will be World Ward II Veterans Bill Moore, Ray Moore and William Wallbaum.   Bill Moore earned a commission with the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Senior Lieutenant in the British West Indies then came to Aurora, where he would later help to found public accounting firm Sikich.   Ray Moore served as a tail gunner on a B-17 “Flying Fortress,” for the Army Air Corp, and continues to be active in veteran’s organizations today, including the VFW, American Legion, and Burlington Veterans.   William Wallbaum, served as a member of the 1271 Combat Engineers Battalion in France, Germany and Austria before returning to Aurora to teach and coach at his alma mater, West Aurora High School. The 2017 Memorial Day Parade will also feature local military groups, including the Roosevelt Aurora Post 84, Amvets Post 103, Waidley VFD #468, Fox Valley Marines, GAR Commission Post #20, and the 36th Illinois Infantry volunteer re-enactors. Five marching bands – from East Aurora, West...