The Winter months are a busy time for many event-planners. With the snow on the ground, it’s the best time to plan the logistics of events that will happen in the warm, Summer months. Events such as outdoor concerts and festivals, parades, and block parties are all in the works right now.
Aurora Downtown, a non-profit organization of downtown business and property owners, puts on approximately two dozen events each year. As its event coordinator, I am busy getting food trucks for the Food Truck Festival May 4, booking musicians for Wednesdays at the Plaza and First Fridays, and having posters made for all of the above.
Last week, I ordered thousands of plastic toy-and-candy-filled eggs for the second annual Egg Hunt on Stolp Island. The free event was a huge success last year. So much so, that we came up short on eggs due to the impressive turnout.
This year, I am working with Aurora Downtown’s events committee to make sure we have an amazing and well-planned event Saturday, March 24. We will have staggered egg hunts at different locations for various age groups. A welcome table at Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York Street, will be open throughout the event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts will be set up at Culture Stock, 43 E. Galena Boulevard.
Another event that I’m excited about planning is this year’s Downtown Taste to benefit the Exchange Club of Aurora. Traditionally held on the second Tuesday in May, Aurora Downtown will now run the popular event and it will be held the last Tuesday in July.
In its 16th year, the Downtown Taste will start Aurora Downtown’s new restaurant week dubbed “Eat Aurora.” The week will begin July 31 with the Downtown Taste and run through Sunday, Aug. 5. We are looking forward to being a partner with downtown restaurants and the Exchange Club to bring another great event to downtown Aurora.
One of our most popular events is the Food Truck Festival on First Fridays in May. This year, the event will be May 4, which is thrilling for any Star Wars fan because “May the 4th be with you” is an endearing play on “May the force be with you.” The movie inspires the “May the 4th be with you” theme of the evening, so don’t be surprised if you see a Wookiee walking around in downtown Aurora May 4.
If you’re looking for something to do before winter is over, check out First Fridays March 2. The incredible evening of arts and culture features two dozen venues and a handful with live music. I recommend stopping on the third floor of The Pierce Center on Downer Place in Aurora to see The Ready Freddies, an (almost) all-female Queen tribute band.
Later in March, the first Aurora Museums After Dark will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 29 during Spring break. Aurora Regional Fire Museum, SciTech Hands On Museum, G.A.R. Museum, The Pierce Center, and Santori Public Library will be open with activities for families to enjoy.
For more information on downtown events, visit Aurora Downtown on Facebook or www.aurora
downtown.org.
Marissa Amoni is the event coordinator for Aurora Downtown SSA #One. The special service area serves the core of downtown.