The Fox River Valley knows the Aurora Festival of Lights as an annual event held from Thanksgiving through Christmas. What they may not realize is the Festival of Lights is an ongoing operation. Beginning as early as February, volunteers donate their time and energy to tackle everything from permits and police, checking every bulb twice, contacting sponsors.
Many hours of work from a dedicated team transform Phillips Park in Aurora into an illuminated display. Displays are removed, tested, repaired, hundreds of strings of lights tested and replaced, and plans are created to produce the display locations.
Volunteer team captains are prepared so they can assemble their crew members for set-up. All this preparation is leading up to the delivery of one of the most spectacular free outdoor light displays in northern Illinois.
Those in attendance can ring in the holiday season at Phillips Park. Enter at Smith Boulevard and 5th Avenue, Aurora, November 26 through December 26 open daily, Sunday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.. It is presented and organized by the Rotary Club of Aurora in partnership with the City of Aurora government.
Free reservations are required, for tickets. Visit www.aurorafestivaloflights.com.
— Aurora Festival of Lights