The luck of the Irish was alive and well in Aurora last weekend.
It was all golden sunshine and blue skies – with green attire abound – Sunday, March 17 at the annual Aurora St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Flag-Raising Ceremony in downtown Aurora.
Spectators shamrocked the block of Downer Place from Water Street Mall to Stolp Avenue as the parade units were filled with marchers clad in green, antique vehicles, Irish dancers, and a larger-than-life leprechaun who greeted spectators along the route.
Following the parade, a flag-raising ceremony was held, complete with special performances by the McNulty Irish Dancers and the Aurora Police Pipe and Dreams. Mayor Richard Irvin issued the annual Irish American Heritage Month Proclamation and presented the 2024 Emerald Excellence Award to Aurora’s Fire Chief, Dave McCabe, who is an Irish American.
The family of the parade’s namesake, Dan D. Dolan, hoisted the Irish Flag as the Irish National Anthem was played.
The late Dan Dolan was a realtor and philanthropist in Aurora for more than 50 years. His presence was felt through his family — and a life-size cardboard cutout.
Following the festivities, participants fanned out to the many downtown Aurora restaurants and bars for an afternoon of fun.
—City of Aurora government