Some things are priceless. One of those things is pride in community. It would be hard to put a price tag on feeling valued, welcome, and respected.
Although I only attended a few flag-raisings held by the city in downtown Aurora, I always saw their worth for many reasons. The flag ceremonies helped residents in our city feel included and seen, they brought people together, they celebrated diversity, and they utilized a public space that went unused for years.
It felt celebratory and progressive to me, and a way to be inclusive. I appreciate my tax dollars going towards many things that improve Aurora, including impeccable sidewalks, grand parades, and other efforts that help the city to shine.
A frequent complaint a decade ago was that no one knew the greatness of Aurora. Visibility and accessibility were lacking. In my role with Aurora Downtown, I worked with many others to help Aurora to be seen through events and marketing.
For those who aren’t familiar with Aurora Downtown, the now defunct nonprofit managed the funds brought in from Special Service Area One (SSA 1). The boundaries of SSA 1 are roughly Lincoln to Lake and Benton to Spring Street. Aurora Downtown served the property owners within those boundaries in part by putting a spotlight on downtown and bringing more people to downtown.
The decade that I spent working with Aurora Downtown, we updated the downtown business directories and increased their visibility, worked with the city on streetscape, created unique and sustainable events, and advertised downtown through multiple markets. We held ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and got the word out about downtown when many businesses didn’t have the budgets to do so.
At some point, things evolved, and the city’s efforts, including what might have seemed like countless ribbon cuttings, ultimately helped to create a different narrative of Aurora – one that is welcoming, lively, and vibrant.
We were all slowly building a community, and having the city assist with public relations gave us a boost. A larger city marketing department could help us reach more people. By reaching more people, we could expand events like First Fridays, Wednesdays at the Plaza, a free weekly concert series in the summer, and Stolp Island Block party on First Fridays in August. More community members could come downtown for free and fun activities.
When residents have a place to go, they can take ownership in their community. Becoming part of a community is much more than theatrics, it’s a showcase of pride.
When Sterling Heights, Mich. held a Pride flag raising, community members said, “It shows the community that it is a safe place and it’s wonderful.” Residents remarked that they were “grateful and proud” of what the city is doing for the community. “I’m proud to be a resident with these city leaders and their forward thinking,” said one resident.
City spending should be looked at, but let’s not dim the lights on our city and all of the groups that want to feel welcome and respected.
Add these art events to your 2025 calendar:
•July 5, Sticker Snobs, McCarty Mills in downtown Aurora;
•July 11, Second Fridays, Batavia;
•July 26, and 27 Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva;
•August 1, First Fridays, Aurora;
•August 30, Alley Art Festival, Aurora.
alleyartaurora.com.
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. She runs Alley Art Festival, celebrating 15 years this year. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.