The City of Aurora’s Veterans Advisory Council is planning Vets Week Aurora to start Armed Forces Day, May 19 and run through Memorial Day, May 28.
• Saturday, May 19: Free Picnic and Patriotic Concert at Cool Acres, 500 Block Clearwater Drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., food served from noon to 1 p.m., with music provided by the Aurora American Legion Band from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m..
• Sunday, May 20: 5K Fun Run, Walk, Woof and Roll at Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., kids 10 and under, $5., adults and seniors, $15..
All runners will receive a T-shirt compliments of Grunt Style, a veteran-owned and operated company.
• Monday, May 21: Veteran Resource Fair, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. At 7 p.m., the Paramount Theatre will show Hacksaw Ridge as part of Monday Movie Night series.
• Tuesday, May 22: Women Veterans Empowerment Expo Hosted by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs will offer a variety of resources for Women Veterans and their families. The Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 and the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry will pass out food to the first 250 Veterans, compliments of the Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233. The event will take place at the Painters District Council No. 30 at 1905 Sequoia Drive, Aurora.
• Wednesdays, May 23: You’re A Grand Old Flag Art Reception and award ceremony will be held to congratulate our youth in their interpretation of the U.S. Flag. The event will take place at the Santori Public Library, 101 S. River Street, Aurora at 6 p.m..
• Thursday, May 24: A BBQ fundraiser to be held at IBEW 461, 591 Sullivan Road, Aurora from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and be catered by Reulands. Tickets are $15..
• Friday, May 25:
Veterans who served in Iraq/ Afghanistan GWOT will be honored at Fox Valley Park District’s Prisco Center, 150 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora at 6 p.m..
• Saturday, May 26: Vets Week judged and free Cruise Night will take place at West Aurora Plaza, 2131 West Galena Boulevard, Aurora from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. There is no entry fee for vehicles and there will be a 50/50 drawing with music provided by Carousel Sound.
• Sunday, May 27: Two additional names will be added to the Veterans Monument at Phillips Park at 11 a.m., with a reception following in the Stover Center.
• Monday, May 28: The City of Aurora’s Annual Memorial Day Parade, Downtown Aurora, will step off at noon.
—Vets Week Aurora
