Tonight: RiverEdge Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House!
The City of Aurora and the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house TONIGHT beginning at 5:30 P.M. to commemorate the reopening of RiverEdge Park following significant renovations and expansion.
The event, which is open to the public, will feature remarks from Mayor John Laesch and President and CEO of ACCA Tim Rater, along with an open house in which guests can walk the grounds to see the new construction, including the beverage pavilion, skydeck, restrooms, south gate entrance and will call. Following the ribbon cutting, guests will also be able to visit the back stage area and enter inside the new artist building!
Guests will be welcome to walk around the Park from 5:30 P.M. to 6 P.M., then again immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony until 7:30 P.M.!
The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 6 P.M. at Gate 4 - the newly renovated entrance at the South end of the Park. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Aurora Transportation Center, located at 233 N. Broadway, or at Wilder Park, located at 350 N. River Street to access the Park. The RiverEdge Park Pedestrian Bridge will be open for attendees to access the Park from the West Side of the Fox River.
Learn More About RiverEdge Park's Summer Concert Series!
This Week: City of Aurora Celebrates Juneteenth!
The City of Aurora is proud to celebrate Juneteenth this week, as Friday, June 19th commemorates the emancipation of enslaved individuals and honors the resilience and strength of the Black community.
On Tuesday night, Mayor John Laesch issued the annual Juneteenth Day Of Observance proclamation to the City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board, and the African American Men of Unity. The City will be hosting a Juneteenth flag raising ceremony TODAY at 3:30 P.M. at City Hall (44 E. Downer Place).
The City's African American Heritage Advisory Board, Aurora In Black, and the Quad County Urban League will also be hosting the annual Scheketa Hart-Burns Juneteenth Flag raising at Aurora University (1347 Prairie Street) at 2 P.M. on Friday, June 19th! The event will feature inspiring speakers, exciting performances, awards, and so much more!
The African American Men of Unity will be hosting its annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20th from 2:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 51 N. Farnsworth Avenue. Live music, powerful poetry, storytelling, entertainment, games, vendors, and more will be on hand for the event.
Name The City of Aurora's New Baby Elk Born At Phillips Park Zoo!
Click on the photo to watch the report from ABC 7 Chicago!
The City of Aurora is inviting the public to name a new baby elk that was born in early June at Aurora’s Phillips Park Zoo.
On June 6th at 3:30 P.M., the baby elk was born to its mother, Aashi, at the Zoo. Aashi is about 10 years old and joined the Zoo’s elk herd in April.
The City is inviting the public to vote on the new name of the baby elk, which will commence through Tuesday, June 30. The top vote-getter will then serve as the baby elk’s new name!
Voters will have the opportunity to choose from the following names put together by the City’s Zoo staff: Chet, Barry, Benji, Kiran, and Asher.
Those interested in seeing the new baby elk can visit the Phillips Park Zoo, located at 1000 Ray Moses Drive, on Thursdays through Tuesdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Mayor John Laesch Honors Community Member Who Saved “Hope” From Drowning In Fox River and Animal Control Officer For Reuniting “Hope” With Her Mother
Mayor John Laesch honored a local community member who saved Hope, one of Aurora’s four baby falcons, from drowning in the Fox River last week, as well as a City of Aurora Animal Control Officer who helped to reunite the falcon with its mother, at the Tuesday, June 16 Committee of the Whole meeting.
On Thursday, June 11, Ed Bernal visited downtown Aurora for what he thought would be a routine haircut. As he rode his bike on the Downer Place Bridge, he noticed a number of people, including photographers, looking down at the Fox River. Bernal stopped his bike, joined the crowd, and noticed one of Aurora’s beloved baby falcons, Hope, stuck in the River and being pushed by the current towards a wall.
A bystander had a bucket and a towel handy, and Bernal climbed down the wall to rescue Hope. He utilized the towel to take hold of her and inserted her, unharmed, into the bucket. He then waded downstream and reached a set of stairs to climb out of the River and get back onto dry land.
Following the rescue, Hope was driven by a group of community members to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center for a medical evaluation. She was then transported back to Aurora, and was perched on the south side of City Hall for hours, as passersby attempted to guide her back to the nest and her mother. After some time, Aurora Animal Control Officer Quentin Johnson was able to lure Hope off her perch and capture her. He then transported Hope back to her mother and nest on the opposite side of City Hall.
Thank you to Ed Bernal and Quentin Johnson for your compassion and courage! You both make Aurora proud!
Watch The Full Report On NBC 5 Chicago and ABC 7 Chicago!
Reminder: City of Aurora Continues Clean-Up Process From Last Week's Severe Storms
Following last week's severe storms, the City of Aurora's Public Works Department and Street Maintenance Division has been working around the clock to fast-track the clean-up process.
Residents with new tree issues, such as large, downed branches or downed tree limbs, should place them at the curb and file a ticket with myAurora 311 by calling 311, downloading the free app on the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting www.myaurora311.com. Any current or existing tickets will be documented and closed accordingly. The Street Maintenance team is conducting sweeps across the City and will remove large branches and limbs if they are placed in the parkway.
Groot will also continue to collect tree debris based on the following guidelines:
- Branches and limbs between ½ inch and 4 inches in diameter, and 2 to 4 feet in length, must be bundled
- Each bundle must weigh less than 50 pounds
- Bundled branches and limbs can be placed at the curb without a waste sticker
- Brush smaller than ½ inch in diameter is considered yard waste and must be placed in a kraft paper yard waste bag with a waste sticker attached
The City of Aurora will continue to work hard to expedite the clean-up process for the community.
If You Light It, We Will Cite It: Fireworks Are Illegal In Aurora
Under City Code Sec. 29-30, the use of possession of fireworks is prohibited. Fines can reach $1,000 and property owners may also face serious penalties.
Report illegal fireworks by calling 311 or (630) 256-4636 if outside City limits, online at myaurora311.com, or by calling 911 if the situation threatens the safety of persons or property.
Yard signs will be available starting next week – contact myAurora 311 to request one!
Learn More About The City's Fireworks Policy
Road Closure Alert In Downtown Aurora Through June 24
The City of Aurora plans to close the East section of the intersection at West Downer Place and South Stolp Avenue in order to reconstruct a crosswalk affected by a recent water main break.
The closure will be in effect from Thursday, June 18, through Wednesday, June 24. Detour signs will be posted in the area, rerouting traffic to West Benton Street.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as these critical repairs are completed!
Next Week: Special Census Job Fair!
Another 2026 Special Census Job Fair is on its way!
Join City of Aurora officials next Thursday, June 25 at the Aurora Public Library (101 S. River Street) from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. for a Special Census Job Fair!
City staff will be on hand with computers and iPads to help you fill out your application to work for the 2026 Aurora Special Census!
PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING:
- An easily accessible version of your resume (paper and/or digital)
- Access to your email account
PLEASE NOTE: It will be much faster to complete your job application if you have access to your resume. We recommend sending your resume to yourself via email, and having your email login information available, so that we can easily help you to complete your application!
Pay ranges from $21 to $24.50 per hour, and excellent benefits are included! Positions are open to U.S. Citizens only.
Work For The 2026 Aurora Special Census!
Grand-Niece of Frida Kahlo to Visit Aurora This Saturday!
Photographer Cristina Khalo’s latest exhibit, “Líneas de Luz y Sombra” (Lines of Light and Shadow), is currently on display at the Edith Farnsworth House – located in Plano, IL. Kahlo will be in downtown Aurora at La Quinta De Los Reyes on Saturday, June 20 at 10 A.M.!
For four generations, photography has played a significant role in the Kahlo family. Frida Kahlo’s father, Guillermo, specialized in architectural photography, and the camera was often key to how Frida developed her own art. Her nephew, Antonio Kahlo, was an amateur photographer who maintained a dark room and introduced his daughter, Cristina Kahlo, to the form.
Now a professional photographer and curator, Kahlo will speak on this legacy and how it has shaped her own artistic practice.
Come listen to this valuable insight before going to see the opening of “Líneas de Luz y Sombra” at the Edith Farnsworth House!
Make the Switch to Solar!
The Federal Government’s 30% Solar Tax Credit is set to expire in 2026. Only expenditures made by December 31, 2025 will be eligible under the new law.
Now is the perfect time to learn more about how solar energy can impact your home!
Switch Together, a program supported by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Citizens Utility Board, has helped empower over 13,000 homes to make the switch to solar energy.
To ensure you qualify and receive the full tax credit, please register with Switch Together by September 3!
Learn More About The Switch Together Program!
Stay Informed at TextAurora.com
Subscribe to Aurora’s text alert service!
Stay up to date on all things taking place within the City of Aurora by signing up for the City’s new text alert service!
You can receive alerts about events, warming shelter notifications, snow operations, and much more.
Sign Up Today at TextAurora.com!
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advisory Board Hosts Hula Dance Fundraiser On Saturday!
Join the Aurora Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Advisory Board for its Hula Dance Class Fundraiser on Saturday, June 20 from 1 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Dance Fuze Studio, located at 12 N. Broadway!
Learn more about the Aurora AANHPI Advisory Board at http://www.aurora.il.us/AANHPI!
This Sunday: International Day of Yoga Celebration At Wilder Park!
Join us at Wilder Park (350 North River Street) for the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday, June 21!
We will celebrate the global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging”, with The Art of Living, highlighting the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
See you at Wilder Park from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.!
Save the Date: Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Gala!
Join the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board for its annual Brillo & Herencia Gala on July 10! Proceeds will support the Board’s Scholarship Fund.
Attend the Brillo & Herencia Gala on July 10 from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. at Belle Salle Banquets—an after-party will take place from 9 P.M. to 11 P.M.!
Meet Your Aldermen Episode 5: Alderman Ted Mesiacos!
The City of Aurora has launched a new, monthly series that profiles each of Aurora's 12 Alderpeople. "Meet Your Aldermen" is an interview-based program that helps Aurora residents receive an inside look into each Alderperson's career, how they became an elected official, and what their priorities are while in office!
On the fifth episode of the show, Ward 3 Alderman Ted Mesiacos sits down with host Jon Zaghloul to take a look back at 14-plus years in office, some exciting developments at Phillips Park, the story behind the Ward 3 Curbside Appeal Award, and so much more!
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