Aurora resident Stacy Lorenz describes the annual Fourth of July parade in downtown Aurora as essential for her family’s holiday celebrations. ‘For nearly the past 10 years, we’ve been attending. It doesn’t feel like the Fourth without being here,’ she shared as she and her family found a spot along Broadway. ‘We want to celebrate our independence, our freedom, and everyone who fights for it, as well as the community.’
Thousands of locals gathered Saturday morning to view the parade, which started at 10 a.m., featuring a variety of floats and groups. This year’s grand marshal was Juanita Wells, a notable community leader who has lived in Aurora since 1972. ‘This is the second major parade after Memorial Day,’ stated Jon Zaghloul, Aurora’s director of communications. ‘The Fourth of July parade is always significant, and it’s especially notable this year, marking America’s 250th anniversary.’
The Knights of Columbus took part in the parade, along with various other entries. Stacy Lorenz expressed her favorite parts of the parade: ‘For me, it’s the high school bands, police officers, and fire trucks. My 4-year-old son, Brody, loves the candy.’
Her husband, Scott Lorenz, reflected on the holiday’s meaning: ‘It reminds me of family time and those who have served our country, and the freedom we enjoy.’ He praised Aurora’s organization of the event, adding, ‘It’s great for the kids. Hopefully, we’ll go swimming at the pool later and see some fireworks tonight.’
Courtney Caccitolo, another Aurora resident, attended with her daughter. She echoed the sentiment that it’s ‘not the Fourth of July unless we’re here.’ ‘We’ve attended for at least the last five years. It’s important to show our support for America,’ she said.
David Sharos provided this report as a freelance journalist for The Beacon-News.