By Bev Horvath
The holiday season is approaching, and the time has come to start preparations for the festivities. As the decorating team assembled, it was soon discovered that something was terribly wrong. The strands of lights for the magnificent Aurora Water Tower Christmas Tree had been stolen. The replacement value is over $6,000, and the discovery has sent shockwaves throughout the small community with a population of just 450.
The signature tree lighting ceremony has been the kick-off to a weekend filled with hometown festivities for several years.
The Grinch needs to be identified and punished for this crime. But let it be known that just as with the Whos in Whoville, the spirit of Christmas is alive in Aurora. The team has already begun to recreate the magnificent tree that will once again tower over our community during the season but needs your help.
Fundraisers will start with an evening to come together for Grinch Movie Night at the Venue, 468 Main Street Aurora, November 15th from 6-9 pm featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey. Entry is free, but there is limited seating. Hot dogs, chips, sodas, and popcorn will be for sale. An ornament with your name can be purchased for $5.00 and will be placed on a community Christmas tree. You may also give a cash donation for the replacement of the lights.
There will be an official tree lighting at the site of the water tower on December 13th at 6:30pm. It will be symbolic of our spirit. It is from the lighting of the tree that the community will walk in unity through the town to discover the magic on Main Street that includes a living manger, children’s activities, music, visits with Santa, s’mores and hot cocoa, plus a hayride.
Celebrations continue Saturday with a Craft Fair at the Community Center, children’s activities at the Aurora Fossil Museum, and pictures with Santa in the Fossil Park. On Sunday, the Craft Fair continues, and the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual BBQ plate sale and raffle, then a parade at 3pm.
Donations for the tree light replacement may be made at the Blue Crab Boutique 398 Main St Aurora or online at www.partp.org using check or credit card. Please designate to PARTP that the donation is for the Aurora Christmas Lights.
