This Is Aurora City Newsletter
June 30, 2022
Celebrate the 4th of July in Aurora!

Celebrate America’s Independence Day with Aurora’s 4th of July Spectacular Monday, July 4, at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

The free event will have a variety of live musical performances starting at 6 p.m., and a 30-minute fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and arrive early to find a spot.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes tunes from Colorado southern rock group Brothers of the Son, Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles, a swing-style band, and dance party music from Syndicate, a returning event favorite.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy. No alcohol, glass, pets, unlawful devices, illegal substances, firearms or fireworks are allowed on the event premises. Free onsite parking will be available on the premises on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can also take the R Line to the Aurora Metro Center Station and take a short walk up to the event site.

Those unable to make it to the event celebration in person can view the display from the surrounding areas. A map of the best vantage points can be found on the event website at AuroraGov.org/Events. Viewers can tune in to HITS 95.7 to listen along to choreographed music for the show to enhance their viewing experience. As a reminder, only limited fireworks are permitted for personal use in the city, and no fireworks that explode or leave the ground are allowed. For more information, and to learn about reporting illegal fireworks, go to AuroraGov.org/Fireworks.
Read the latest issue of Aurora Creates
Aurora Creates is a bimonthly publication by the city's Library and Cultural Services Department highlighting events, programs and stories related to the arts and cultural offerings by the city.
Aurora recognizes volunteers and organizations with Community Spirit Awards

The city of Aurora has recognized 18 community volunteers and four organizations with Community Spirit Awards for helping make Aurora a great place to call home.

These awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations and businesses who have demonstrated ongoing leadership, a commitment to volunteerism and involvement in the Aurora community.


The Aurora Volunteer Committee chose award recipients based on community nominations. The city celebrated recipients June 15 with an awards ceremony at the Aurora Reservoir.

The city of Aurora and local organizations rely on the generosity and service of volunteers to improve the community. In 2021, more than 900 individuals donated over 20,000 volunteer hours serving city of Aurora programs, equating to more than $640,000 worth of labor.

To view a list of volunteer opportunities, please visit AuroraGov.org/Volunteer.
Catch up with News Aurora

News Aurora is a monthly publication mailed with the water bill to more than 86,000 households. If you receive your water bill electronically or don't receive a bill, you may view the latest issue at AuroraGov.org/Newsletters.
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
  • Mayor Mike Coffman - Saturday, July 9, 2 to 3 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. - this meeting will be conducted in Spanish
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Aug. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.- virtual meeting option available
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - (Budget town meeting) Thursday, July 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Aug. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, July 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, July 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - (Budget town meeting) Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/Public Comment. 
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 

City Council Ward Redistricting Meetings
Redistricting of the city of Aurora’s six council wards will happen in 2023, and residents have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed changes. Residents are invited to provide comments or suggestions about possible redistricting scenarios and ask questions at the remaining public meetings scheduled this summer:


A survey is available through Aug. 3 for those who cannot attend a meeting. Learn more: EngageAurora.org/Redistricting

Family Movie Night Under the Stars
Thursdays: June 30 (Jumanji), July 7 (Frozen)
Arapahoe County’s outdoor summer film series, Pictures on the Plains, is back, featuring family-friendly movies on a giant high-definition screen, popcorn, and movie-themed activities. Tickets are $5 (2 and under free). Screenings are in partnership with Arapahoe Libraries.
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.

Colfax Art Jams
Saturday, July 2, noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy free concerts and performances.
More info: AuroraCulture.org
Fletcher Plaza, 9800 E. Colfax Ave.

Independence Day
Monday, July 4
Municipal offices and courts will be closed. A full list of city facility closures will be available at AuroraGov.org.

4th of July Spectacular
Monday, July 4, 6 to 10 p.m. (fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a variety of musical performances and a large fireworks show.
Visit AuroraGov.org/Events for more information, including parking details. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and beverages to enjoy (no alcohol allowed). Arrive early to find a spot. 
Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Aurora History Museum STEAM-Powered History Summer Camp
July 11 to 15 and July 18 to 22 
Have you ever wanted to make your own game? Come to the Aurora History Museum’s STEAM-Powered History Camp to explore the history of your favorite games and create your own along the way. Campers play like pioneers, see historic events reflected in classic games like Battleship®, and even look inside a video game. Campers are divided by age group but may complete some activities together.  
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway 
More information and registration: AuroraMuseum.org 

Aurora Rhythms
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
The Aurora Rhythms monthly free concert series, presented by the city's Library and Cultural Services Department, will feature a performance by The Constant Tourists (gypsy rock) and a pre-show by Aurora Dance Arts.
For more information and to register, visit AuroraGov.org/Concerts.
Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

Free Loader Days
July 16 and Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to noon (while supplies last)
The city is offering free mulch on select Saturdays as a service to residents working to sustain a healthy landscape in Colorado's arid climate. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer to have us load it full of mulch, or bring your own shovels and containers to serve yourself.
Near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street (enter via South Dawson Street and follow the signs)
More information: AuroraGov.org/Trees

First Responders Celebration
Saturday, July 16, noon to 4 p.m.
Join us for a day of family fun, including music, food trucks, ice cream and public safety equipment, in honor of Aurora's first responders.
Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Retirement Planning Seminar
Monday, July 18, 6 to 7 p.m.
Do you have a plan for a financially successful retirement? Join Mike Mullen, CFP®, Executive Financial Advisor with CUSO Financial Services, L.P. for an informative seminar that explores: What does retirement mean to you? When do you plan to retire? How long will your retirement last? This seminar will help you determine when is the best time to retire and what sort of income you might expect during your retirement. Reserve your spot now by emailing LibraryOutreach@AuroraGov.org.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E Alameda Parkway.

Summer of Imagination
Through July 31
“Dive into Reading” at Aurora Public Library this summer with reading challenges, live performers and programs designed to get kids thinking. Stop by any Aurora Public Library to get signed up and receive a reading log. Complete the challenges on the log by July 30 to receive a free book and a chance to win other prizes! Learn more, and register at AuroraGov.org/SummerofImagination

"Tatanka: Spirit of the Land" Exhibit
Through Aug. 14
The Aurora History Museum is proud to partner with local Mexican artist Arturo Garcia in presenting the exhibition, “Tatanka: The Spirit of the Land,” on display through Aug. 14. The exhibit explores the near extinction of the bison, their role in indigenous cultures and the beauty of this North American icon. Tatanka is connected to “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Mexican Community,” currently exhibiting at the museum showcasing several local Latino artists throughout this summer and fall. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora’s Mexican population with a new exhibition. The exhibit showcases vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, such as popular music, art, dance, clothing, popular food and religion. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

Aurora for Action: A youth-focused
conference promoting violence reduction
Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the city of Aurora and partners at this inaugural conference for youth, caregivers and service providers. The event will include workshops, a resource fair, an awards ceremony and much more.
Gateway High School, 1300 S. Sable Blvd.
More information: AuroraGov.org/EmpoweringYouth

COVID-19 Testing Site
Open through Sept. 30, daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This site will be closed July 4 for the holiday.
Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park
Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

Know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? Have them sign up at AuroraGov.org/NewsletterSignup.
This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

Questions?