Aurora shuffles fireworks to July 2

LOCATION: AURORA

DATE: March 23, 2010
BY: ANDRE SALLES asalles@stmedianetwork.com

 

DETAILS: AURORA -- For the second year in a row, the city's Fourth of July fireworks will not take place on July 4.

In a memo sent last week to City Council members, Mayor Tom Weisner announced this year's fireworks display would be moved to Friday, July 2. According to Weisner, the move was made because not enough police officers accepted an offer of overtime to work on a Sunday holiday.

"A large number of police officers are required in a number of capacities ... to assist at the fireworks and provide routine services throughout the city," Weisner wrote.

When fireworks take place on weekdays, there are enough officers already on duty, but on weekends the ranks are thinner, he said.

Last year, the fireworks were moved to July 3, and according Weisner's assistant chief of staff, Chuck Nelson, it was the same police overtime issue that prompted the change. But, Nelson said, the mayor's office got several calls last year from people who were grateful for the move, because it freed up time over the weekend for holiday travel.

This year's celebration is expected to cost the same amount as last year's: about $35,000, according to Gina Moga, head of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.

And just like last year, Aurora will partner with North Aurora for a joint fireworks display. The Independence Day bash will be held at the same location, on the grounds of the Illinois Math and Science Academy and Aurora Central Catholic School.

The fireworks moved to their West Side location in 2007, after a three-year stint at Westfield Fox Valley Mall on the far East Side.