Aurora Pride Parade Is 'Back On;' Donations Sought

AURORA, IL -- During a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin shared a bit of good news that was sure to send a wave of enthusiasm throughout the community. He said "the 2019 Aurora Pride Parade is back on."

On Friday, Irvin issued a statement expressing his disappointment that the Pride festivities had been canceled. He said Tuesday that that disappointment "only heightened, as we all heard from the community and the key stakeholders."

Irvin mentioned that the parade was canceled due to increased costs that were related to an ordinance requiring special events to use their own funds to cover security and safety measures.

"I don't believe a monetary gap should stop the momentum gained from last year's inaugural parade," Irvin reiterated.

At press time, Irvin said there waas roughly $17,000 left to be raised for Indivisible Aurora.

"I'm a firm believer of not giving up and not giving in," he said, adding that he and the director of Indivisible Aurora, Chuck Adams, had a "candid conversation" Sunday that brought them to Tuesday's announcement that the Pride Parade would resume.

"The board of directors of Indivisible Aurora has agreed to reverse the decision and not cancel the Pride Parade," Irvin said, adding, "Now the work begins to raise the necessary funds to have another amazing event."

Irvin said Indivisible Aurora and the city are working together to raise money before the end of April. He said city grants for festival planning in the amount of roughly $3,000 had helped the fundraising efforts get a head start. Irvin also added that $1,500 had been raised by Aurora Downtown.

Indivisible Director Chuck Adams recognized "the ferocity, the intensity, and the sense of ownership" that residents expressed for the Pride Parade, when he talked about reaching the decision to reinstate the parade.

"We are going to make this a success bigger than it was last year," Adams said. "We are looking forward to putting on a great show for you."

To donate to the Indivisible Aurora fund, you can mail a check to Indivisible Aurora, 3015 New York Street, Suite 82-274. Residents can also make donations through the 2019 Aurora Pride Parade GoFundMe account.

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