A growing tradition

The weather was chilly Saturday, but the vibe on the downtown square was heart-warming.
That was the unanimous consensus of anybody and everybody you talked to enjoying the annual Come Home to Christmas celebration. In just six short years, this event has become a staple on the community’s agenda of feel-good gigs which locals and out-of-town guests alike can count on for family-oriented fun.
The headliner this year as always was the lighted tractor parade, which in and of itself reflects what this community is all about. Not every town in America could pull off a parade featuring tractors and four-wheelers, but it’s a natural fit here in Hamilton County. The added creativity required to light up and decorate ag vehicles adds to the festive atmosphere, with the end result reflecting a strong sense of faith and family, which again says a lot about this community.
Some of this year’s entries were spectacular, and all 17 helped create a parade worth standing outside in the cold. Congrats to all who shared their time and talent to continue a very Aurora-like tradition.
While chatting with a few folks attending various events throughout the day, I couldn’t help but notice a genuine sense of community. Two sisters, for example (Morgan Myers and Elyse Wheeler) who grew up in Aurora shared that they are excited and proud to bring their own children back to their childhood home, adding that A’ROR’N Days and other new events build on their sense of connection.
“It almost feels like you’re in a Hallmark movie when you come back because you know it’s so picturesque with the historic brick (courthouse) and all the decorations,” Wheeler said while getting hot chocolate with her kids before boarding a horse-drawn carriage for a ride on the brick streets surrounding the square. “It’s a great interactive experience for the kids.”
I’ve heard the Hallmark reference before, often during Saturday of A’ROR’N Days, and in fact I have probably used that description before in this space. Regardless, it made me smile to hear it from an Aurora native and young mother who was embracing everything Come Home to Christmas had to offer.
This year’s celebration added a fun run, with Christmas-clad runners braving 30 degree temps, a good sign that organizers are constantly trying to add to and improve the day’s agenda. Hats off to event founder Julie Wasem, this year’s chairman Bridgett Svoboda, and all who helped in some way to make it happen.
Lights, Santa, a nativity scene, pop-up characters and shopping are all part of this feel-good gig, but the one common denominator, by design, is family. Lots of area residents have family in town during the extended Thanksgiving weekend and what better way to showcase our community than invite them out for such a fun, colorful, creative day on the square.
It’s a feel-good gift that doesn’t need wrapping, one that will be given again next year.
See you there. 
-- Kurt Johnson