Come Home to Christmas quickly becoming a must-see family affair

Now that was fun!
In just four short years, Come Home to Christmas has earned a permanent spot on the calendar of things to look forward to in Aurora, Nebraska. Saturday was proof positive that this concept, borrowed initially from another community, now has its own unique local twist, thanks to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and some creative ingenuity. 
A lighted tractor display is the headline event, which has grown more entertaining each year. That’s a tribute to the area farmers and tractor lovers who spend hours brainstorming and tinkering until they have something they are proud to display. Some are pretty simple, some rather elaborate, with all contributing to a festive holiday vibe around the square. It was a great idea to include lawn mowers and four-wheelers this year, making it easier for anyone to engage.
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.
The results were obvious as the lighting countdown began, with hundreds of people of all ages lining the square. Mother Nature gets an assist this year, which is always a wildcard this time of year.
The Chamber of Commerce deserves a ton of credit for making this happen, and in fact is building a strong track record in that regard. Bands on the Bricks came out of nowhere six years ago, and now is entrenched as six musical family nights out in the midst of the summer. Come Home to Christmas is quickly becoming a must-see event as well on Thanksgiving weekend, with every expectation that it will continue to grow each year.
-- Kurt Johnson