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[PHOTO ESSAY] First Fridays: Aurora wraps up the year with a chilly cocoa crawl

Aurora’s last First Fridays event of the year brought warmth and connection despite the frigid temperatures.
The bright lights of the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora set the stage for the last First Fridays of the year.
The bright lights of the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora set the stage for the last First Fridays of the year.
Photo by Diego Villafuerte

The wrap-up of the year in downtown Aurora came with chilly temperatures in the twenties. However, the cold did not stop people from gathering to enjoy the final First Fridays event of 2024.

Every first Friday of the month, downtown Aurora celebrates with food vendors, live music, activities, and more to bring the community together. This last First Friday had a special theme, the “Cocoa Crawl,” featuring free, refillable hot chocolate at every participating vendor or store for those who purchased a themed event mug.

As attendees strolled through downtown, they were greeted by the bright, illuminating lights of the Paramount Theater and the enticing aroma of hot cocoa wafting from store to store. Friends and families sipped on steaming mugs as they explored various attractions.

One standout destination of the evening was The Venue, a live music hall that became a hub of energy and entertainment. The exterior of The Venue offered a mysterious allure, drawing curious attendees inside. Guests were welcomed by a cozy walkway leading to a performance hall filled with rows of chairs, creating an intimate setting for live music.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

Inside, Dave Sills and his band took to the stage, captivating the crowd with their roots rock melodies. Sills’ dynamic performance, paired with the warmth of the hall, offered an escape from the cold. The band played a set that invited visitors to linger, sip their hot chocolate, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the night.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

As people came and went, the band continued to deliver a show that attendees described as a highlight of the event. The exposure from the free performance was sure to expand their following.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

Across town, art enthusiasts found Capturing Flavors and Moments by Natty, an art gallery showcasing photography and culinary artistry. The artist, Natty, mingled with visitors and shared her work, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

At the hot chocolate station people could come for a regular refill for the night, but to add a bit of extra flavor and excitement, there was a station for topping such as festive sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chip pieces for anyone to add onto their hot chocolate cups or mugs. 

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

Walking to many of the shops, art, and live music performances there was a place for people to recollect and relax to have a cup of hot chocolate. Not only was it a regular spot to relax with hot chocolate, but this place had some extras for the drink. 

The hot chocolate was free with styrofoam cups for people even without the special event mug if one could not acquire one earlier.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

At other far corners of downtown there was a hidden gem not everyone came across: an artist named Nitty who owned a stainless glass and art shop. Nitty planned a little area for this ‘First Fridays’ event and delivered a cozy place for people to stop by and relax, eat some snacks and listen to one of his buddies play the guitar. Accompanied with this there was art from Nitty all around the walls. The cozy factor rose as a couch was added inside for the comfort of people as well.

“It had a very cozy, comfortable vibe. I like how the art and food made it seem really home-like,” Esme Villafuerte, a senior at West Chicago Community High School, said.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

Unlike other participants and vendors in the event, at the corner of the room, Nitty had a table laid out with free food. Coming in to see some free food and music was always a good surprise.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

Some of the art from Nittys shop that was displayed for people to see while enjoying a snack from his snack bar and live music.

Photo by Diego Villafuerte

As the year closed, First Fridays continued to bring joy, warmth, and connection to Aurora’s community.

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