The City of Aurora commenced its holiday season with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, a gathering filled with music, lights, and the spirit of the community. According to 9news, the celebration took place outside the Aurora Municipal Center and featured performances from Aurora Dance Hearts, the Wicked Pitches, and the Timberline Elementary School Choir. Along with live music, visitors enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Despite the festivities, an underlying plea for community assistance was communicated, with the City's annual toy and food drive facing significant shortages. Minda McGurk, outreach and events supervisor for Library and Cultural Services, shared in an interview obtained by CBS News Colorado that donations are down about 60% compared to previous years. The Season of Giving drive, which is crucial for many families in the Aurora Public Schools, is accepting donations through December 11. McGurk emphasized that the families dependent on this drive might barely receive one gift per child, a stark contrast to the three to four gifts typically provided.
Adding to the city's diverse holiday experience, the Merry Makers Market opened its doors at the Aurora Central Library, offering products from local and regional vendors. As reported by the Sentinel Colorado, the market operates from 4 to 8 p.m., providing an opportunity for festive shopping. The Aurora History Museum also welcomed visitors to its 26th Festival of Wreaths exhibit, further contributing to the holiday ambiance.
However, amidst the holiday buzz, vendors like Howard Crain from Magic Gifts and Goodies are sensing a downturn in spending. Crain, whose business specializes in colorful fidgets, Pokémon items, stickers, and seasonal gifts, told CBS News Colorado that his sales have seen a noticeable decline, only achieving about 60 to 70% of expected sales at some events.
