Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Aurora Farmers Market

Last Day at the Aurora Farmers Market, Somethings Depend on Good Weather

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:29:14 +0000

Last Saturday was last day of the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair at the Town Park and it was one rainy and cold day. As the title states weather plays a big factor when comes to the attendance at the community organized events and performances.

Can’t complain too much, up to now we have been actually blessed with warm October days.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

So last Saturday afternoon I came and had some cold fun with Aaron Morris and Paul Mason on stage and I got a cookie treat as well. Another great year at the farmers market, looking forward to next year.

Aaron Morris, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Paul Mason, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Chilling At The Aurora Farmers Market To No Music

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 06:05:11 +0000

Today is another day at the Aurora Farmers Market. However, let me go back to the last weekend’s event. I found this chilling man on the ground. Chilling in the shade on the grass. How interesting, just like that – chilling in the shade.

Chilling, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Recently I slowed down going to farmers market. I overloaded my system with recent music festivals and events. But I would love to hear more music at the market. Apparently someone is performing today, but this is because Doors Open will be happening.

Few weeks ago I visited St. Jacob’s Farmers Market. I will not compare because that farmers market is massive. But I will tell you that they have young musicians as young as ten year old boys or girls who play in different parts of the market. Yes different parts, because market is big. Sometimes I drop by Newmarket Fairy Lake events and on each event there is always someone playing music. Will this happen in Aurora Farmers Market anytime soon? Who knows?

A bit of music is healthy for the chilling, shopping and hovering people.

As I was passing by vendors and taking candid pictures I was stopped by the owner of the bakery booth. Interesting enough I don’t wear any badge but everyone assumes automatically I am from media. Am I? I think I am more medium. I am in between. I am more with the people. This is not business site. Just a site where I write about Aurora for the people from Aurora and outside.

Tuscan Bread, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

The man who stopped me, Joe was his name and he owns the Toscana Bakery & Cafe bakery in Aurora. I saw the Toscana booth many times but this time I got to meet and to know more about Joe. We had interesting conversation.

Not going into details of our conversation what I liked about Joe was that he put his employees first. He wasn’t interested taking picture of himself but more of his employees. Not even his baked goods.

We all know that when there are no people to make bread, there is no bread. That is why it is absolutely necessary to treat employees well and Joe does great and genuine job. I must say very intriguing encounter that was.

Lets Go To The Aurora Farmers Market, A Regular Event

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:14:05 +0000

If we can’t think of anything to do on the Saturday morning – simple, lets go to the Aurora Farmers Market. It is a regular event for us. We don’t shop we just go to indulge on popcorn, cookies and lollipops. Yes me first and now Matthew, we love lollipops. Never too old for a lollipop. Perhaps, one day we will stay for a lunch.

This gentleman is not hiding from me, just happened that he covered his face with his hand. But, I do like his shirt EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME.

EAT SLEEP GRIND REPEAT BECOME T-Shirt; Aurora Farmers Market

Once at the Aurora Farmers Market, I really don’t want to explore everything there, because I want to be back and every time I am back I want to find something new. Never mind I go there to socialize as well and sometimes to meet new people. Last Saturday I got to meet Megan who sells delicious baking products.

As always I cannot avoid David Heard. I am always curious what’s in his booth, but I also like to chat as he always fills me in with interesting facts about Aurora. David now sells Vinyl records and has some interesting Vinyl artwork you will definitely enjoy.

David Heard, LP Vinyl Record, Aurora Farmers Market

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts that day had open house, so I walked in. I have not been back since my last photo shoot of the inside the building, and that will be almost a year. The auditorium is renovated. What was intriguing – the large panels halfway through the hall way to create an illusion of the old hallway. Loved it.

Well Street School Lofts, Inside

And there is Arron Morris biking away. I met Arron this year at the Aurora Farmers Market and got a chance to see him in action playing with his The Manatee Band during Aurora Street Festival. If I am not mistaken next week there will be strawberry festival at the market and Arron with his band will be playing at the bandshell at the Town Park. And there is Megan on the background.

Aaron Morris Biking Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

It is good to see that people use other means of transportation to drop by and leave the Aurora Farmers Market – like this man rolling away on his roller blades.

Rolling Away, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Some enjoy sitting around. Unfortunately I didn’t escape candid shot this time. Oops he looked into my lens.

Sitting Around, Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Have you ever stopped and read THE TOWN PARK sign. This time I did and photographed as well. Here is what the sign reads.

“THE TOWN PARK. Purchased from John Mosley in 1867, the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his “Aurora Speech” there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the par on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show. Town of Aurora Heritage Commitee (LACAC) 1997.“

I wonder if the town will do anything special for the 150th Anniversary of the Town of Aurora – like planting a tree, or updating this sign, or a new plaque. We don’t have Wells Street School anymore.

Also I didn’t know that we used to have Victoria Day celebrations at the Town Park. Funny that this event was mentioned on the sign because every Victoria Day traffic on my blog doubles as people are searching for Victoria Day long weekend activities in the Town of Aurora.

The Town Park, Heritage

Lots more to do at the Town Park – eat breakfast and lunch, drink coffee, indulge on the treats, sit around, play in the open space. Playground is always filled with children running around or playing in the water. Yes splash pad is now open.

Kids Playing, Town Park

Or practice baseball like this young boy who was vividly practicing with is father.

Practicing Baseball, Town Park

Or you can have fun at the bandshell like we did. Just a quick update. For few weeks now Matthew was not well. He was diagnosed with HSP [Henoch–Schönlein purpura] which is inflammation of the blood vessels, a side effect after the upper respiratory tract infection. It all started with re-occuring stomach cramps, vomiting and not eating for almost 5 days. Interesting rash spread on his lower part of the body.

Last Saturday we thought that everything was going away, but now after the market we came home and Matthew’s knee joints started to swell. He lost mobility until Sunday. Then on Monday after an appointment with a pediatrician at the Southlake, Matthew’s ankle joints started to swell and he had terrible arthritic pain.

Matthew is now much better. Unfortunately, he is on anti-inflammatory medication. Slowly everything is resolving itself. The rush is still spread all over and may be staying for a while. I was so glad to see him running away from me when I had to administer the medication. He is my little Happy Camper and you can see more photos of him here.

Us at the Bandshell, Town Park

After we exhausted all the possibilities what to do at the Town Park we drove back home. Until next time …

Driving Home, Wellington Street & Industrial Parkway, Aurora Ontario

Aurora Street Festival, All The People I Don’t Know & Know

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:02:02 +0000

I bet I captured almost all the people at the Aurora Chamber Street Festival walking along the Yonge Street last Sunday June 2nd, 2013. If you would like to find yourself on my photos then you can check out my Facebook album ‘Aurora Chamber Street Festival, June 2, 2013‘ – oh and good luck.

For the small town, town like Aurora, we really do have a great community here. I would never thought that I will be able to walk the longest, busy street festival and met so many people I know, and I like it because I have then more stories to tell.

Unfortunately, some people still think that I am from SNAP. What do you think? Perhaps it is time to get my own tag saying – NOT MEDIA or JUST A BLOGGER.

Michelle, Autism Support Services

When I arrived I thought no problem I only need few pictures and I will be out at no time. How wrong was I? Believe or not, three hours later I was finally back at my car.

The first person I spotted was Michelle who is offering Autism Support Services at her booth. I met Michelle last summer during play days at Chris Watt’s house, and if I recall I did meet her once at the Aurora Public Library. Small world, or just small Aurora.

Watson’s Family Karate, Mike and Joan Watson, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I arrived a bit earlier for Arron Morris’, The Manatee Band performance. So I stopped by Watson’s Family Karate booth to photograph interesting karate demonstrations. I used to do kickboxing at Watson’s when I was much younger, but I slowed down now and Tai Chi is just all I need. I didn’t get a chance to say hello since I had to run back to the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival booth.

Charlotte Watts, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

As I was walking back I spotted Chris Watts with his two girls. It was fun chatting with Chris once again while Charlotte was enjoying her ice-cream.

Johnmark, Cracklin’ Kettle Corn, Aurora Chambers Street Festival

Eventually I got to the end of the street festival that physically ended at the Wellington Street. And who do I see there in the corner? The Cracklin’ Kettle Corn booth. These guys sell the best cracklin’ popcorn at the Aurora Farmers Market every Saturday. Here meet Johnmark if you haven’t yet.

Batman, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Never know may be that was the real Batman. At least he looked like he was. Since I stopped twice by the Batman’s booth (can’t remember who he was representing) I can assume that I know him. He kept posing and I kept taking pictures, probably thought I was from SNAP.

Alexandra Riccio, AHS Community Development Assistant & Matthew

It is always good to see Alex from the Aurora Historical Society. She is my source to all the good happenings at the Hillary House. Also I got to meet her brother Matthew. Not to mention I run into Catherine Richards and Suzanne Reiner in the busy festival crowds.

A Couple, Aurora Chamber Street Festival.

I don’t know who these two are on this picture (above), but I liked the outcome.

Matt Maddocks, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Once I made a turn at the Wellington Street I was more or less heading home. On the way back I met my good friend Matt Maddocks. We chatted for a bit and decided to finish up our conversation some other time.

David Heard, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

I didn’t even get chance to stop by David Heard’s booth, but he always seems to spot my camera’s and wave at them, or me.

Frank Klees, Aurora Chamber Street Festival

Couldn’t miss this. I have decided to snap few pictures of Frank Klees as I was passing by, MPP for the riding of Newmarket—Aurora. Next thing I am being directed by one of the guys from Frank’s booth what pictures to take. Again, I was mistaken to be from media, but he didn’t really care when I told him I fly solo. I also got picture with Frank Klees (the longest photo taking ever). Got to know him finally. We talked about me and then I really headed home.

This is not all the people I have met on that day. There were many more. Most of you are reading this blog so you know who you are.

When I finally arrived at my car I got a surprise email from Gina, Tristan’s mom. Tristan and my son Matthew are both in the same school and same class (JK). We sometimes see each other at the school in the morning dropping off our children or picking them up.

She wrote me: ‘It’s so funny, I have been reading your blog since I moved to Aurora (a year and a half ago). I found it when I was first trying to learn what the town had to offer. Your site is fantastic by the way. What’s funny, is I only just realized that its you that writes the blog. I didn’t make the connection before for some reason, but I just recently recognized you from the photo on the blog.‘

… and that email made my day!

Step Into The Booth, Step In Time, Have You Heard About The Latest Chills

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:07:22 +0000

Chilling stuff everywhere. We are seeing ever changing Aurora – especially now when buildings are coming down in front of our eyes. Last week on Tuesday the sales centre on North East corner of the Wellington and Yonge Street was demolished.

Former Zellers store’s facade came down as well sometime last week. Soon there will be fence banners saying ‘Target Loves Canada’, same as we have seen today at the Upper Canada Mall where Zellers used to be.

Perhaps fast changes like that make us more appreciate history of Aurora. I know I don’t buy anything from David Heard’s booth at the Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park, but I really enjoy visiting his booth for sake of stepping back in time.

Sports Memorabilia, David Heard’s Booth

Beside the sawing machine and other small artifacts, David has also display of sports memorabilia such photos of athletes and that one hockey stick which for love of me I cannot remember to whom it used to belong. But you can find out for yourself when you pay David a visit. We still have about a month of Aurora Farmers Market for this season.

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

The other day when I went to photograph the demolishing of the mentioned above sales centre I had a nice walk downtown Aurora along Yonge Street. I have been historic downtown few times and I always never fail to find something old but new to me. There is so much of character in some of the old buildings and each having a string of different architectural elements interestingly enough all of the buildings do belong together and beautifully landscape Aurora’s historic downtown.

With the new condominium to be standing in the near future the North view will definitely change and will probably last another 200 or more years.

Historic Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

Cows in Aurora, Photos at David Heard’s Booth

Look look look – cows on the picture. This is something we will never see here in Aurora. We can still see horses, but definitely not cows. Today I was actually surprised to see two horses on the North West corner of Yonge Street and St. John’s sideroad. It was just a block away from the entrance to the St. Andrew’s College.

I was on my way to the gas station and when I was filling up the gas I remembered the good old days when the gas was forty five cents per liter. Wishful thinking but we will never see price like that again. However, we may not be far from having our own car plug in the garage to recharge the car as oppose to refuel.

So in the meantime I refueled the car. It was interesting to see that on Sunday morning all the cars at that Petro-Canada gas station were refueled by ladies. It is interesting to note that on Sunday mornings you have a better chance to spot fathers with children at the Aurora playgrounds.

A Scary Guy, David Heard’s Booth

Well scary stuff is happening in Aurora all around us, and if you really want to see scary, spooky, chills on your back, ghost hanging over your shoulder, spirit walking beside you stuff – get your spirit walk tickets for the Spirit Walk Aurora, only two more walks are left.

Annie’s Legacy

Colorful Aurora Farmers Market, When The Music Plays

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:55:11 +0000

The Taoist Tai Chi presentation in the park on Saturday at the Aurora Farmers Market was another hint that I should be going back soon to my Tai-Chi classes. I guess I got intercepted by flow of the positive energy thus got motivated – and I will be calling my teacher sometimes this week.

The weatherman called for thirty percent chance of rain that day – but not for that morning.

Taoist Tai Chi Lady

The market is a truly almost prefect place to visit. All we need a homemade lolly-pop stand and then it will be prefect. Kidding aside, we have great community here in Aurora and our weekly market caters everything (lolly pop or no lolly pop), even if it is just meeting your friends.

Just a year ago, I can tell you that we came to the market and spent an average 15-20 minutes – playing with Matthew at the playground and then heading for the popcorn. Because of this blog I met lot of people here in Aurora, just the same way we met lot of neighbours in the past four years on our street because of Matthew.

Matt Maddocks chatting with Diane Buchanan

It was a good day on the farmers market. Chatted a bit with Chris Watts who writes Temporary Sanity blog, then met with Matt and Deb. Briefly was introduced to Diane Buchanan from the Auroran, and on the way home I got to meet John Abel. I recognized few faces in the crowd as well – Councillor John Gallo and Councillor Michael Thompson.

Some of you already know about my little community blog project I started few months ago – the community FOCUS livinginaurora.com. Well so far so good and as anticipated. The content is growing, traffic is picking up and this is because of a few good contributors who regularly write about Aurora, and there will be more.

Note, everyone is welcome to write, anything Aurora related or if you Auroran you can write about Aurora and everything else. This site is great opportunity to be heard in the community.

If you have not met Matt Maddocks on the Aurora Farmers Market at the Town Park, you can meet him at the community FOCUS site. Matt writes regular column Point of Privilege on our community site where he touches on town’s political issues. He has also great appreciation for town’s culture and history.

Aurora Farmers Market, Town Park

Music in the park is a must. In my previous post I already wrote how hard it is to leave Aurora Farmers Market when the music plays. And speaking of music Councillor John Abel who also regularly writes can tell you all about amazing talent we have here in Aurora. You can read all about it in his latest post Music Scene in Aurora – Local Talent Showcase.

Town Park Musician

I never fail to take photos of the front door of the former Wells Street Public School even if it is blocked by the Aurora Farmers Market crowds. The school is going to be converted to lofts, one of a kind lofts here in Aurora. In the past I have written few posts about the school as I was allowed to go inside and photograph the building before conversion. I have one more post on the go this month to show you children’s art from the Wells Street school.

However, I am not the only one writing about the new lofts in town. On our community FOCUS blog site, Andrew Fogliato writes regularly on our Lifestyle focus page about real state market in the Town of Aurora. Andrew knows Aurora very well because he grew up here.

I know that some of my readers are not Aurorans, so if you are looking for an exciting place to live, a place like Aurora, Andrew will be the right person to meet and discuss your real state needs.

Former Wells Street Public School

What can I say. It was a very eventful day on Saturday.

A Young Bystander

Leaving Aurora Farmer’s Market

Click on the first image to view complete gallery of the photos shown below – vegetable accents, creative treats, millions of soaps, tasty popcorn-s, run away popcorn boy and more. Few more weeks and Aurora Farmers Market will be closing for the season. Enjoy.

When The Music Plays, It Is Always Harder To Leave The Aurora Farmer’s Market

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:44:35 +0000

That one time, back in June, when we visited Aurora Farmers Market at the Town Park – a band played and before that some other smaller bands played as well. When the music plays or when someone sings, there is this feeling in the air that makes you want to stay longer at the park.

It wasn’t hard to notice that people did enjoy music at the park that day, its all captured in the photos. The residents on the other hand living near by the Town Park are different story.

So today here are my four reasons in the form of quotes why we should have music in the park, especially during the Aurora Farmers Market. The example should also be taken from the stores on the malls which play music while customers shop.

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

First, no pain at all: ‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.‘ Quote by Bob Marley

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

Second, yes I completely agree: ‘Without music, life would be a mistake.‘ Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

Third, definitely: ‘Music is the best means we have of digesting time.‘ Quote by W. H. Auden

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

And the last one, the powerful one: ‘Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.’ Quote by Edgar Winter

When the music played that day it was hard for us to leave. It was closer to the lunch and the park was still full of people just browsing around. Parents enjoyed picnics in the shades of trees, and children kept splashing in the splash pad. The swings kept swinging, and the band played. Domenic, the music sounds familiar? – I asked. Star Wars theme – he replied.

First Lofts In Aurora, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:12:02 +0000

This is how spring looks in the Town of Aurora when looking out from the top of the Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, former Wells Street Public School, in all directions.

I can only imagine how beautiful it looks now when it is filled with green trees, looking over the Town Park and looking on the other side towards the Yonge Street.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Images published here were taken on almost the last day of April, 2012. Perfect sky and not showcased here, but I did find small moon hanging over the Town Park during the photo shoot day. I didn’t realize that the moon was actually there until I thought I had spot from the dirty lens.

Also, I didn’t realize until Andrew Fogliato wrote more about the school, ‘Back to School, This Time to Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts‘, that these will be the only lofts in Aurora so far and one of a kind because I don’t think we will have another heritage school like that to convert to lofts.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

If you like that kind of lofty style and small community living this is a perfect home sweet home. It isn’t just about this great lookout from your window or balcony, but it is also about a walking distance to the park, go station, dining and to the historic downtown.

Not to mention all the entertainment and outing you can attend at the Town Park – festivals, concerts and nice cup of coffee at the Aurora Farmer’s Market.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Yes, back to school. Just couple of weeks and Matthew will be going to school for the first time. Four years passed just like that. I am so glad that I took so many photos of him, because so much has happened that all my photos serve me as a good reminder of many things we did together.

All those photos also serve me as a good reminder how fast Aurora is changing. On Yonge Street, North of Wellington condominiums will be build. Same behind the Cinaplex Odeon on John West Way.

Zellers targeted by Target in few months will be Target store. Across the Nokiidaa Trail Link on St. John’s sideroad, overlooking the Atkinson Park new houses are being build. No going back to school at the George Browning house – demolished. No renovations at the Isaac Petch farm house – will be demolished.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Churches & Aurora Cultural Centre

Of all these projects going on in the Town of Aurora I am mostly in favor of Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts project. The former school will continue to be our historic landmark and will be shining in the Town Park for many many years to come. It always be a school but with different purpose.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

Lurking At The Aurora Jazz+ Festival 2012, We GO Wild !!

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:10:44 +0000

Didn’t attend the Aurora Jazz+ Festival 2012, but we had an opportunity to lurk during our visit to the Aurora Farmer’s Market. It was a long weekend Civic Holiday and once in a while, no offence to the town, we just need to get out of the town and see other places.

The music played. When the music plays it is always harder to leave the park. The music did play to show off the Aurora Jazz+ Festival on Saturday prior the event, but this time it wasn’t enough to keep us around – it was just too hot. Matthew didn’t even want to go inside the Fire Truck that was there – I was surprised.

Aurora Farmer’s Market, Town Park

So this is the issue we would have. For our four year old the festival wouldn’t work. I know admission is per person per day but then just the headache of going back and forth, and then we have to have him in bed by eight o’clock.

George St. Kitts (right), Aurora Jazz+ Festival, Town Park

Well at least we got to lurk a bit on Saturday morning. I watched one girl singing, and three dance performances. I think singing part was great, dancing was good. Perhaps seeing signs for the Aurora Jazz+ Festival I would expect to hear something more jazzy, but I didn’t. I guess if you don’t attend the festival you get jazz+.

The good news was that Canada won their first gold medal that day and we got to hear it from the festival organizers. Congratulations to Rosie MacLennan for winning Canada’s gold medal, and I just learned, she blogs. Here is intriguing blog post (A day later, I am still pinching myself!) – it isn’t that easy to be an athlete I must conclude. By the way, she is from the neighborhood, King City native.

Canada Won First Gold Medal, Sher St. Kitts, Town Park

Last weekend we left the town. We GO Wild !! at the African Lion Safari zoo. It was little more expensive than staying in town, but it was worth going. We purchased hotel and admission package and stayed overnight in Cambridge.

Now for those who never been to the African Lion Safari – no you don’t have to take your own car to drive through the park (that was in the old days), there is a bus that will take you in the wild safari ride (at extra charge).

But what you also must know that there are other attractions included in the admission – unlimited boat cruises, unlimited train rides, elephants shows, birds of pray shows, bird of paradise shows, amazing water park, playgrounds, activity play areas, animal displays, pony rides (sorry that was rip off), food courts, gift shops and free parking.

We really had lots of fun considering that this was our first time going with Matthew on the small vacation out of town. Monday was a nice and cool day as well.

Aqua Dancers, Aurora Jazz+ Festival, Town Park

Now, lets lurk over to the community FOCUS LivingInAurora.COM site because we are starting to see traffic activity in addition interest in writing expressed by few.

Myself and my husband (and Matthew too), we started this community project or community blog site for everyone to express their views, write opinions, stories or create personal or business profile in our AURORA Directory. This site was designed for the Auroran community. You can write regularly or occasionally.

In addition to all this good news about our community project, we are also pleased to introduce Councillor John Abel, our new contributor, who expressed interest to write regularly on the community FOCUS site.

Not like us, John Abel was able to attend the Aurora Jazz+ Festival that weekend and he shares jazz festival insights in his first part 1 post, Aurora Jazz+ Festival 2012, The Event Observations, Part 1.

Solo Dancer, Aurora Jazz+ Festival, Town Park

July 1st Canada Day Celebration In Aurora, Faces That Shaped This Year’s Parade

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 03:41:33 +0000

I think every face shaped Aurora’s Canada Day celebrations on July 1st, 2012, those in the parade and those in the audiance. If I could capture every face and every expression and the feeling of each person, I would – ‘the spirit, the patriotism and the smiles‘.

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

The clear blue sky, perfect light and the beautiful downtown facade were only few elements letting me capture the moment. I think on that day I have captured the spirit of all proud Aurorans, and most of all proud Canadians.

Unfortunately this will be the last post of 2012 parade because I could go on and on. However I am looking forward for next year’s celebrations which will be even more special.

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Perhaps one more thing. On June 12, 2012 during the council meeting Councillor Evelyn Buck gave intriguing speech reflecting on the success of the historical Canada Day Celebrations of 1963 (Aurora’s 100 year anniversary) and 1967 (Canada’s 100 year anniversary).

This speech was to encourage public participation, or more so people of Aurora to participate and to organize the next year’s (2013) party for 150 years of Aurora. We compiled Councillor Buck’s speech into a post which you can read on our community FOCUS site – Councillor Evelyn Buck Remembers Canada Day Celebrations in Aurora.

That and many other things gave me an idea to start people’s history page on the community FOCUS site. I think it will be nice to have something that is written by people of Aurora or former Auroran’s remembering our town.

Historian will give you facts and people will give you their experiences. These experiences will be gone if not recorded. I encourage you to participate and share your stories. A story is not a story if not shared and I bet many of us have them.

Evelyn Buck with her daughter Teresa, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Councillor Paul Pirri, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

2012 Aurora Citizen of the Year Brian North, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Jan Freedman Aurora Farmer’s Market, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Mountie, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Theater, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade

Shriner’s Float, Town of Aurora Canada Day Parade