Aurora Downtown Fest Gives Families a Early Jump on Halloween

Families in Aurora got an early start on Halloween on Saturday, when the Aurora Downtown District hosted a combined Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebration in the heart of the city. Children arrived with costumes and oversized bags, ready to fill them with candy.

Allison Allen of Aurora brought her children, Leia, 6, and Logan, 4, equipped with large pillowcases for collecting treats. "We're probably going to be here for the whole thing," Allen said. All three wore Halloween costumes.

The event opened at noon with a three-hour trick-or-treating session for costume-wearing kids and adults. A four-hour community party downtown followed, starting at 5 p.m. Participating businesses handed out candy during the first part of the day. Later, the focus turned to Day of the Dead activities, including face painting and holiday treats from the Aurora Downtown District, such as pan de muerto and hot chocolate.

Yahayra Argueta, executive director of the Aurora Downtown District, spoke on Friday ahead of the event. She said this was the first year the group organized the celebration in this form, though the trick-or-treating portion has been held for about 10 years. "It's been a huge success and we decided to just expand it and include both the Halloween celebration as well as the Day of the Dead," she said.

Argueta said the organization wanted to build on a tradition that families already enjoy, particularly given Aurora's large Hispanic and Latino population. She also announced that a 12-minute drone show would close out the day. "We want people to come together … and just have fun in downtown Aurora," she said.

Bright sunshine and warm temperatures drew a large turnout. Trick-or-treaters filled River Street, Galena Boulevard and Stolp Avenue, which the district had designated as candy collection sites.

Allen said she likes having a trick-or-treating option before Halloween itself. "I like it being during the day. We might also shop at some of the businesses and explore downtown," she said.

Devan Beimler of Aurora attended with his wife and their son Weston, 7. "We come every year," Beimler said, adding that he likes the local feel of the event and that Halloween is his favorite holiday. He said it also gives children from different neighborhoods a chance to meet one another.

Blanquita de Loera Espinoza of Aurora came with a group of friends and children. She said she has seen Aurora expand its community programs in recent years, and called this event one where the whole community turns out. "We get to meet new businesses and every time we find new vendors," she said.