AURORA, IL — This coming Fourth of July, Aurora will host various celebrations around town to celebrate the county's birthday. But similarly to 2020, there will be no parade. Instead, city vehicles and a Trolley of Heroes will lead a procession through town, officials announced Wednesday.

As reasons for the decision, officials cited cost savings and lower-than-desire participation in the 2021 Independence Day parade that was "consistent with declining spectator participation before 2020." The city first used the procession model in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it was "well-received by the community," according to Chief Communication Officer Clayton Muhammad.

"I haven't been able to make it down to a parade in nearly 20 years," one Sunnymere Nursing Home resident said about the 2020 procession, according to Muhammad. "It felt good to see all of the vehicles and to celebrate the Fourth of July right here in front of my home with my friends and family."

The procession will begin at 10 a.m. July 4 at Phillips Park, travel past Sunnymere Nursing Home and go through nearby neighborhoods before proceeding through downtown Aurora. From there, it will continue through Aurora's west side, travel east on Indian Trail Road and pass through several neighborhoods before heading south on Eola Road and ending at Aurora Fire Station #2.

"Nursing homes, schools, and parks are key locations along the route, providing an opportunity to reach more Aurorans, including those who may not be mobile, closer to their homes," Muhammad wrote in a news release.

Officials said there will be designated "candy zones" on the route where the procession will slow down, allowing participants to distribute candy to spectators.

Later that day, the city will conclude July 4th celebrations with the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park. The show is set to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Ahead of the show, two DJs will each be performing at the parks, where visitors will be able to indulge in food truck meals and family-friendly entertainment.

RELATED: July 4th Fireworks 2022 Near Aurora

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.