BROOKINGS The old days when we were young versus now Aurora will be celebrating 150 years in 2029. Those words of Robert Jones, whos taking the lead and with a few other residents bringing together this years summer gathering, pretty much sum up Aurora Gala Days 2025, with its theme of Aurora Then and Now, a two-days celebration the first two days in August.
Last years summer celebration here was officially named Pickle Festival Gala Days 2024. No pickles in the picture this year or likely again.
Residents told me they wanted Gala Days. I dont know exactly what Aurora had to do with pickles. It used to be called Gala Days and then they changed it to a pickle festival.
However, with an old name returning the festival will feature many of the events that have remained popular over the years and look the same as they did in past annual summer celebrations.
The town has changed drastically in the last 50 years, Jones said, referencing Auroras then days. Businesses that were once in town and thriving are not here anymore. The economy I think is one thing that had an effect on what happened. Looking at the future and beyond, Aurora is growing: population-wise and space-wise, new homes that are being built.
Fridays events kick off at 9 a.m. with the citywide rummage sale. The sale will pick up again on Saturday. Both sellers and buyers can go to Aurora Facebook and Rummage sale directory for Aurora Gala Days. An overview notes: Participating households will be listed on a map, which will be available on the Village of Aurora website and Facebook page, as well as at Village Hall. To have your address included on the map, you need to register by either submitting the digital registration form or sending an email to [email protected].
Meanwhile throughout the day are a variety of goings-on at various spots in town: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., K Country Cookout at the City Park on Broadway, a free meal while supplies last; 7 p.m., Scouts hosting an ice cream social and Bingo hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 220, both events at the Aurora Fire Department; 9 p.m.; and wrapping up the day are a couple of events at Lemkes Bar & Grill: karaoke competition finals at 9 p.m. and live music at 10 p.m.
Pulling it all together
Saturday is the day that puts the gala in the days, from mid-morning to midnight: 7 to 10 a.m. its chow time at the Aurora Fire Department, with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 220 putting on a pancake feed.
However, at 7:30 a.m. some folks not looking to packing in a carbs-loaded breakfast are on Broadway across from City Park registering for the Chuck Tiltrum 5K Run. The starters gun goes off at 8 a.m. Fifty minutes later the kiddos are off on a shorter jaunt.
Come 9 a.m. its time to start lining up at the Langland Ball Field for the parade that rolls at 11 a.m. But in those two hours before show time theres a lot of stuff going on.
Beginning at 10 a.m. and going to 4 p.m. therell be arts, crafts and food vendors in City Park. Also starting at 10 a.m. is registration at Lemkes for the Car/Motorcycle Show on Broadway. People can bring their vehicles in and put them on display for people to look at, Jones explained.
At 10:30 a.m. kids get a piece of the action with their own Bike Parade; theyre urged to decorate their wheels with the Then and Now theme. Also starting for the kids in City Park at 10:30 a.m. and going to 2:30 p.m. is Face Painting by Allie Peters.
And then its 11 a.m. Showtime! The parade will open with the National Anthem performed by Avery Stein. American Legion Post No. 230 will provide color guard duties. Tom Himley, an assistant Gala Days organizer, estimated 20 to 30 entrants in the parade while noting that some people wanting to be in the parade might show up unannounced at the last minute.
With the highlight of the parade behind them, Gala Days goers move on to events that continue into the afternoon: The bean bag tournament, sponsored by Lemkes, gets underway at 1 p.m. while the kids are having a pedal pull. From 2 to 4 p.m. are the fun events of the Kids/Family Olympics in City Park. And the South Dakota Army National Guard will have a static display of the rolling stock and equipment needed to complete its missions.
Finally at about sundown (8:30 p.m.) the gates open for the Gala Days ending the street dance, with ticket sale proceeds going to the Aurora Fire Department to help defray the cost of a new fire hall. Tickets are $20 for two in advance and available at Lemkes or the Aurora Quick Stop. Tickets are also available at the gate for $15 each.
The dance starts at 9 p.m. and goes to 1 oclock Sunday morning. The band is The Verbs. No coolers will be allowed. Lemkes is handling the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Looking for a commemorative shirt to help remember the days? While they last, theyre available at Lemkes and Aurora Quick Stop.
Please note: There will be no shuttles from Downtown Brookings. For more details about festival events, check out Aurora South Dakota Gala Days Facebook page and The Brookings Register on July 28 and 29.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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