Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner recently announced the Grand Marshals of the 2016 Fourth of July parade.
The honorees, Aurora Civic Center Authority President and CEO Tim Rater and Artistic Director Jim Corti, have drawn thousands of art patrons to the historic Paramount Theatre's Broadway series.
"As we celebrate the birth of our country, we also recognize the pride that we have in Aurora," Mayor Weisner said. "The rebirth of arts here is allowing residents and visitors alike to see Aurora in a whole new light. Without question, Tim Rater and Jim Corti are leaders of the vanguard who are making this all possible. They have both made Aurora their home and, without question, they have made their home shine brighter than ever."
The resurgence of the arts in Aurora began in 2010, with the hiring of Rater as President and CEO. His vision of Broadway shows, concerts and other art events combined with the talents of Artistic Director Corti revitalized the arts community. Today, the Paramount Theatre is considered one of the top 10 theaters in the Chicago area.
Rater and Corti will be recognized at the Aurora City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 28. The award-winning duo will step off at 10 a.m. on July 4 to lead the parade through downtown Aurora.
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