Juanita Wells selected as 4th of July Grand Marshal
Published on June 24, 2026
Our 4th of July Parade is almost here and we are thrilled to announce this year's Parade Grand Marshal - Juanita Wells
Juanita's leadership, generosity, and commitment to our community makes us more than thrilled to have her lead our parade units!
A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Juanita Wells moved to Aurora in 1972 and has been an Aurora Township resident for 44 years.
Wells is a Charter Member of Bionic Temple 1296 Improved Benevolent Protected Order of Elks of the World, serving on local, state, and national levels. She is a former president of Fox Valley American Legion 798 Women’s Auxiliary, a former board member of the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center and The Friends of the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center. Further, Wells is a member of Blacks in Politics and the African American Black Business Expo Committee and the secretary for Friends of LaSalle Street Historic Auto Row.
For 18 years, Juanita served on the East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education and on the Aurora Township Board as a Township Trustee for 12 years. She serves in the Women’s Ministry and the Children’s Church of Progressive Baptist Church and is a charter member of their Trustee Board. Juanita is the mother of two: Everett “Tracy” Robinson and Alicia Wells. She has three grandchildren, Erica “Jerome” Pugh, Elise Robinson, Jonus McGhee, as well as a granddaughter, Ashley Newman Rashard Moore. She also has four great-grandchildren.
The parade will step-off at the intersection of Benton Street and Broadway Avenue at 10 A.M. on Saturday, July 4th. The Reviewing Stand will be placed in front of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, located at 20 E. Downer Place.
Free parking is available throughout our downtown - including the Stolp Island Parking Garage for parade day! We encourage everyone to arrive before 9:30 A.M. to provide enough time for parking and viewing preparation on the parade route.
Let's have a fantastic 4th of July Parade, Aurora!
*Stay tuned for more info on our Free Concert and Firework show set for Friday, July 3 @ 7 P.M.