If our recent burst of sunny days hasn’t cured your cabin fever, jump in the car for the short trip to Aurora where “every day is an antique show.” Whether it’s rainy or sunny, our cozy shops will feel welcoming for a pre-spring outing.
March 1 Pre-Expo Antiques Auction, McLaren Auction Services. Before you hit the Expo, spend the afternoon in Aurora previewing and then be ready to bid at 6:30 pm. Check out their website for pictures and information. www.mclarenauction.com
Expo Shoppers Welcome! March 2-4 Aurora’s antiques stores are ready for the flood of extra shoppers that the Palmer/Wirfs Portland Expo show brings to the area. Lots of fresh merchandise, new collections and good deals too! And don’t forget to relax with a great lunch or fresh baked dessert. Shops begin opening at 10am every day, closing at 5pm. 15 antique shops plus specialty shops will give you plenty to see here. Free parking, easy walking between shops.
March 10-11 Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase, Old Aurora Colony Museum. www.auroracolony.org . Sponsored by the Aurora Colony Handspinners Guild, this annual show features dozens of working wheels spinning away. Come see how it was done and what these talented artists do with their wheels today. Children love this show as well as the live sheep in the courtyard.
Tulip Fest! March 30-April 30. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, just 15 minutes from Aurora! Daily field reports let you see what is blooming, from daffodils to all kinds of tulips. www.woodenshoe.com

Saturday, February 4 10am-4pm. Look for Punxsutawney Phyllis in Aurora’s shops and eateries and get chances to win “Aurora Bucks,” cash to spend all year in our businesses. Fun for families, singles or couples of all ages, there is over $300 to win and the “hogs” are not all that difficult to find. When you arrive in town, pick up your pink “map guide” at the shops and begin your search. Find as many ground hogs as you have time for and get a chance for each member of your group, kids count too! (Drawing is at 4pm but you need not be present to win.)
Picturesque Aurora Presbyterian Church located on Liberty Street & 2nd Streets across from the Old Aurora Colony Museum features the original pews from the 1850′s Colony church. (And they’re pretty comfortable! They were no doubt built for lengthy services!)

















