Llamas Petting, Free Empanadas Planned For Bolivian Flag Raising

AURORA, IL — The City of Aurora will celebrate Bolivian Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony Tuesday.

The flag raising is scheduled for 11 a.m. at One Aurora Plaza, 8 E. Galena Blvd.

The event also marks the second anniversary of the opening of Alice's Corner Bolivian Cuisine, touted as the only full-service Bolivian restaurant in Illinois. In light of the two occasions, the restaurant will give away free empanadas to ceremony attendees.

Attendees will also have the chance to greet live llamas — Bolivia's national animal — as well as enjoy a performance by Renacer Boliviano Dance Troupe and watch as local Bolivian youth are spotlighted.

City officials also plan to posthumously honor longtime East Aurora High School teacher Domingo Parada, an artist who dedicated years of service to his students and their families, officials said. He died July 9, and his wife, Karen Ford Parada, will accept the recognition.