The Aurora Downtown group will wrap up this year’s First Fridays series of events on Friday, Dec. 6, with holiday shopping and the return of the popular Cocoa Crawl, which offers a chance to try chocolate-laced beverages across the downtown area.
Now in its sixth year, the annual Cocoa Crawl “runs in conjunction with our First Fridays deals which are from 5 to 9 p.m.” according to organizers.
A total of more than 20 stops will be available on the crawl for those who have purchased the collectible souvenir mugs which are said to be going fast.
Aurora Downtown Executive Director Tina de Chaud said a total of more than 1,000 mugs were purchased by the group for the event.
“As in previous years, we ordered over 1,000 mugs and they arrived in our office about a month ago and within 24 hours – the retailers up there in our downtown district – we sell them to them for a small amount, and then they turn around and sell them to their consumers coming in,” de Chaud said. “All of the mugs are out there and are being sold by seven or eight retailers.”
This year’s collectible mug has a holiday wreath etched on the outside.
“We’ve been publicizing where people can find the mugs and this year, our price point is $10 for the mug. The collectors mug shows it is from the holiday season of 2024. We’re not doing buttons people need to wear like previous years and just simplified the program,” de Chaud said. “Over 20 downtown businesses are participating with their unique twist of the hot winter cocoa treat.”
In addition, de Chaud said that over 50 retailers will be offering business deals during the First Fridays event in addition to the more than 20 that are offering the cocoa.
“We will have a scan for the consumers where hot cocoas are being served so people can scan a QR code and vote for their favorite one,” she added. “We’ve done this on previous years and it’s a bragging rights kind of thing, an incentive in terms of those who are participating as retailers and people get quite creative with the types of cocoas they serve or the amenities they offer at their cocoa bars to jazz them up.”
While all First Fridays events are not equal in terms of popularity, de Chaud notes the Cocoa Crawl continues to have some traction to it that goes beyond just the unique beverage options.
“I think it’s just the holiday season and our downtown is stunning and beautiful the way it is decorated by the city as well as Aurora Downtown that has a streetscape committee,” she said.
“Every year, it’s a concerted effort as more and more businesses are participating whether it’s decorated windows or offering deals because it’s First Fridays,” she said. “It’s a well-rounded package for visitors to come and visit the downtown.”
A list of stores offering mugs for the Cocoa Crawl can be found at www.auroradowntown.org/cocoacrawl2024.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
