By SABRINA BERNDT

Washington Daily News

 

The Aurora-Richland Township Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 26^th annual Fossil Festival on May 24-25 in Aurora. Like always, the festival ended with satisfied children and parents leaving with their dirty digging equipment, shark teeth and fossil souvenirs.

Despite the heat, the park was full of families enjoying the scientific exhibits and shopping at the local food and craft vendors, such as the on-site gem cutting services, old-fashioned churned ice cream and books from local authors.

Large holes and mounds of dirt spotted the two Fossil Digs as children used shovels and sifters to find treasure while their parents made their bid in the silent auction and shopped for Megalodon teeth.

The entire festival paused for the parade, where local groups and town officials rode through Main Street on vehicles, including motorized coolers. Some onlookers were recognized by participators in the parade for dressing in their best shark costumes.

The eventful day ended with live music from The Switch and fireworks to set the mood as visitors drove back to their hometowns.

For more information about the Aurora Fossil Museum’s future events, visit aurorafossilmuseum.org or find them on Facebook.