Film + TV

Aurora, Illinois is throwing a 6-month-long Wayne's World party

by Richard Howard

When talking about famous or notable American cities, Aurora, Illinois likely isn’t the first to come to mind. In fact, other than being the second most populous city in the state (hooray), Aurora’s biggest claim to fame is undoubtedly being the setting for the Wayne’s World SNL skits and subsequent hit movies. And believe me, they know it. Which would explain why they’re more stoked than anybody that this February will mark the 25th Anniversary of the original Wayne’s World film – so stoked, in fact, that they’re throwing a six month long festival to celebrate it.

Sponsored by property owners’ association, the festival will consist of a long list of events between February and July 2017. These include a screening of the movie at the city’s Paramount Theatre, an on-the-street quiz, a chance to view a replica of Garth’s AMC Pacer (the original sold last year for $37,000 at auction), an attempt to break the world record for headbanging to Bohemian Rhapsody, and of course, an air guitar competition. And for all you guys that held on to your Wayne and Garth Halloween Costumes, better keep your April open – Luigi’s Pizza will be hosting a most excellent look-alike competition. The name of the festival? As if there was any question: “”Party On! 25 Years of Wayne’s World.” We’ll leave you with this ad for the festival’s poster contest that would be right at home on Aurora’s Cable 10 Community Access Channel.