The Community of West Peoria, Boy Scout Troop & Pack #11 and the West Peoria Lions Club extend an invitation to join the annual 4th of July Parade and flag raising celebration. This special day brings with it a feeling of community togetherness and heartfelt patriotism that truly touches the spirit. We proudly coordinate the longest-running 4th of July parade and patriotic event in Central Illinois and will be honored if you and/or your organization will march along with us.

Trophies will be awarded for the following: Most Patriotic, Best of Show, Service Organizations, Best Juvenile, and Grand Marshal. All entries need to be decorated in a patriotic theme. If you’ve never participated in a parade before, your enthusiastic patriotism is more than welcome in the West Peoria Parade! In previous years, the community has enjoyed viewing marching bands, classic cars, walking groups, dance troupes, groups on bicycles and prestigious floats.

The 41st annual parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the 4th. Line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling Ave. Groups should be in place and ready to step off no later than 9:45 a.m. City streets will be closed at that time in preparation for the start of the parade. The parade will go on rain or shine, please be prepared for the weather as it can be extremely hot or pouring rain in July.

Clean your yards, sidewalks and make your homes welcoming to the many that will be visiting and participating in our parade on the 4th. Make our community shine
The West Peoria Residents’ Association and Franciscan Recreation Center are co-hosting a Picnic in the Park with the Peoria Pops Swing Band Sunday, July 11th at Franciscan Recreation Center from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. You are invited to bring your lawn chair to picnic and join in a swinging evening. There is no charge for this event.

The West Peoria Residents’ Association will not meet in July but the Neighborhood Watch will meet Wednesday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Deputy Middleman will speak about riding with the Bicycle Patrol.  The public is invited.

Building permits from the City are needed for certain projects on your property. All residential permits are $25.00 and are needed for building of sheds, decks, porches, additions, fences (new or replacing existing ones), new driveways and sidewalks (even those made of gravel), swimming pools and signs.  Building a new multi-family home the fee is $150.00 and for a single family home the fee is $75.00.  A permit is also required for a home occupation. The initial fee is $75.00 with a yearly renewal fee of $25.00. Commercial building permits are $120.00.

The annexation plans for the property west of West Peoria is progressing. The West Peoria City Council voted to annex the Peoria Speedway in to West Peoria. Three properties were included in the annexation. All three properties are owned by Sherrie Hamilton.

The Speedway has been providing dirt track racing in the Peoria area for 63 years. Sherrie Hamilton says that it is “The Finest and Fastest Quarter Mile Dirt Track in Illinois.” The Speedway has been located on Farmington Road since 1964.

Also, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed annexation agreement with Peoria Disposal Company.

In addition to annexing additional property, the City Council approved a professional services agreement for a second amendment of the West Peoria TIF District 1 with Jacob & Klein of Bloomington, IL.

The Residential Paint Reimbursement Program still has funds available for this program. This program offers reimbursement of paint costs to residents who wish to paint the exterior of their homes or accessory structures (sheds, storage units, or garages).

Reimbursement will be granted for exterior paint only. Participants who purchase paint in the City of West Peoria will receive reimbursement of 50 percent of total paint costs, up to a maximum of $250. If the paint is not purchased in West Peoria, the maximum amount reimbursed will be 30 percent of total paint costs, up to $250. Paint is available in West Peoria at Ace Hardware at 2504 W. Rohmann Avenue. Reimbursement of receipts will be received upon completion of project.