March 1 – 4 – Bradley University Theatre’s celebrates Shakespeare with a Shakespearian tour-de-farce with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) by Jess Borgenson, Adam Long and Daniel Singer in the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts with limited performances on March 1, 2, and 3 at 8:00 p.m. and March 4 at 2:30 p.m. This is NOT your typical night at the Theatre. Tickets prices for the general public are $14, $12 for Bradley Faculty, Staff and Senior Citizens, and $7 for Students. Buy tickets at the Hartmann Center Box Office or call 309-677-2650.
March 2 – Attend the informational session at 11:00 a.m., to learn more about a highway construction careers training program at ICC. The session will be in Room 108 of Hickory Hall, ICC North Campus. The next class begins on March 26th. For more info, call (309) 690-6916 or email randy.stevens@icc.edu
March 3 – In honor of Women’s History Month, Peoria Public Library will present “Harriet Beecher Stowe” with Edith Barnard from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library North Branch in the McKenzie Room. Stowe is the well known author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” Free & open to the public. Call 497-2021.
March 3 – Birding the Illinois River Field Trip from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration includes transportation in a PPD van, lunch and snacks. Pre-registration required @ 309-686-3360. Fee: $35. For FPNC & Peoria Audubon members, $30. Meet at FPNC @ 7:00 a.m.
March 5 – 5th Annual Candlelight Vigil for Whitney’s Walk for Life at 6:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church at 1700 W. War Memorial. The Vigil will allow survivors of suicide, community volunteers, and supporters to come together to honor life and remember their loved ones. All are welcome to attend. For more info, call 309-692-1766.
March 6 – Watts On … Watss Off? Learn how to use a Kill-a-watt meter to determine how your home is using energy.These meters can be purchased in stores or checked out from the local library for free. Also will cover use of smart power strips, eco-charges, and other techologies to help reduce energy usage. $15 cost. ICC North from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
March 6 – 8 – Bradley University Theatre continues with William Shakespeare’s magical and moving The Tempest, in the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts with limited performances at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices for the general public are $10, $9 for Bradley Faculty, Staff and Senior Citizens, and $5 for Students. Tickets can be purchased at the Hartmann Center Box Office or by calling 309-677-2650.
March 8 – Peoria County Genealogical Society featured two guest speakers from the Peoria Historical Society: Bob Killon and Sid Ruckriegel. They will explain the Historical Society’s new and exciting project call “Historypin.” The meeting will be at the Peoria Public Library’s North Branch – 3001 W. Grand Parkway – at 6:30 p.m.
March 10 – Remarkable Reptiles Event at the Peoria Zoo from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission is regular zoo admission. Don’t miss this chance to find out more about the fascinating world of reptiles. There will be animal encounters and talks and a snake feeding at 1:00 p.m. Call 309-686-3365.
March 10 – Junior League Hosts 4th Annual “Frolic With The Fairies.” Tea times are at 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 each or tables of ten may be reserved for $250. Event will be held at the Par-a-Dice Hotel Ballroom. Proceeds support Junior League of Peoria and its mission to build a better community. Call 685-9312.
March 10 – 12th annual Farmers Share of the Food Dollar Breakfast sponsored by the Peoria County Farm Bureau. The breakfast is an effort to help educate the public on the safe and affordable crops that American farmers produce. To be held in the Youth Building at Exposition Gardens from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. The price this year is 85 cents. Call (309) 686-7070.
March 10 – The Peoria County Master Gardeners and Community Volunteers will host a “Plant a Row For The Hungry” vegetable garden in the West Bluff area. This informational meeting is @ 10:00 a.m., Franciscan Rec Plex, 908 Sterling Ave. West Peoria. Call 657-4229.
March 10 – Peoria Players Theatre’s semi-annual Vintage Clothing & Collectibles Sale will be from 8:00 a.m. – noon in the theatre lobby. Unique and hard-to-find items for sale at great prices! A great collection of prom dresses, tuxes, men’s suits, and furs for sale.
March 10 – Concert by Paul Adams and Dave Hoffman to offer an eclectic program, “A World of Dreams and Jazz” at 7:00 p.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria. An offering will be received. A reception at the church will follow the performance. For more info, call 688-5608.
March 12 – The Riverfront Toastmasters club will host an International and Evaluation speech contest. The event will be at 211 Fulton Street, One Technology Plaza, suite 300 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The public is invited. Call 309-685-5014.
March 14 – Community Make a Blanket Day to benefit Project Linus at Jones Sewing Machine Co., 3410 N. Prospect Rd. Come anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sewing machines & fabric squares provided. Fleece provided for those not wanting to sew. Bring your favorite notions and your own lunch! Call 309-382-3672 or email projlbabs@yahoo.com
March 14 – Popular networking event uniting business, political, neighborhood & faith communities in prayer for the village. Single tickets are $20. You can purchase tickets at any Morton Community Bank locations or at:www.mortonchamber.org. Reservations required. Doors open at 6:00 a.m.
March 16 – 25 – “Big River” at Peoria Players Theatre. This play is based on the mark Twain novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for those 18 and under. Call for times: 309-688-4473.
March 16 – FREE Coffee Connections Program presents “Take the Shot – You can take great photos with Steve Wilson. Designed for beginners and intermediate. Cameras not needed for program. 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in Classroom I @ Proctor Professional Building.
March 16 – April 8 – Lily Show at the Luthy Botanical Gardens from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. See a botanical wonderland of tropical plants, spring plants and lilies! Call 309-686-3362 for more info.
March 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 – The 20th presentation of the Golden Windmill Follies. This year’s play, “Dapple Gray” by Dwight Watson. Doors open at 5:45 .pm./dinner served at 6:30 p.m. prior to the play. Dessert served at intermission. Reservations required. Call (217) 696-4678. $22.00 per person.
March 17 – Peoria Camera Club will hold a full day photography/Photoshop seminar entitled “From Capture to Wow” presented by Ben Willmore. ICC Performing Arts Center in East Peoria from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $75 by March 10; $85 at the door. Student price will be $35. Call 309-266-5890 or register at: http://www.peoriacameraclub.com/
March 18 – The Central Illinois Jazz Society presents the “CIJS House Band” at 6:00 p.m. and “David Hoffman & Friends” at 7:15 p.m. at the Starting Gate Banquet Room in the Landmark Rec Center, 3225 N. Dries Ln. Call 692-5330 or visit www.peoriajazz.com. Food & beverages available for purchase. Admission: $5 for members; $7 for non-members; students free.
March 23 -25 – 26th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraising campaign created by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. This group raises awareness & funds to support local volunteer recruitment. Bowling teams of 4-6 people are formed with each team member agreeing to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges for Big Brothers Big Sisters and to bowl. To build your own team or join an existing one, call 637-1771.
March 24 – Home Party Bazaar from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the RiverPlex Rec & Wellness Center. One stop shopping. Enjoy a day of home parties under one roof! Visit www.riverplex.org for a complete list of companies represented. Admission: free. Call 309-282-1508 for more info.
March 24 – Peoria Public Library celebrates Women’s History Month with “Three Illinois Women During the Civil War,” a program by Betty Carlson Kay, at 1:00 p.m. at the North Branch McKenzie Room. Kay portrays three women who lived in Illinois and experienced the Civil War. This program is appropriate for all ages. Free and open to the public.
March 27 – Prostate Cancer Support Group, Us Too meets from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Proctor Professional Bldg, #1. This group of survivors & partners for educational info and support will host speaker Ms. Sara Campbell, RN, BSN, OCN of Sanofi Oncology. Her topic: “Advanced Prostate Cancer: Current Treatment & Future Directions.”
March 28 – FREE Medicare Help Desk at Proctor Hospital Lobby from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
March 30 – April 1 – “Beehive the 60’s Musical” at the Peoria Players Theatre – back by popular demand. Features 37 popular hits of the girl groups and solo singers of the 1960’s. Admission: $18 for adults and $12 for 18 and under. Call for performance times. 309-688-4473.
March 30 – April 1 – Central Illinois Auto Show at the Peoria Civic Center – Exhibit Hall. Admission TBA. Fri., Mar 30: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm/Sat., Mar 31: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm/Sun., Apr 1: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Call 309-673-3200 with questions.
March 31 – 4th Easter Bonnet Parade at 11:00 a.m. in Peoria Heights. Call 309-685-4812.
March 31 – Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Peoria Zoo. This fun children’s event is loaded with candy and fun. Children from 0 – 9 years. Fee: $5.75 for non member child and $3 for member childe. $8.50 for non-member adult. Call 309-686-3365 for more info.
March 31 – The Peoria Park District’s Logan Recreation Center is hosting Easter Egg-Citement Easter Egg Hunt from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Kids ages 4-12 can search Logan Center for hundreds of candy-filled eggs including eggs with special prizes! Games, coloring contests, face painting, and more. Admission: FREE. The event will be held indoors in case of rain. For more info call 676-8179. Logan Center is at 1414 S. Livingston in Peoria.