March 2 – JEMS Girls Travel Basketball Program will be host basketball tryouts on at the Woodruff Career & Technical Center (Old Woodruff High School) from 8:30 – 11:30a.m. for our travel basketball teams. This is open to girls grades 4th – 8th. Contact Jonelle Polk-McCloud at 309-369-7788 or Holly Nelson at 309-210-4794 for info or times and dates.
March 2 – Zig Zag Zoo Program – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. @ Peoria Zoo. Phone: (309) 681-3559. Admission: $10 for Zoo members/$15 for non-members. Learn how to interact with the world around you. Pre-register for these classes by calling 681-3559.
March 2 – Mental Health America of Illinois Valley (MHAIV) will sponsor a mental health forum, open to the public. Entitled “Mental Health Forum on Critical Issues in Mental Health,” cost for full day is $99.00 which includes the forum, lunch and Continuing Education Units. Go to www.mhaiv.org
March 3 – PACE Cajunfest – Features live entertainment from the Zydeco Crawdaddy’s, Bradley Jazz Combo & the Todd Kelly Jazz Quartet. Great cajun food & drink! Doors open at 3:00 p.m. @ Expo Gardens, Opera House. Call (309) 691-6332. Admission $5 per person at the door
March 3 – April 14 – Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre: “Unnecessary Farce” – Recurs weekly on Sundays Doors open at noon, Buffet 12 -1PM, Show at 1:30 p.m. Phone: (309) 965-2545.
March 6 – College Savvy: What’s Next Illinois – Online Student Portal from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library. This workshop walks students through: career planning, high school planning, college planning, & financial aid planning
March 7 – Peoria Garden Club – An African Safari, from Kirstenbodvh Gardens to the Cape Point & into premier reserves. The trip begins at noon @ North Branch Library. Refreshments served at noon/meeting starts at 12:30 p.m.
March 7 – 8 – Books are Fun Book Fair – Quality new books and unique gifts at great savings in the Lobby at Proctor Hospital. Sponsored by the Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary. Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on March 7 and 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on March 8th.
March 8 – 31 – Lily Show – Luthy Botanical Garden. Times: Tuesday – Call for hours at: (309) 686-3362. Admission: Adults (13 & up) $2.50; Garden members and children 12 & under are free. See hundreds of beautiful flowers contrasted with lush tropical plants, tropical foliage and experience the wonderful world of Willy Wonka, this year’s theme.
March 12 – College Savvy: The Financial Aid Process Presentation from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Branch Library. Many students and parents consider finances the biggest barrier to college. This session outlines the financial aid process and provides insight on ways to maximize access to financial aid to help pay for college. Interested high school and college students, as well as their parents are invited to attend. Grades 9 to 12.
March 12 – The Midstate College Health Fair from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the R. Dale Bunch Student Center, Midstate College, 411 West Northmoor Rd. This event is open to all interested in learning more about healthy living and is free to attend.
March 14 – The Peoria Genealogical Society’s 1st in a series of instructional meetings showing you different search methods to help you gather your family history. Ellen Copley, the director of the Peoria Illinois History Center, a branch of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City will speak about the abundant resources available. 6:30 p.m. @ Peoria Public Library North Branch.
March 14 – YPGP Lunch & Learn on Nutrition from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Partnership. Peoria’s local representative, Dr. Dan Joseph, will be speaking to help educate you on how to live a healthier and happier life.
March 15 – 24 – Peoria Players Theatre’s “Godspell” at Peoria Players Theatre, 4300 N. University. “Godspell” directed by Cheryl Dawn Koenig. In this succesful broadway musical, the lively cast re-enacts Biblical parables with great enthusiasm and flamboyance.
March 16 – Heartland Festival Orchestra Concert IV – Theatre doors open @ 7:00 p.m./curtain at 7:30 p.m. at Five Points Washington. Phone: (309) 444-8222. Admission: $30 for adults, $8 for child/student. Three, self-styled “Clasically-trained Garage Bands” to come to town!
March 16 – The Midstate College Breakfast w/Easter Bunny from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at the R. Dale Bunch Student Center at Midstate College, 411 West Northmoor Rd. Event is open to all & proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Cost: $5.00 per Child – Call 309.692.4092 ext. 1150
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Parade Starts @ 2:00 PM Downtown Peoria. Patrick’s Day festive floats march through downtown Peoria.
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Party – Peoria, IL – Multiple Peoria restaurants feature Irish type food and drink specials.
March 19 – The Peoria Knit and Crochet Guild will meet from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the North Study Room of the Lakeview Library. Everyone is welcome; bring a friend!
March 20 – Village of Peoria Heights: Business Showcase
March 21 – UKC Dog Show at Expo Gardens, Opera House. Phone: (309) 251-7105. Come to the Expo Gardens for a UKC Dog Show.
March 23 – Easter Bonnet Parade -Village of Peoria Heights, Peoria Heights, IL
March 23 – Easter Egg Hunt – Admission: $6.50 for non-member child, $3.50 for member child, $9 for non-member adult. Bounce on over to the zoo for our annual Easter Egg Celebration, loaded with candy and fun. The hunt is for children 0-9 years old.
March 23 – Northtrail Easter Egg Hunt – Northtrail Park in Peoria, 1621 Meadowview Dr., Peoria. Time TBA
March 23 – Wildlife Prairie Opening Day – at Wildlife Prairie Park
March 24 – Central Illinois Jazz Society at 7:15 PM @ Landmark Recreation Center, 3225 N. Dries Ln. Call (309) 692-5330. Admission: $5 for members/$7 for non-member/students free.
March 30 – Bunny Breakfast – at Wildlife Prairie State Park, 3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hannah City, IL. Time and information TBA.
March 24 – Giant Flea Market at Expo Gardens. Call 309-691-6332. The Giant Flea Market will be held in the Youth Building at the Expo Center. For more information visit, www.jcflea.com
March 30 – Giant Easter Egg Hunt – at Wildlife Prairie State Park, 3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hanna City, IL. Wildlife Prairie State Park’s Easter egg hunt features over 12,000 candy-filled and prize-filled eggs for kids.