July Fourth marks a special day for our West Peoria community and citizens. It is the day that each year the community opens its doors, streets, hearts and welcomes thousands to our community for the longest running Fourth of July parade and flag raising ceremony in Central Illinois. 2015 is the 45th year for this celebration which had simple origins that included scouts, their families, the fire department and a few others marching in recognition of the day and concluding with a flag raising ceremony at West Bluff Christian Church. Scout leaders were looking for a patriotic celebration for their scouts and certainly found one that is an established event for many.
This area-wide attraction brings thousands of outsiders to West Peoria who either participate or line the streets to view the event. Neighbors, get your homes and yards ready for the many visitors. Show them that West Peoria is indeed the best living to the west of Peoria. The spring rains certainly have allowed us to have glorious yards; their problem being that it will take some work to get them in glorious order.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. the morning of the Fourth. Line-up begins at 8:30 a.m. on Rohmann Avenue. 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 rain or shine. Plan accordingly. Ribbons 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. The parade route is: Rohmann, right on Sterling, left on West Moss, to Waverly, then left on Waverly to Rohmann and another left off Rohmann to return to Sterling where the parade turns right and goes to Heading and the Franciscan Center for a flag raising ceremony. You are invited to join this event for our annual grassroots salute to and in celebration of our country. If you have questions, please feel free to contact: Mark Wrhel at 309 472-4528 or mwrhel@comcast.net.
Concerts in the Park at Franciscan Center begin Sunday, July 12. The first concert will spotlight Kenny Williams & the Country All Stars. Peoria Pops Swing Band will perform at the second concert on Aug. 9. Concerts begin at 3 p.m. and will be moved inside in case of inclement weather. Everyone is welcome and asked to bring lawn chairs. Concerts are co-sponsored by the West Peoria Residents’ Association and the Peoria Park District.
The Sheriff’s Canine Unit was the topic of the June Neighborhood Watch meeting. The next Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 8. The speaker is to be announced. Burglary, break-ins, vandalism, it takes all of us to work together to keep our community safe.
The West Peoria Residents’ Association 18th Annual Jamboree run was a huge success. Early registrations ran well ahead of last year with the weather being very favorable. Thanks to everyone who participated and volunteered – community support makes so many of these events a big success.
As the Page Turns, the West Peoria Book Club selection for the July meeting is “Memory Man” by David Baldacci. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Loretta Fehl at 637-0326 or Maggie Moore at 673-0535.
The fifth annual Calvin Coolidge Mothers’ Club Reunion will be held 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Donnelly’s Shamrock Pub, 4501 N. Rockwood (near Westlake). For reservations contact Mary Hamm at 697-4118, Guydeen Roos at 248-1258, Diane Craps at 633-0669 or Alice Nash at 674-4308 by Aug. 26.
Seniors on the Go was chosen as the name for the West Peoria Senior Citizen/Retiree Social Group. The group celebrated its first year anniversary with a membership of 30. If you have questions or need information, contact Loretta Fehl at 637-0326 or Maggie Moore at 673-0535. Recent activities include: in May, a garden party at the residence of Carolyn Gorsich and in June, a Peoria Historical River City Trolley Tour. The next meeting is 1 p.m. July 23 at City Hall and will feature games and refreshments.
Each year, the Residents’ Association gives a Beauty Award in September to the West Peoria neighbor with the most improved and landscaped yard. Entry forms can be found in the West Peoria News that is mailed to each residence. Entry deadline is Aug. 31.