The City of West Peoria and the Fourth of July parade committee thank the residents, volunteers, spectators and participants for their efforts with the annual event this year. Media sources estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people were in our community for this year’s event. Weather was about as close to perfect as it can be for a July event. Mayor Dillon was quoted as saying “It’s more people than I’ve ever seen at the parade.” Many residents welcomed friends and families by hosting gatherings in their yards which added an even bigger party atmosphere. Special recognition was given to James Flynn, long-time resident, community volunteer and township trustee. Trophies were awarded to Most Patriotic, Korean War Veterans; Service Organizations, Navy Marine Club; Best Juvenile, Children’s Community Theater; Best of Show, Lion King, Jr.  Honorable mentions: 4ever Model A’s, West Peoria Fire Department and Chuck Collins. It was a hugely successful event and made many aware of what a good and caring community we have here in West Peoria.

Boy Scout Troop 11 will be having its annual ice cream social 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18 at the West Peoria Fire Department.

The City of West Peoria made sidewalk improvements over the past years. Most recently, sidewalk improvements can be seen on Avon Curve, Sherman and Moss Avenues. The City invites residents in need of sidewalk improvements to submit completed petitions for the sidewalk program by the Sept. 2 deadline. For more information on the city sidewalk improvement program, contact City Hall at 674-1993.

Upcoming meetings for West Peoria include: Neighborhood Watch meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 in City Hall. An update of criminal activity in the area will be given by Deputy Meeks. Lions Club will meet 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in City Hall. The Residents Association will also meet 6 p.m. Aug. 18 in City Hall. Seniors on the Go will meet 1 p.m. Aug. 25 in the West Peoria Township Building. As usual, the public is invited and welcome to all these meetings.

The sixth annual Calvin Coolidge Annual Mothers’ Club Reunion will gather at 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at Donnelly’s, 4501 N. Rockwood. Attendees will order from the menu at 5:30 p.m. The seating was promised to be different than it was last year. Any questions, contact Mary Hamm at 697-4118, Guydeen Roos at 248-1258, Diane Craps at 633-0669 or Alice Nash at 674-4308. You can email Alice at amnash2415@att.net.