Each year, thousands of people come to West Peoria for the annual longest-running July Fourth parade and flag raising ceremony in Central Illinois. The parade began when Cub Scout Pack 11 leaders searched for a patriotic event for their scouts for this special holiday. Finding none, they started their own with a dozen or so scouts, their families and help from members of the fire department. It has grown to a special day that brings with it a feeling of community, patriotism, great pride, love of country and spirit. Join the celebration, welcome our visitors, make your properties truly look special, invite our visitors to join you/us, have a lawn party, become part of this time. It is ours to cherish. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. the morning of the July Fourth, rain or shine, starting at the corner of Rohmann and Sterling. Ribbons will be awarded for: most patriotic, best of show, service organizations, best juvenile and a Grand Marshal will be honored. The grand marshal is awarded that morning to a citizen who has donated much time, effort and caring toward the betterment of our community.
City streets along the parade route will be closed at 9:45 a.m. and remain closed until the parade ends for a flag raising ceremony at the community flag pole at Franciscan Recreation Center, corner of Heading and Sterling.
The Neighborhood Watch will meet next at 6 p.m. July 12 at City Hall; speaker to be announced. The Residents Association will not meet in July. The next meeting will be 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at City Hall.
The Beautification Committee is keeping watch for the most improved lawn to receive the Beauty Award in September and needs your help with nominations. You can drop off your nomination at City Hall. This year’s dry weather is keeping the beautification committee busy watering and deadheading the gardens. Call Maggie Moore at 673-0525 to assist with this effort.
The West Peoria Residents Association Jamboree Run thanks the many volunteers and sponsors who are responsible for the success of this year’s run. Thanks go to Koenig Body & Equipment, West Peoria Township, City of West Peoria, Haddad’s Market, Culligan Water, St. Mark’s School, Franciscan Recreation Center, West Peoria Fire Department and Peoria County Sheriff’s Office. Katie, Gaston was the top female runner, and Rollin Guillermo was the top male runner. All results can be found on the Jamboree Run Facebook page.
This year’s Calvin Coolidge Mothers’ Club Reunion is scheduled for Aug. 28. More information will be in the August issue.