SHARON MCBRIDE
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the holiday. Line up starts at 8:30 a.m. Groups need to be in place and ready no later than 9:30 a.m. City streets will be closed in preparation for the start of the parade that happens rain or shine, so prepare for the weather. Anyone visiting you should be told that it will happen no matter the weather. We are a hardy group, so the parade goes on. Many people have guests for parties before the parade begins and then gather to watch the parade pass in front of their homes.
The parade route follows from the step-off at Rohmann and Sterling avenues and travels Sterling to Moss, left on Moss to Waverly to Rohmann and then makes a turn at Rohmann and Sterling to the Franciscan Recreation Center for an awards ceremony.
The City is looking for volunteers to walk with the parade who can keep the parade moving with no long gaps in entries. Call City Hall at 674-1993 if you would like to help with this prior to the event or obtain entry information. It’s a great experience.
Awards will be given to: best in show, most patriotic, service organizations, best juvenile and the grand marshal. Judges will be located in front of Haddad’s near the event’s master of ceremonies.
Landlords need to visit City Hall to register rental property in West Peoria. This is required to help protect your property. Call 674-1993 or stop in Monday thru Friday during business hours.
Upcoming monthly meetings in July include Neighborhood Watch 6 p.m. July 11 in City Hall. The meeting will include formulating plans for Night Against Crime.
As the Page Turns Book Club Monday will meet July 18. For more information contact Loretta Fehl at 637-0326. There will not be a Residents Association meeting in July; the next meeting will be 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at City Hall.
The Beautification Committee has been weeding and watering the community plantings. Members will be on the lookout for the most improved yard in West Peoria to be awarded in September.
The West Peoria Fire Department is planning its annual Family Day celebration noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 16. Kids will get to go on a fire truck ride, and adults can learn about the department’s equipment. Firefighters continue to host a cash ladder fund-raiser at Crusen’s from 5 to 8 p.m. every Monday. The department has an ongoing fund raiser every time you order online at Papa John’s. Use Promo Code WPFD40 and save 30 percent on your order. The fire department receives 10 percent of the discounted purchase and while you save 30 percent.
Save the date, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 for the 8th Annual Calvin Coolidge Mothers’ Club Reunion. It is planned for Donnelly’s, 4501 N Rockwood. Questions? Phone Alice Nash at 674-4308 or email her at amnash2415@att.net. Former principal Hal Okerberg, passed away recently in Flanagan, Ill. He was part of the school for many years.
Western Avenue Greenway Project
The public is invited to join the board of directors and volunteers for a morning of gardening at the linear park that runs along Western Avenue from the corner of Main Street south to Callendar Avenue. The Western Avenue Greenway Project is an urban park created to help soften the impact the 1980 widening of Western had on the adjacent neighborhoods, the university and the entire community.
The Greenway is independently funded and cared for by community volunteers and is not part of the park district. Gardening work takes place on the fourth Friday of summer months July, August and September starting at 9 a.m. The work starts at the local breakfast spot, West Town Tap. Work is needed in various sections of the park with weeding, litter and branch pick up and mulching. You will need to bring your preferred garden tools, gloves, etc. Join us. It can be a social event as well as a gardening effort.