SHARON MCBRIDE
It has been a season of cancellations, and sadly I announce the cancellation of the 50th West Peoria Fourth of July parade, ceremony and festivities.
Typically, the event attracts hundreds/thousands to our community and involves the efforts of many West Peorians to stage it. It will be 2021 before we see the 50th parade in full glory.
The parade and flag raising began when Cub Scout Pack 11 leaders looked for a patriotic event for their scouts and families. Finding none, they organized a walking parade with scouts and families from Pack and Troop 11 and a simple escort from our fire department.
We ended at the community flagpole at Kellogg and Cedar for a flag raising and a brief speech by a military recruiter expressing his love of our country. The event has grown to include a hundred plus entries and the streets lined with spectators. There are many family traditions and events connected with the parade.
Continue to celebrate the birthday of our country in these trying times. Display your homes and yards that show West Peoria to truly “where the living is best to the west of Peoria.”
Another cancelled event was the Annual Memorial Day Remembrance held at the war veterans memorial in Franciscan Park. You can still celebrate and remember veterans, although not on the date, by visiting the war memorials at the Peoria County Court House and Springdale Cemetery.
Recently departed Steve Sonnemaker, West Peorian, County Clerk, and Veterans advocate, was the guiding force behind the county memorials. Take a trip to embrace this part of our community and refresh your knowledge of our country,
June 14 is national Flag Day and another opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our country. The date commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the second Continental Congress. Celebrate Flag Day by flying your flag, reviewing some history or visiting our memorials.
CityLink, Greater Peoria Transit District, was thanked in the Congressional Record for 50 years of service to the Greater Peoria area by U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos. The District was formed May 4, 1970, and then expanded service and geographic area. As part of the national ethanol expansion in 1991, the Greater Peoria Transit District was the first transit system in the country to run ethanol-fueled buses in its fleet and was the largest mass transit test fleet in the nation. In 2000, its name was changed to CityLink and has included CityLift and CountyLink to better serve the area. The drivers and mechanics have been serving as part of first responders to keep our community viable.
The above items are all things I believe are part of what makes West Peoria an excellent place to live. Enjoy our opportunities.
Most, if not all, meetings are cancelled or will be virtual meetings, until further notice.
Check the city’s website to learn about more offerings and grants for our citizens. Appreciation to all who are helping us during this pandemic.