APRIL SILVER
By the time this hits your porch, June is officially here, and the conversation turns to outdoor neighborhood mainstays: yard sales, fresh produce, and celebrating our local first responders.
SALING AWAY: First up is the main event for local bargain hunters and neighborhood catch-ups. The West Peoria Community Yard Sales are happening from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. This is the same weekend as the Madison Manor and Moss Avenue sales, meaning our streets will see heavy regional traffic. Remember that current traffic changes due to infrastructure projects are creating new flow patterns, so please be extra alert for increased pedestrian traffic throughout the weekend.
FOOD STUFFS: If you prefer your summer shopping to involve fresh food, the West Peoria Farmers Market is officially up and running for the season. Held at the Franciscan Recreation Center from 4-7 p.m.
every Wednesday through Sept. 2, the market features locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and handmade artisan items. Plus, with food trucks on site, it offers an easy answer to the weekly “what’s for dinner” dilemma.
Speaking of easy meals, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 20. The West Peoria Fire Department will be hosting its Sandwich Days fundraiser right outside Haddad’s Market. This is an easy way to grab lunch or dinner while directly supporting the men and women who keep our community safe, so stop by, grab some food, and say hello to our local crews.
GO FOURTH: And while we are locking in our June schedules, it’s not too early to start planning for the biggest day on the West Peoria calendar. The annual Fourth of July Parade is just around the corner. It’s a decades-old tradition that brings thousands to our community, and coordination is already well underway. Whether you’re planning a float with your organization, polishing up a classic car, or just figuring out exactly where to plant your lawn chairs to beat the morning heat, start making your plans now. Consider this your early reminder to stock up on candy and patriotic gear.
As summer routines settle in, June is a perfect time to take stock of the local flavor that defines West Peoria. Whether you’re finding a bargain, trying fresh produce, or recognizing our first responders, these activities are what keep our neighborhood connected. Summer here always comes with its share of heat and logistical hurdles, but it also brings the best opportunities to catch up with familiar faces. Enjoy the warm weather, watch out for the shoppers on yard sale weekend, and we’ll see you around town.