The Pro-Am Showcase and Going Away Roast for Alvin Stockdale
featuring Dan Telfer begins at 8 pm tonight at the Jukebox Comedy
Club on Farmington Road. Tickets are $10. Bring a pie and get in
for just $5. For more info or tickets, call 673-5853.

As part of the Methodist Stay & Play Independence Day weekend
celebration, Grand Funk Railroad will perform tonight at 8 pm on
the CEFCU Center Stage on the Peoria Riverfront. Tickets are $25 in
advance or $30 at the gate and are available at Co-op Records, or
by phone at 1-800-594-8499.

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival continues tonight with A
Midsummer Night’s Dream at Ewing Manor in Bloomington beginning at
7:30 pm. Scapin plays Friday at 8 pm and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
plays again on Sunday night beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in
price from $16 to $40 for individual seats and are available online
at Ticketmaster.com. Season tickets are also available. For more
information on the Festival, call (866) IL-SHAKE.

The Cornerstone Christian Music Festival in Bushnell also takes
place this weekend. The festival is a week long event featuring
over a hundred bands plus seminars, kids activities, swimming,
boating (no motors are allowed however), and camping. Tickets
range from 4 to 6 days and range in price from $95 to $375. For
complete details about the festival, or call 773-989-2087.

The Barn continues with Forever Plaid this weekend. On Thursdays,
Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and
the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon,
and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for
Fridays and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more
information, call 965-2545.

Get Yo Laff On with host Kevin Williams from Last Comic Standing
and BET’s Comic View will take place at the Jukebox Comedy Club on
Friday begining at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at
the door. Call 673-5853 to buy tickets.

The movie Wizard of Oz will be shown Friday under Wildlife Prairie
State Park’s famous tepee shelter. The fee is $12 per carload.
Gates open at 7:15 pm and show time is at 8 pm. Ice cream, popcorn,
s’mores & drinks will be available for purchase.

The Clonmel Ireland Marching Band will be visiting Peoria from
Ireland and will perform with the Peoria Municipal Band at the Glen
Oak Amphitheatre beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday. The band is made
up of 100 members who range in age from 13-22.

The West Peoria 40th annual Fourth of July Parade will also feature
the Peoria Sister City Clonmel Ireland Marching Band on Saturday
morning. The parade begins at 10 am at the corner of Rohmann &
Sterling. Then, join the Moss-Bradley Residential Association’s
Annual 4th of July Lawn Concert & Celebration beginning at 12:30 pm
at Peoria Historical Society’s Pettengil-Morron House located at
1212 West Moss Ave. There will be a bike parade beginning at 1 pm,
the Peoria Pops Orchestra Concert begins at 1:30 pm and there will
also be pony rides & toys for the kids. There is no fee to attend.

On Friday, the Peoria Pirates take on the Quad City Steamwheelers
at 6 pm at the Peoria Civic Center (Carver) Arena. Tickets range
from $8 to $60 and season tickets including the Pirates “Ticket
Stimulus Plan” packages are also available by calling Ryan Closen
at 673-1000. Individual tickets are available at the Civic Center
Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or online
at Ticketmaster.com.

As part of the Methodist Play & Stay for Independence Day weekend,
Yonder Mountain String Band will perform Friday on the CEFCU Center
Stage on the Peoria Riverfront beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $20
in advance and $25 at the gate and are available at all Co-op
Records locations, or by phone at 1-800-594-8499.

Preston Jackson & Friends performs at the Contemporary Art Center
’s Live at the Five Spot Friday night from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Tickets
are $7 for members and $10 for non-members. For more information on
either event, call 674-6822.

Also on Friday, the Contemporary Art Center presents Salsa at CAC,
a Latin Dance Latin dance lesson and open dancing from 8:30-12:30
pm. The dance lesson runs from 8:30-9:30 pm and open dancing is
from 9:30 pm -12:30 am. Open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission
is $3 CAC members and $6 non-members.

Friday night is the annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular
at the Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre. The event kicks off at 4 pm with
PPD Explosion Cheer Team, Community Children’s Theatre and Great
Expectations Show Chorus, followed by more musical entertainment
until 8 pm when the Peoria Municipal Band will perform patriotic
favorites. The fireworks will begin at dusk. For more information,
call 681-2854. This year, you can reserve Premier Seating packages
including parking in a reserved area: for more information, call
681-2854. CityLink will be running their Park n Ride service for
this event.

On Saturday, celebrate the 4th with the Red, White & Boom/Sky
Concert ‘09, the annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks
display set to music at Peoria ’s Downtown Riverfront. Enjoy food,
beverages, music and fun for the entire family. Admission is free.
Additional viewing areas at RiverFront Park in East Peoria .
Festivities begin at 5 pm, and the fireworks begin at 9 pm. For
more info, call 637-3700. Several other surrounding Peoria areas
will also be celebrating the 4th with various parades and
festivities. For more information on local attractions, go to
ExplorePeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar. CityLink will be running
their Park n Ride service for this event.

A great way to start your Saturday morning this 4th of July is the
local RiverFront Market offering fresh produce, local meats
cheeses, breads and more from 8 am - noon. There’s also pottery,
blown glass, jewelry, wood turned items, candles, soaps and more
all handcrafted by local artists plus music and food
demonstrations. For more details, call 671-5555.

Also on Saturday, the Peoria Chiefs take on the Beloit Snappers
beginning at 2 pm at O’Brien Field. Tickets are $10 for Club Box,
$9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the O’Brien Field
box office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

The Old Time Folk and Country Jam takes place Sunday at Forest
Park Nature Center from 3:30 - 5 pm. Meet other musicians and learn
some new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come,
listen and enjoy. Admission is free; however, donations are
requested. For more information on either event, call 686-3360.

The Peoria Municipal Band will perform Sunday at 7:30 pm within the
Glen Oak Amphitheater. There are park benches or you can bring your
own lawn chairs and blankets. The concert is free and open to
people of all ages and is a terrific family event!

The CEFCU Jazz Series kicks off tonight on the Peoria riverfront.
Tonight’s show, featuring Kevin Hart & The Vibe Tribe from 7:30 –
9:30 pm, is free.

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival opens tonight with A Midsummer
Night’s Dream at Ewing Manor in Bloomington beginning at 7:30 pm.
Scapin opens Friday and runs Saturday night also at 8 pm and A
Midsummer Night’s Dream plays again on Sunday night beginning at
7:30 pm. Tickets range in price from $16 to $40 for individual
seats and are available online at Ticketmaster.com. Season tickets
are also available. There is also a free family-friendly version of
Shakespeare’s The Tempest on Saturday beginning at 10 am in the
festival courtyard (bring lawn chairs for seating). The show lasts
45 minutes and is geared toward children 9 years and older.
Although the show is free, reservations are required: call
309-438-3334 or send an email to make your reservation. For more
information on the Festival, call (866) IL-SHAKE.

Eastlight Theatre continues the regional premiere of The Wedding
Singer tonight through Saturday. Based on the Adam Sandler movie,
it’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Heart is New Jersey’s
favorite wedding singer until his own fiancé leaves him at the
altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as
disastrous as his own. Peformances begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are
$17 for adults, $15 for senior citizens 65+ and $10 for youth
through high school and are available at the Eastlight Box Office,
by calling 699-SHOW.

Corn Stock Theatre continues its summer season under the tent with
Neil Simon’s farce Rumors through Saturday. Performances all begin
at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for students 18 &
under and are available at the Corn Stock Box Office or by calling
676-2196.

The Barn continues with Forever Plaid this weekend. On Thursdays,
Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and
the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon,
and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for
Fridays and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more
information, call 965-2545.

The Peoria Junior League is hosting a Wine & Cheese Social from 6-8
pm tonight at the Junior League House located at 256 Randolph. The
Junior League, an organization of over 400 women, offers great
networking, volunteerism, and the chance to build lasting
friendships. Since 1936, they have been committed to promoting
voluntarism and improving our community. Peoria’s Race for the
Cure, Family house, the Riverfront Playground, Julep’s Closet, and
Kids in the Kitchen are just a few of the past projects that
launched by the Junior League. For more information, call
303-4243.

Tim Wilson, known for his many guest appearances on the Bob and
Tom radio show, will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club this
weekend. He has sold over a half-million comedy albums in the last
10 years which include songs like “The Jeff Gordon Song,” “First
Baptist Bar and Grill” and “But I Could Be Wrong” among others.
Shows are Thursday at 8 pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and 10:30
pm. Tickets for Tim’s shows are $19, or $18 with cash except
for the Thursday show and the Friday late show which are $15 with
cash. For more information, call 673-5853.

The Itoo Hall will sponsor Ballroom Dancing to the music of Phaze
from 7 - 10 pm tonight. Doors open at 6 pm. Admission is $10. For
more information, call the Itoo Hall at 676-9725.

There will be a free showing of the movie Peter Pan at Mineral
Springs Park in Pekin beginning at dusk. Bring blankets or lawn
chairs. Popcorn & soda will be available for $2.

Old Settler’s Days will take place this weekend in downtown
Metamora. The carnival will be open from 5:30 - 10 pm tonight,
noon - 10 pm Friday and Saturday. Every night there are multiple
drawings for gift certificates to local businesses. Must be over 16
to enter and be present to win. There is no cost to enter.

Also tonight, enjoy Dancing Under the Stars at the Glen Oak
Amphitheatre beginning at 7 pm featuring the Bill Hardesty
Orchestra. Admission is free.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five
Spot featuring Hip Pocket (R&B, blues) at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7
for CAC members and $10 for non-members.

Relay for Life Race will take place this weekend for Pekin,
Peoria, and Eureka. For more information on each event, go to
http://www.explorepeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar

The Peoria Municipal Band Muni Band will perform Friday beginning
at 7:30 pm at St. Philomena’s and they’ll play again on Sunday at
the Glen Oak Amphitheatre at 7:30 pm. Both events are free and
open to the public. The band is conducted by David Vroman.

The Greater Illinois Area of the American Diabetes Association
presents it Annual Kiss a Pig Gala at the Embassy Suites in East
Peoria on Friday beginning at 6 pm. In light of current Swine Flu
concerns (despite the fact that any association with pigs or pork
is a misconception and there is actually no chance of it spreading
by using a live pig), instead of kissing a pig this year, a man
will be dressed as a pig and will be the recipient of this year’s
kisses. Tickets are $85 per person or $750 for a table of four. For
more information and to reserve tickets, call Nicole Campen at
888-342-2383 Ext. 6546.

Lakeview Aquatic Center is throwing a Fins to Left Parrot Head
Party for all sailors, pirates, and brown-eyed girls, featuring the
music of Jimmy Buffet from 7 - 10 pm on Friday. Come on out wearing
your board shorts and bikinis, Hawaiian shirts, and pencil-thin
mustaches for a shot at first prize in the “Best Dressed” contest.
Dust off your best rendition of “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and come
these family-friendly parties for all ages! Cost is $5 per person

On Friday, the Thomas Jefferson Banquet will be held in the Peoria
Civic Center Ballroom with a cocktail hour beginning at 6 pm, and
dinner will be served at 7 pm. Tickets are $40 each or $400 per
table. Call Dana at 671-4900 for tickets. This year’s featured
speaker is Clay Jenkinson, a Thomas Jefferson impersonator.

Also on Friday, the movie Happy Feet will be shown under Wildlife
Prairie State Park’s famous tepee shelter. The fee is $12 per
carload. Gates open at 7:15 pm and show time is at 8 pm. Ice cream,
popcorn, s’mores & drinks will be available for purchase.

The Universal Rhythm Assembly is a is a two-day music festival
with a twist - a variety of music and an opportunity for people to
listen “outside the box” - happening in downtown Peoria at the
Riverfront Festival Park. Also showcased will be many different
special interest groups involving everything from the ecosystem we
live in to issues that involve the world as we know it. Great food
and spirits will be available too. Gates open at 3 pm both days,
music starts at 4 pm.

The seventh annual Rhapsody in Bloom, a celebration of art, music,
food, and bloom, will be held at Luthy Botanical Garden from 10 am
- 5 pm on Saturday and Noon to 5 pm on Sunday. Spend the weekend
browsing more than 50 booths by regional artists and listening to
top entertainment groups in the area. Kids can enjoy art activities
in the Children’s Garden. Admission is $3 for adults and ages 12 &
under are free.

Midsommar takes place this Saturday at Bishop Hill, just west of
Kewanee. The festival features swedish music, family activities, a
maypole, dancing and refreshments, workshops, jamming and fun for
the entire family. Main stage concerts begin at 11 am. Decorating
the maypole & procession to the Colony School for the Midsommar
Celebration being at 4 pm. The event is free. For more information,
call 927-3345.

On Saturday, Dream Center Peoria invites you to attend an Acts of
Kindness (AOK) Summer Cookout at various Peoria-area sites.
Locations include Glen Oak School, Morton Square Park, Peoria
Heights Congregational Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Taft
Homes, Madison Avenue United Methodist Church, St. Ann’s Church and
the Creve Coeur Community Center. Call 676-3000 for more
information.

Lakeview Museum is proud to present a unique cycling event: Tour
the Solar System with their Interplanetary Bicycle Ride this
Saturday. Follow the routes of interplanetary explorers through the
world’s largest complete scale model of the solar system. Ride at
your own pace: both road and trail routes (12-100 miles) have
options for every member of your family and riders of all ages.
Pre-registration is required: call 686-7000 for more information.

The Holistic Health Center (located at 4809 N Sheridan Road in
Peoria) will hold an Open House & Patient Appreciation Day from 10
am - 2 pm on Saturday. They will offer mini exams, giveaways,
snacks, karaoke and balloon animals. All are welcome.

Peoria’s RiverFront Market features Illinois grown produce, local
meats, cheeses, fresh breads, herbs, and flowers…plus a great
selection of local art including jewelry, pottery, wood-turned
items, candles, and much more every Saturday Morning from 8 a.m. -
Noon along Peoria’s beautiful RiverFront. For more information,
call 671-5555.

The 16th annual Mental Health Mile will be held at Detweiller Park
on Sunday morning. The Women’s Run will begin at 8 am followed by
the Men’s Run; a combined one-mile walk will start immediately
after the races. Registration $20. Refreshments will be served to
runners, walkers, and friends. Please plan to come walk or run with
us, or cheer us on. Together we can make a difference in mental
health services in our community.

The 18th Annual Home Builders Association of Greater Peoria Parade
of Homes continues this Saturday & Sunday. It’s a free-style home
tour and you determine your route. This year’s event features 20
homes, entered by 15 area home builders. Homes are located in
Washington, Morton, Pekin, Brimfield, Edwards, Peoria, Dunlap, Rome
and Chillicothe. See one, or see all 20 on your personalized tour.
All homes are open with free admission from 1-5 pm. Look for the
Parade of Homes sign in the yard. For more information, 699-5500.

Pioneer Days is Sunday at Sommer Park from 1– 4 pm. Experience the
daily life of a rural Peorian in the mid-19th century by
participating in blacksmithing, woodworking, gardening, and other
activities. Admission is $2 per person, which includes hayrack
rides. For more information, call 691-8423.

The Old Time Folk and Country Jam takes place Sunday at Forest
Park Nature Center from 3:30 - 5 pm. Meet other musicians and learn
some new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come,
listen and enjoy. Admission is free; however, donations are
requested. For more information on either event, call 686-3360.

The Proctor Cycling Classic, an Illinois State Criterium
Championship, will take placeon Sunday in downtown Peoria.
Hundreds of professional and amateur cyclists from across the
United States are expected. Races will run throughout the day
beginning at 8 am and will feature various categories from
beginners to professional men’s and women’s races. Again this year
Classic Kid’s races will begin at Noon during the Criterium. There
will be big wheel races for children three and under and two
cycling events for children age four, five, six, and - seven, eight
and nine. This event is free to spectators and free parking
available plus food and refreshments will be available. For more
information call 370-8296.

The 42nd Annual Itoo Shish-Ka-Bob takes place this Sunday at the
Itoo Hall on Farmington Road. Enjoy a delicious Lebanese meal
featuring their famous Lebanese cabbage rolls, tender hot
off-the-grill shish-ka-bob cradled in pita bread, and a tasty
Lebanese salad. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.
For more information, call 676-9725.

The winner of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway will be drawn after
the St. Jude television special on WEEK-TV on Sunday at 11 am. The
home is valued at approximately $300,0000 and local residents have
been able to purchase raffle tickets for $100 for the chance to win
the house. The house is located in the Waterford Place community in
Dunlap, Illinois and is built by Brady Homes. The St. Jude Dream
Home house will be open for free tours today through Saturday from
9 am - 9 pm and Sunday from noon - 5 pm. The giveaway special on
WEEK-TV will air on Sunday at 11 am and 6 pm. For more information
or to puchase a raffle ticket, call 1-800-390-3196.

Today is the 3rd annual Dump the Pump Day. Ride a CityLink bus
today and help save the environment.

The Peoria Chiefs take on the Burlington Bees beginning at 7 pm at
O’Brien Field tonight, at 6:30 pm on Friday, at 6:30 pm on Saturday
and at 2 pm on Sunday. Saturday night is also Legends at the
Ballpark night where former Chicago Cub Lee Smith will be on hand
for the dinner, presentation by Smith, the game, a silent audition
and fireworks. Tickets for the Legends event are $75. Call
692-8120 Ext. 694 for more information on this event. On Sunday,
kids can run the bases after the game and all Chief players wil
sign autographs in the concourse plus there will be a Father’s Day
catch on the field before the game. Tickets are $10 for Club Box,
$9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the O’Brien Field
box office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

The Journal Star is in the process of creating its 2nd hard-bound
historic retrospective of Peoria in conjunction with the Peoria
Historical Society. The book will feature more than 300 nostalgic
images, capturing the wonderful heritage of the Peoria area from
the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. As part of this project, they are
hosting a Peoria Memories II Scanning Session where you may bring
photos you have of the Peoria are during 1940-1969 along with a
brief description of the photos to be scanned while you wait to
possibly be included in the book. Space limitations may prevent
your picture from being used, but they will include as many as
possible. Scanning sessions are today from 3 - 6 pm and Saturday
from 10 am - 2 pm. The scanning sessions will take place at the
Pettengill-Morron House located at 1212 Moss Ave. For more
information, call 674-1921.

Forever Plaid, the Barn 2’s favorite “boy band” returns from the
heavens to once again serenade you by wrapping their wonderful
harmonies around the greatest musical hits from the 40’s and 50’s.
Frankie, Sparky, Smudge and Jinx give the performance of a lifetime
- in the afterlife! Tap your toes again to hits like “Three Coins
In The Fountain,” “Moments To Remember,” “Chain Gang,” “Matilda”
and “Cry,” and thrill at the Plaids’ three minute rendition of the
entire Ed Sullivan show! On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, doors
open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On
Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30
pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for Fridays and Sunday brunch
and $34 for Saturdays. For more information, call 965-2545.

Enjoy Dancing Under the Stars at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre tonight
beginning at 7 pm featuring the Jim Markum Swing Band. Admission
is free.

The Contemporary Art Center presents Lyfe on Water Street, an open
mic for poetry, prose, plays, acoustic music tonight from 7-9 pm.
Come with your talent or just to watch. Share a poem, dramatically
read Shakespeare or perform your latest musical composition.
Admission is $4 for CAC Members and $7 for non-members. On Friday
night, the CAC presents Live at the Five Spot beginning at 5:30 pm.
Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members. Also on
Friday, there will be Salsa at CAC, a Latin Dance Latin dance
lesson and open dancing from 8:30-12:30 pm. The dance lesson runs
from 8:30-9:30 pm and open dancing is from 9:30 pm -12:30 am.
Open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC members and $6
non-members.

Dance the night away tonight at the Itoo Hall with their Ballroom
Dancing to the music of Donna Weghorst & Friends at the Itoo Hall
from 7 - 10 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. For more information, call
the Itoo Hall at 676-9725.

The Illinois Valley Wheelm’n will sponsor a History Ride tonight
beginning at 6 pm at the Riverfront Visitor Center parking lot.
The ride, featuring historical areas in Peoria, will last about 2
hours.

The 2009 Society of Decorative Painters Conference will be held in
the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall from 10 am - 6 pm tonight, 10
am - 5 pm on Friday and 9 am - 2 pm on Saturday. Admission for
unregistered conference attendees on Thursday and Friday is $10 for
adults and $2 for children (12 and under) at the door. Admission is
free on Saturday, June 20.

The Treasure Hunters Roadshow nationwide tour makes it’s way to
Peoira today through Saturday at the Jameson Inn. Bring your
treasures and have a chance to talk to world renowned antique and
collectible experts to find the real value of your items for free.
You’re welcome to bring coins and paper currency issued prior to
1965, toys, dolls, trains, vintage jewelry, old and modern musical
instruments, war memorabilia, gold and silver jewelry, costume
jewelry, advertising memorabilia, swords, knives, daggers, and
other unusual items for the experts to view for you. Show times
are today - Friday from 9 am - 6pm and Saturday from 9 am - 4 pm.
For more information, call 217-523-4225.

The Steamboat Sports Festival opens today at 4 pm and runs through
Saturday with a carnival, bands, children’s Area, sporting events,
clowns and speed boat races. Hours are 4 - 11 pm today, Noon -
Midnight on Friday and 7 am - Midnight on Saturday. For more
information, go to http://www.peoriaevents.com

The Central Illinois Cruisers will present Bringing Back Memories
event recognizing the “Slowpokes” members of 40 years in the East
Peoria Kohl’s parking lot (located at 401 N. Main Street) from 6-9
pm on Friday, from 9 am - 3 pm on Saturday and from 9 am - Noon on
Sunday. On Saturday, awards will be presented to Slowpokes
members, Taco Tuesday Blues Band will perform from 6-8 pm and from
8-9 pm, an Elvis impersonator will perform. For more information,
call 678-7369.

Peoria Theatre presents a B-Movie Horror Film Double Feature
beginning at 9 pm on Friday featuring ‘Poultrygeist: Night of the
Chicken Dead’ and ‘Jack Says’. Admission is $6 for adults and $5
for students & senior citizens. They’ll also host a 1970’s theme
party featuring “Car Wash” and “Cooley High” on Saturday beginning
at 9 pm. Dress in your funkiest 70s gear. Admission is $10. A
full bar is available as well as many other concessions. For more
information on either of these events,call 222-2278.

Eastlight Theatre presents the regional premiere of The Wedding
Singer Friday night through Sunday. Based on the Adam Sandler
movie, it’s 1985, and rock-star wannabe Robbie Heart is New
Jersey’s favorite wedding singer until his own fiancé leaves him at
the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as
disastrous as his own. Peformances begin at 7:30 pm, except the
Sunday performance, which begins at 2 pm. Tickets are $17 for
adults, $15 for senior citizens 65+ and $10 for youth through high
school and are available at the Eastlight Box Office, by calling
699-SHOW.

A showing of Mr. Magoo’s Wonder Emporium will be presented at dusk
near the pavillion at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin on Friday.
Popcorn & soda will be available for $2. Please bring blankets &
lawn chairs.

Glenn Reader & the Countrymen will present a free concert from 6:30
- 8:30 pm at George Doering Park on Carlson Street in Sunnyland on
Friday. Bring lawn chairs. Free refreshments will be available.

Corn Stock Theatre continues its summer season under the tent with
Neil Simon’s farce Rumors opening Friday night and running through
June 27. Performances all begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $11 for
adults and $9 for students 18 & under and are available at the Corn
Stock Box Office or by calling 676-2196.

The Gus Gustafson Concert Band will perform at the park on the
square on Friday in Metamora from 7:30 - 9 pm. Bring lawn chairs.
There will be ice cream available.

The movie For the Love of the Game will be shown Friday night
under Wildlife Prairie State Park’s famous tepee shelter. The fee
is $12 per carload. Gates open at 7:15 pm and show time is at 8 pm.
Ice cream, popcorn, s’mores & drinks will be available for
purchase.

Parents & children are welcome to participate in the the Bike Rodeo
on Saturday beginning at 11:30 am at the downtown American Red
Cross Central Illinois Chapter for a fun way to teach children
about bicycle safety in a safe and supervised environment. At
this fun, free event, families can enjoy bike challenge courses,
prizes, face painting, games, puppet shows and more! Bring wheeled
equipment: bikes, tricycles, big wheels, scooters, etc. Free
helmets with fittings, while supplies last. No registration
required. For more information, call 677-7272.

The internationally famous Steamboat Classic is Saturday morning
beginning at 7 am features a 4 mile and 15 K race in downtown
Peoria.

The Peoria Pirates take on the Green Bay Blizzard on Saturday night
at 7 pm at the Peoria Civic Center (Carver) Arena. Tickets range
from $8 to $60. Individual tickets are available at the Civic
Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or
online at Ticketmaster.com.

The Relay for Life events for Chillicothe and Morton will take
place this weekend. For more details these events, go to
http://www.explorepeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar.

The Easter Seals Wines and Polo on the Prairie fine wine tasting
and specialty food sampling takes place Saturday under the tent on
the beautiful Weaver Angus Farm, held in conjunction with a polo
match and a crazy golf cart polo match beginning at 6 pm. There
will be an auction and more than 80 wines and food specialties
available plus music and dancing. The raffle grand prize is a trip
for 2 to Maui plus there are lots of other great prizes. Raffle
tickets are $100 each. Money raised goes directly to programs and
services for children and adults with disabilities served by Easter
Seals. For more information, call 686-7755 Ext. 2321.

A Juneteenth Celebration, commemorating the complete abolition of
slavery, will take place at the South Side Branch of the Library
from 4-7 pm on Saturday. Bring the family out and celebrate our
heritage and this historic event with speakers, poetry, a hair
show, dancers, face painting, music and food. In the event of rain
the celebration will be held indoors. This event is free.
The play Diary of Black Men will be held in the Civic Center
Theater on Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 and $33 and are on
sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Peoria’s RiverFront Market features Illinois grown produce, local
meats, cheeses, fresh breads, herbs, and flowers…plus a great
selection of local art including jewelry, pottery, wood-turned
items, candles, and much more every Saturday Morning from 8 a.m. -
Noon along Peoria’s beautiful RiverFront. For more information,
call 671-5555.

The Central Illinois Hosta Society presents the 2009 CIHS Garden
Walk. Tour times are 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 11 am - 4 pm on
Sunday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at any of the
gardens.

The Peoria Zoo is giving free admission for all fathers
accompanied by a paying child on Sunday in celebration of Father’s
Day. Learn about dads in the animal kingdom and make enrichment
treats for the animal dads at 1:30 pm. Zoo admission is $7.95 for
adultsm $4.25 for kids 3-12, free for kids 2 & under and $7.50 for
ages 65+.

Dads swim free at Lakeview Family Aquatic Center on this Sunday in
celebration of Father’s Day when accompanied by family from Noon to
5 pm. Regular admission price for adults is $5.50 (ages 13 & up),
$3.75 for kids aged 4-12 and free for kids 3 & under with a paid
adult. For more information, call 686-3377.

Relax, dine, and cruise on a Riverboat Gospel Themed Dinner Cruise
on the Spirit of Peoria this Sunday featuring a chef carved bayou
prime rib and chicken buffet. The evening also includes a Gospel
music mini-concert and an inspirational message. The boat boards
at 6:30 pm and cruises from 7 - 9:30pm. Tickets are $40 for adults
and $20 for children. For more information, call 637-8000.

The Central Illinois Jazz Society presents the Dave Parkinson and
Friends from 6 - 9:30 pm at the Radisson Hotel in the Mozart Room
on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers, and free
to children 14 & under. For more information, call 692-5330.

The Peoria Municipal Band will perform on Sunday beginning at 7:30
pm at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre. Conducted by David Vroman, the
band also welcomes a guests vocalist.

Greg Hahn, who has been been described as “hyperactive hilarity”
and “insanely funny” will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club this
weekend. He is a former marine corps captain, lumberjack show emcee
and wild west show stuntman and has appeared on “Late Night with
Conan O’Brien,” Comedy Central and frequently on the Bob and Tom
“All Star Tour.” Shows are toinght at 8 pm and Friday and Saturday
at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Tickets for are $17 or $16 if paying with
cash, except for the Thursday show and the Friday late show, which
are $12 of paying with cash. For more information, call 673-5853.

This weekend, the Barn’s favorite “boy band” is returning from the
heavens to once again serenade you by wrapping their wonderful
harmonies around the greatest musical hits from the 40’s and 50’s
in Forever Plaid. Frankie, Sparky, Smudge and Jinx give the
performance of a lifetime - in the afterlife! Tap your toes again
to hits like “Three Coins In The Fountain,” “Moments To Remember,”
“Chain Gang,” “Matilda” and “Cry,” and thrill at the Plaids’ three
minute rendition of the entire Ed Sullivan show! On Thursdays,
Fridays & Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and
the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors & the buffet open at noon,
and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for
Fridays and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more
information, call 965-2545.

The Tremont Turkey Festival takes place tonight through Sunday.
The carnival rides, BBQ turkey sandwiches, strawberry shortcake,
live entertainment, bed races, horse shoe tournament, merchant
tent, and crafts make this a great festival. Held at the City Park
in Tremont.

Dancing Under the Stars also takes place tonight at the Glen Oak
Amphitheatre. It’s time to brush up on your ballroom and the
country line dancing on Peoria ’s only outdoor dance floor. This
year’s program will feature the big band sounds you’ve come to
love, plus hot country music for a little something different. This
event happens every Thursday evening at 7 pm. This week will
feature the Aristocrats.

On Friday, the Spirit of Peoria RiverBoat will host the Tropical
Rock & Roll for Your Soul / Jimmy Buffet Night. The Dockside
Cookout will run from 7 - 11 pm, with the cruise running from 8:30
- 10:30 pm. Tickets are $35 per person. 21 and over only.

Also on Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the
Five Spot featuring Cobalt Canopy (rock, blues) at 5:30 pm.
Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members.

JammSammich will be performing Friday night at the CEFCU Center
Stage on the Peoria Riverfront from 8 – 11 pm playing Motown,
disco, funk, pop, 80’s, and rock. Gates open at 7:30 pm. Tickets
are $7 at the gate. For more information, call 689-3019.

John Michael Talbot will be in concert at St. Vincent de Paul
Church on Friday evening beginning at 7 pm. John Michael Talbot is
Catholic music’s number one recording artist with sales of around
four million records worldwide, with more than 40 albums, 14 books
and numerous video teachings. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more
information, call 671-1550 ext. 283.

RealityNox, a band from East Peoria playing classic rock, blues and
current hits will perform at Rythm Kitchen on Friday from 8 - 11
pm. There is no cover charge.

The East Peoria and Race for Henry - Senachwine Relay for Life
races will take place this Friday evening through Saturday morning.
Go to www.ExplorePeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar for more information.

State Representative Jehan Gordon will host a Community Shred Day
from 9 am - Noon at Landmark Recreation Center’s North Parking Lot
on Friday. Bring your old tax returns, files or sensitive
documents to be destroyed by the shredder. Accepted materials are
paper, computer disks, tapes & hard drives. Protect yourself from
identity theft and preserve the environment by recycling. For more
information, call 681-1992.

Hannah Fitch, a freshman at Millikin University, hopes to attend
the Summer Program of the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts in
New York City and is hosting a concert for the public at First
Christian Church on Saturday at 7pm to help defray the cost of the
academy’s tuition. She will be performing a variety of music and
will sing with A Cappella group Unaccompanied Minors, and acclaimed
saxophonist Adam Larson. There is a suggested donation of $5.

WCBU Safari at Peoria Zoo takes place this Saturday beginning at 6
pm. Be one of the first in the area to experience the new Africa !
exhibit during WCBU’s exclusive safari to the Zambezi River Village
at the Peoria Zoo. Enjoy African & American cuisine will be
provided by Water Street Wines, Cafe & Coffees along with live
music and a performance by the Summer Drummers featuring Garry
Moore. Proceeds benefit WCBU-FM. Tickets are $75 in advance and
$80 at the door. For more information, call 677-3868 or visit
WCBU’s Website.

The PrimeTimes Expo will be held in the Peoria Civic Center
Exhibit Hall on Saturday from 4 - 9 pm. Admission is $2 at the
door. $1 from each paid admission will go to the local chapter of
the Alzheimer’s Association. Information on the seminars was
included in the June issue of PrimeTimes.

The Songs from the Woods Concert will take place Saturday at Forest
Park Nature Center at 7 pm. This month features Dan Zahn & Kate
Morettk. Cost is $7 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. CORE
members receive a $1 per person discount. For more information,
call 686-3360.

The Old Time Folk and Country Jam takes place Sunday at Forest Park
Nature Center from 3:30 - 5 pm. Meet other musicians and learn some
new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come, listen
and enjoy. Admission is free; however, donations are requested. For
more information on either event, call 686-3360.

The River City Bags Classic to benefit the St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital is coming to Kelleher’s on the Riverfront this
Saturday. There will be plenty of prizes to win plus fun, food,
beer and a live concert by the band Waterstreet.

The CEFCU Center Stage presents Head East on Saturday on the Peoria
riverfront. This legendary classic rock band has brought more than
three decades of rock to their fans with hits like “Flat as a
Pancake”, “Love Me Tonight” and “Since You Been Gone”. Gates open
at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $7 at the
gate.

Wildlife Prairie State Park presents its monthly Girl Scout Badge
Day on Saturday, where they will work on their Wildlife Badge from
10 am - 2 pm. All Jr. Girl Scouts are welcome. Pre-registration and
pre-payment is required. Cost is $10 for park members or $15 for
non- members. To register, call 676-0998 ext. 6758.

The Bradley Dog Park Grand Opening ceremony will take place on
Saturday beginning at 2 pm in the lower portion of Bradley Park.
The Bradley Dog Park officially “goes to the dogs” with its newest
attraction for man’s best friend. Well-behaved dogs ages 4 months
and up that have current rabies tags and vaccinations are welcome
to run and play in this fenced, five-acre arena complete with dog
water fountains and waste stations. For everyone’s safety, no
children under the age of 12 are allowed in the park, and an adult
must supervise children between the ages of 13 and 17. For all the
Dog Park rules, go to www.PeoriaParks.org.

Find fresh produce locally grown and brought directly from farms
and gardens, local meats, cheeses and breads at the RiverFront
Market on Saturday from 8 am to Noon. There’s also pottery, blown
glass, jewelry, wood turned items, candles, soaps and more all
handcrafted by local artists plus music and food demonstrations.
For more details, click HERE or call 671-5555.

The annual Return to Pimiteoui Pow Wow honors the Woodland Indian
tribes once inhabiting the Illinois River Valley in the land they
called Pimiteoui and welcomes the return of their descendants and
all Native American peoples to this area rich in early French and
Indian history. The event takes place at Sommer Park Saturday from
noon – 8 pm and will continue on Sunday from 10 am – 2:30 pm. For
more information, call 691-8423.

On Saturday, the Peoria Chiefs take on the Quad Cities River
Bandits beginning at 2 pm at O’Brien Field. Tickets are $10 for
Club Box, $9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the
O’Brien Field box office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

The Village Gardners of Morton will host its biannual garden walk
Rhapsody in Bloom 2009 from 6-8 pm on Saturday, 6/12 and 9 am - 1
pm on Sunday, 6/13. The event includes several home gardens in
Morton & Groveland. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the
entrance. Tickets are available at the Morton Public Library,
Morton Kroger Service Desk, Kinner’s Flowers & Grimm Interiors.
Proceeds benefit the Morton Public Library gardens. For more
information, call 263-7772 or 266-5244.

Also on Saturday, find antiques, food & fun at the 28th annual
Moss Avenue Sale from 8 am to 3 pm on historic Moss Ave. Funds
raised benefit the Moss Bradley Residents Association. For more
information, call 676-7900.

On Sunday, the Peoria Municipal Band will perform beginning at 7:30
pm at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre. Conducted by David Vroman, the
band welcomes Erin Durbin as guest soloist this week.

The Relay for Life Chillicothe Garden Tour on Sunday features five
Chillicothe gardens and runs from 1 - 4 pm. Proceeds will benefit
the American Cancer Society. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at
the gardens. Advance tickets are available at Picket Fence and
Cutting Edge. For more information, call 274-3210.

Tonight, Peoria Players Theatre presents its summer fundraiser,
Altar Boyz. It’s a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy
about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their
national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing,
all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan &
Abraham. Performances begin at 7:30 pm on Thursday through Saturday
and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for
students 18 & under and are on sale at the Peoria Players Box
Office, by calling 688-4473.

Also tonight, the hilarious Mel Brooks musical The Producers
continues through Saturday at Corn Stock Theatre. Performances all
begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students
18 & under. Season tickets are $62 and include tickets to all 5
shows this summer and are on sale now at the Corn Stock Box Office
or by calling 676-2196.

Squabbles continues at the Barn II Dinner Theatre tonight. This
hilarious play pits a cantankerous father-in-law against a mother
in a comedic succession of squabbles. On Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show
is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors and the buffet open at noon, and the
show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for Fridays
and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more information, call
965-2545.

The Peoria Chiefs take on the Beloit Snappers tonight beginning at
7 pm at O’Brien Field. The Chiefs will face the Snappers again
Friday evening at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for Club Box, $9 for
Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the O’Brien Field box
office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

The Peoria Bach Festival 2009 continues tonight through Sunday and
brings together top flight local, regional, and national musicians
for a week of concerts and celebrations. A complete schedule and
details regarding this year’s events can be found by calling 676-4609.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five
Spot featuring the Preston Jackson & Friends (jazz, R&B) at 5:30
pm. Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members. Also
on Friday, the CAC presents Salsa at CAC, a Latin Dance Latin dance
lesson and open dancing from 8:30 - 12:30 pm. The dance lesson runs
from 8:30 - 9:30 pm and open dancing is from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am.
Open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC members and $6
non-members.

Sixteen Candles will perform tonight at the CEFCU Center Stage
from 8 - 11 pm. This 80’s cover band will have you singing and
dancing to your old favorites. The Landing bar will be open. Gates
open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $7 per person. For more information,
call 689-3019.

Also tonight, Tim Zimmerman & the King’s Brass will perform at
Grace Presbyterian Church (located at Knoxville & Forest Hill in
Peoria) beginning at 7 pm. An offering will be taken. For more
information, call 347-8850.

Christian band 33 Miles will perform tonight beginning at 6:30 pm
at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 1427 W. Lake Ave. in Peoria.
The show is free. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for the
performance. For more information, call 682-2931.

The Canton, Bartonville, and Metamora Relay for Life races will
take place this Friday at 6 pm through Saturday at 9 am.

On Saturday, the Elmwood Strawberry Festival offers strawberry
pie, shortcake and other strawberry delicacies in the day-long
event which also includes great entertainment, craft booths, a
pancake and sausage breakfast from 6-10 am sponsored by the Elmwood
Fire Dept., a food tent from 10 am to 6 pm, an outdoor volleyball
classic, a car show, a motorcycle show, plus a kids corner.
Elmwood is located between Galesburg and Peoria on Illinois Route
78. For more information, call 742-8272.

The newly renovated Peoria Zoo will host the grand opening of their
new Africa ! Exhibit on Saturday. Hours are 10 am - 5 pm, with the
last admissions at 4:30 pm. Regular admission prices will be in
effect. For more information, click HERE or call 686-3365.

Find fresh produce locally grown and brought directly from farms
and gardens, local meats, cheeses and breads at the RiverFront
Market on Saturday from 8 am to Noon. There’s also pottery, blown
glass, jewelry, wood turned items, candles, soaps and more all
handcrafted by local artists plus music and food demonstrations.
For more details, click HERE or call 671-5555.

The Junction City Art Fair also takes place this Saturday. The
Peoria Art Guild partners with the Junction City Shopping Center
for a third year to present this juried fair showcasing artists
from Central Illinois (within a 100 miles radius). The fair runs
Sunday too. Hours are 10 am - 4 pm both days. For more
information, call 637-2787.

The Peoria Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Center for Healthy
Living present On Top of the World on Saturday featuring Sean
Swarner, the first cancer survivor to climb Mount Everest and who
continues to go on adventures that inspire and raise cancer
awareness all over the world. Swarner will speak about his cancer
journey where he beat the odds not once, but twice with a stage 4
cancer diagnosis (in which both times he was told that it would be
terminal). The event will be held at Weaver Angus Farm beginning
at 7 pm and will feature entertainment, a live and silent auction,
a martini bar, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets for the event are $75
each. To purchase tickets or for more information about the event,
contact Kollet Walty at 369-7099 or Matt George at 303-3970.

The Boat Drunks will perform on Satrurday at the CEFCU Center Stage
at The Landing. Gates open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00
pm. Admission is $7 per person.

Luthy Botanical Garden celebrates summer with a Plant Sale on
Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm. Kick off the season with live music
from 11 am to 3 pm. Enjoy popcorn and a soda while strolling
through the garden and check out the first-ever tent sale with
bargains galore from all different seasons. Stock up on new
annuals, perennials, veggies, and herbs for your garden (selection
is limited). Admission is free.

Also on Saturday, the Peoria Pirates take on the Green Bay Blizzard
at 7 pm at the Peoria Civic Center (Carver) Arena. Tickets range
from $8 to $60 and are available at the Civic Center Box Office,
all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or online at
Ticketmaster.com.

The Heritage Ensemble will perform at the Illinois Central College
Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $15 for
the general public, $12 for senior citizens, and $8 for students.
For more information, call 694-5ICC.

The German- American Society- presents Sommerfest on Saturday and
Sunday from noon - 8 pm at Hickory Grove Park in Dunlap. A
non-for-profit corporation founded to promote German culture in the
Peoria area through song, sport, food, drink and good fellowship.
Activities will include soccer, air rifle, bingo, German food and
beverages, bands, entertainment and more. The event is free. For
more information, call 691-3657

Jammsammich will perfom Saturday at 7 pm at the Mackinaw Valley
Vineyard.

Logan Center is sponsoring a Community Sale from 8 am - 2 pm on
Saturday. You can bring your items and sell them at this event.
Registration and table rental required for sellers: $15 for the
first table, $10 for each additional table. Call 676-8179 for more
information. The event will be held indoors in case of rain.

The Let’s Move Together Arthritis Walk is an individual and team
event geared towards those adults and children who have arthritis.
This is a 5k, (3.1 mile) walk with a one mile “Stride for Pride”
option. This family oriented event will feature a Health Fair, fun
activities and a post party. Join them on Saturday to acknowledge,
support and celebrate those who battle arthritis on a daily basis.

Also on Saturday, the Glenn Kaiser Band will perform at the First
Assembly of God Church in Pekin beginning at 7 pm. They play
Christian blues and rock. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more
information, call 347-2163.

Sunday in the Park will take place from 5:30 - 9 pm at the Glen
Oak Amphitheater this Sunday. Don’t miss the official kick off to
summer, which includes live music, food, and fun activities.

Internationally-acclaimed medium and clairvoyant Lisa Williams will
appear on Sunday at the Peoria Civic Center Theater beginning at 7
pm. Tickets are $45, $55 and $65 and are available at the Peoria
Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at
1-800-745-3000.

Also on Sunday, the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center
will host the gospel rapper, Sean Slaughter, and the group Hope
Renewed at 6 pm. The event is free. For more information, call
694-5ICC.

The Peoria Municipal Band will perform Sunday beginning at 7:30 pm
at the Glen Oak Amphitheatre. Conducted by David Vroman, the band
welcomes guests vocalists each week.

Northminster Presbyterian Church’s Spring Cleaning Sale takes
place today at the church from 8 am - 7 pm and on Friday from 8 -
11 am. There will be lots of used items for sale including books,
clothing, furniture and toys. Monies raised will go towards the
missions of the church.

A Step in Time, presented by Peoria Ballet Academy, is the Peoria
Ballet annual showcase performance. The show begins tonight at 6:30
pm at Dunlap High School. Tickets are $10 per person. Call 690-7990
to reserve your seats.

Enjoy an evening of ballroom dancing with Donna Weghorst & Friends
when they perform at the Itoo Hall tonight from 7 - 10 pm.
Admission is $6 per person. Doors open at 6 pm. For more
information, call 676-9725.

The Family House 20th annual Run/Walk, in memory of Carolyn
Mannlein, will take place at the Clubs at River City on Saturday.
An Illinois Valley Striders Grand Prix Race, the event includes a
5K run, 5K walk, one mile fitness walk and children’s fun run. The
adult events begin at 8 am and are $25 and the children events are
$10 and begin at 9 am. Registration forms are available at the
Clubs at River City, Running Central and FamilyHousePeoria.org. For
more information, call 685-5300.

The Washington Cherry Festival continues tonight through Saturday.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, carnival, car show, fireworks,
mainstage entertainment, Christian concert, community dinner,
contests, crafts, merchants, kids events and much more.
Festivities will go through Saturday. For more information, call
444-9921.

Tonight, the Peoria Chiefs take on the Clinton LumberKings
beginning at 6:30 pm at O’Brien Field. Tickets are $10 for Club
Box, $9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the O’Brien
Field box office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

The Heritage Days Festival begins today at Holy Family Church at
the corner of Sterling & Gale and takes place through Saturday. It
features carnival rides, games, food, a beer tent and live
entertainment. For more information about the event, call 688-3427.

Claud-Elen Days in Chillicothe also takes place this weekend. The
event features fun for the entire family including a carnival,
food, talent show, garden tractor pull, games, contests, 5K run,
dance and more. For more information, call 274-2907.

Pat Dixon will perform at the JukeBox Comedy Club tonight through
Saturday. Performances include 8 pm and 10:30 pm showings.
Tickets are $15 for each show, except Friday at 10:30, which is
only $10. His shows are rated R.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five
Spot featuring Rob Williams & the Soggy Bottom Blues Band (jazz,
R&B) at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for
non-members.

The Producers opens this year’s summer season at Corn Stock
Theatre in the tent begining tomorrow and running through June 6.
The performances begin at 7:30 pm each night. Tickets are $17 for
adults and $12 for students 18 & under. Season tickets are $62 and
include tickets to all 5 shows this summer and are on sale now at
the Corn Stock Box Office or by calling 676-2196.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “Over the Top” at the
Civic Center Arena this weekend. Show times are 7 pm on Friday. 11
am, 3 pm and 7 pm on Saturday and 1 pm and 5 pm on Sunday. Tickets
are $15, $19, $32 and $67 and are on sale at the Peoria Civic
Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at
1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com.

On Saturday, Peoria Players Singalong Series continues with Sound
of Music. Dress as your favorite Sound of Music character and sing
along with the movie. Doors open at 6:30 pm and movie rolls at 7
pm. There is a $5 restoration fee payable at the door. For more
information, call 688-4473.

The Fancy Schmancy Flea Market will be held on the lawn at the
Franciscan Recreation Complex in West Peoria on Saturday from 9 am
- 5 pm. Music will fill the air as you stroll through a sea of
beautiful and unique surprises waiting at every turn. A
collaboration between Free To Bead and the Peoria Park District. A
portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Center for
Prevention of Abuse.

The GAR Hall 100th Year Celebration with period displays and
actors will take place on Saturday from 1 - 4:30 pm. The Civil War
Society period dress ball fundraiser with the 33rd Illinois
Regimental Brass Band will take place from 6 - 8 pm. The display is
free, the ball is $20 in advance. Call 674-7121 or 231-5840 for
more information.

The Lakeview Meteor Shower Golf Ball Drop is Saturday at the museum
from 11 am to 4 pm. The annual fund raiser is family friendly and
showcases Lakeview’s educational and cultural programs including
art projects, gallery walks, shows in the newly remodeled digital
planetarium, inflatable games and much more. The day will be
highlighted with a helicopter golf ball drop, in which about 2,000
golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto the front
lawn.Prizes will be awarded to those who catch winning golf balls.
There will also be activities for the family, musical
entertainment, food, a silent auction plus raffle items.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw will host its Annual Music
and International Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday from 11 am -
10:30 pm and Sunday from 12 pm - 6 pm, The $10 per person at gate
price includes a souvenir glass and 5 tasting tickets (additional
tickets are available at $1 each). There will be Wine and Beer
tasting all day featuring wines and beers from at least 15
countries, lots of good food and entertainment. Saturday
entertainment begins with Kevin Stearns, followed by The Stevil Dan
Band and at 7 pm Sister Groove and the Crosstown Jam will perform.
Sunday features the talents of The Sally Weisenberg Trio plus other
blues and jazz perfomers. For more information call 359-WINE.

Also on Saturday, the Chippendales will perform during two live
performances at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria at 8 pm and 10
pm. Tickets are available at all Co-op Records, online at
www.etix.com, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix. Ticket prices are $20
for general admission in advance, $25 for general admission at the
door, $30 for VIP in advance and $35 for VIP at the door. Patrons
must be 18 at attend.

On Sunday, the 24th Annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon
will be broadcast on WEEK-TV in both Peoria at the River Plex and
in Bloomington from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Magic, Music, Art, and Harriet show will also take place this
Sunday. The show is an unusual collaboration of international
award winning magician, Mitch Williams and his ART of Magic show,
along with “theatre artist extraordinaire” Edith Barnard and her
one woman portrayal of Harriet Beecher Stowe: the Woman Who Changed
History.

Pioneer Days will take place on Sunday at Sommer Park from 1- 4
pm. Experience the daily life of a rural Peorian in the mid-19th
century by participating in blacksmithing, woodworking, gardening,
and other activities. Admission is $2 per person, which includes
hayrack rides. For more information, call 691-8423.

Also on Sunday, Wildlife Prairie State Park ’s 2nd Annual Spring
Fundraiser will take place at the Park kicking off with a reception
at 4:30 pm. dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by an award presentation
and auction. Keynote speaker will be Marc Miller, the newly
appointed director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR). The Rutherford Family Conservation Award will be
presented, a silent & live auction plus little kid activities such
as animal programs, fun activities and a kids auction. Tickets,
which includes admission for the full day, ages 10 and up are $50
each, ages 5 - 9 are $20 each which includes $5 in WPSP Bucks for
the kid’s auction. Attire is casual: dress as you would to visit
the park. For more information or to make your reservation, call
676-0998.

Fort Clark Vintage Baseball Club will play against the Vermillion
Voles this Sunday. Be a part of the team as a ballist (player) or
a crank (fan). Ballists will wear 19th century clothing and use
vintage equipment (no gloves allowed!). Join fellow players at
Sommer Park from 1 - 3 pm. No experience needed. Call 691-6295 for
more information.

The 20th anniversary of Miracle Mile with Children’s Hospital of
Illinois takes place Sunday at the RiverPlex in Peoria . Miracle
Mile is a celebration of children. It is a chance for families to
share an afternoon of fitness and fun and to raise money for
Children’s Hospital of Illinois . Registration starts at 1:30 pm,
Warm ups start at 2 pm, and the first race starts at 2:15 pm. Entry
fees for participants registering before May 31 are $5 per child or
$20 for a family of 5 or more children from your immediate family.
Participants registering on May 31 -$6 per child or $22 family fee
for 5 or more children from your immediate family. Miracle Mile
T-shirts and goody bags guaranteed to all pre-registered
participants. Blue ribbons to all finishers.

Vince Gill will perform in the Civic Center Theater tonight
beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $40, $45, $55 and $75 and are on
sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com.

Tonight, the Contemporary Art Center presents Lyfe on Water Street,
an open mic for poetry, prose, plays, acoustic music from 7 om - 9
pm. Come with your talent or just to watch. Share a poem,
dramatically read Shakespeare or perform your latest musical
composition. Admission is $4 for CAC Members and $7 for
non-members. Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at
the Five Spot featuring Stephanie Aaron (jazz) at 5:30 pm.
Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members.

Comedians Dan St. Paul along with Paul and Storm will perform at
the Jukebox Comedy Club tonightat 8 pm. Tickets are $19. Every
reservation gets a free Bob and Tom “Wild About Harry” cd.
Comedian Kevin Williams will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club on
Saturday at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $13 and Ken Garr opens.

The Morton Civic Chorus under the direction of Denise Adams will present Encore 2009 tonight through Sunday at Bradley’s Hartmann Center Theater. Performances are at 7:30 pm except for the Sunday performance which will be at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors. For tickets, call 677-4966. Tickets are also available at Schnucks on University Street in Peoria, Hometown Pharmacy on Main Street in Morton, and Morton Civic Chorus members. All profits benefit the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Foundation.

Also tonight, the Peoria Chiefs take on the West Michigan
Whitecaps beginning at 6:30 pm at O’Brien Field. The Chiefs will
face the Whitecaps again Friday at 6:30 pm. Sunday, the Chiefs
take on the South Bend Silver Hawks at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 for
Club Box, $9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are available at the
O’Brien Field box office, by phone at 866-698-4253.

Get your kazoos ready- It’s time for the Louie Louie Parade &
Festival Friday at the RiverFront from 4 pm to Midnight. The
Illinois Striders are proud to present this summer-starting event.
So put on your craziest outfit, grab your kazoo and meet us at the
RiverFront for a night of warm breezes, cold drinks and live music
by Jamm Sammich. Admission is free.

The Venue welcomes back the Peoria jazz combo, playing standards
with a smooth vibe from 7 - 10 pm Friday. Admission is $5.

The 2009 World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest will be
held at the Hotel Pere Marquette this weekend. The 35th Annual
contest relives the world of Old-time and Ragtime music.

The 2009 Summer Camp Music Festival will be held at Three Sisters
Park in Chillicothe featuring many bands, camping, hot air balloon
rides and the 2009 Major League Baseball Road Show. Tickets range
from $20 to $155 for various options.

On Saturday, the Peoria Pirates take on the Quad City Steamwheelers at
7 pm at the Peoria Civic Center (Carver) Arena. Tickets range from
$8 to $60 and season tickets including the Pirates “Ticket Stimulus
Plan” packages are also available by calling Ryan Closen at
673-1000. Individual tickets are available at the Civic Center Box
Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or online at
Ticketmaster.com.

The Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria will host a
Progressive Garden Walk Saturday from Noon to 8 pm. The walk
features five gardens as well as local musicians and artists, food
samples and drinks. Original artwork and plants will be available
for purchase. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the church
located at 3000 W Richwoods Blvd or at the gardens the day of the
walk. To attend only the church events, tickets are $5 per person
or $15 per family and may be purchased at the church.

Jamm Sammich will perform at Martini’s on Water’s Beer Garden on
Saturday night beginning at 9:30 pm. There is no cover charge for
this event.

The Illinois River Wine Trail and the Village of Manito are
hosting the 1st Annual Illinois River Wine, Art and Jazz Festival
on Saturday from 11 am - 8 pm. The festival will be held at
Manito’s Memorial Park. At least eight Illinois wineries will offer
tastings and wine sales, with numerous artisans displaying and
selling their creations. Jazz musicians for the day include David
Berchtold Duo with Bill Schlipf on upgright bass from 11 am - 2 pm,
Kevin Hart and the Vive Tribe from 2- 5 pm, and Sally Weisenburg
and the Famous Sidemen from 5 - 8 pm. Local hot air balloonists
will be present with balloon lift-offs at 5:00pm and “night glow”
at approximately 8 pm. Entry Fee of $10 will include a wine glass
and 5 tasting tickers. Additional tickets will be available for
purchase. For more information, call 968-7070.

The Old Time Folk and Country Jam takes place Sunday at Forest Park
Nature Center from 3:30 - 5 pm. Meet other musicians and learn some
new songs. Music lovers of all ages are encouraged to come, listen
and enjoy. Admission is free; however, donations are requested. For
more information on either event, call 686-3360.

On Monday, the Peoria Municipal Band will perform beginning at 7:30
pm at the Peoria Riverfront. Conducted by David Vroman, the band
will perform a Memorial Day concert.

Also on Monday, Operation Santa, The Peoria Chiefs, and Illinois
Valley Striders will host the second annual run/walk to benefit
Operation Santa. The 3 lap course that finishes inside O’Brien
Field. Stay for Military Appreciation Day at the Peoria Chiefs.
Registration Starts at 6 am, the race starts at 8 am. The race fee
is $25 and tickets for the game after the race are $5 for Club Box,
$4.50 for Box seats and $3 for Lawn seats. For more information,
call 680-4000.

Go to http://www.explorepeoria.com/pages/ringlingcontest to Win a
Family Four Pack of Tickets to see the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and
Bailey Circus on May 29-31 at the Peoria Civic Center. Save $4
with code FAMFUN (valid on Sat 11am & Sun 5pm shows).

All Saints Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual
Mediterranean Food Festival from 11 am - 8 pm daily today through
Saturday. Menu items include roasted lamb, athenian chicken,
spinach pie, pork shish-ka-bob, gyros plus other appetizers too.
All dinners include a greek salad, rice, green beans & dinner roll.
Carry outs will be available as well. There will be a bake sale as
well including Greek, Lebanese and Romanian sweets including
baklava and much more. For more information, call 682-5824.

The 2009 PARC Annual Awards Banquet will be held at the Par-A-Dice
Hotel ballroom tonight from 5:30 - 9 pm. This event is an
opportunity to say thank you to all the PARC staff, volunteers and
organizations who support our mission to provide choices for a
quality life to individuals with developmental disabilitites.
Tickets are $30 per person, or $300 for a table of 10. For tickets
or more information, call 689-3608

The Prairie Wind Ensemble will perform tonight at the ICC
Performing Arts Center at ICC’s East Peoria campus beginning at
7:30 pm. For more information, call 694-5136.

Also tonight, the Beach Boys will perform at the Peoria Civic
Center Theater beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $29.50, $49 and
$62 and are on sale now at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all
Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 676-8700 and online at
Ticketmaster.com.

The Peoria Chiefs take on the Quad Cities River Bandits tonight
and Friday beginning at 6:30 pm each night at O’Brien Field.
Tickets are $10 for Club Box, $9 for Box or $6 for Lawn and are
available at the O’Brien Field box office, by phone at
866-698-4253.

A Skate Down Main Street USA takes place at the Owens Center on
Friday and Saturday at 7 pm. Owens Skating School students as well
as world-class guest skating star Matt Savoie will perform Advance
tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for kids 5-12 & seniors, and ages 4
& under are free. Tickets at the door are an additional $1.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five
Spot featuring the Robin Crowe Band (country, blues) at 5:30 pm.
Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members. Also on
Friday, the CAC presents Salsa at CAC, a Latin Dance Latin dance
lesson and open dancing from 8:30-12:30 pm. The dance lesson runs
from 8:30-9:30 pm and open dancing is from 9:30 pm -12:30 am. Open
dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC members and $6
non-members.

The Peoria Jazz AllStars Gala fundriaser will be held at the
Holiday Inn City Center Friday beginning at 6:30 pm. The Peoria
Jazz AllStars is an auditioned all-city “big band” comprised of
dedicated students from the four public high schools: Manual,
Peoria High, Richwoods and Woodruff. The event includes desserts
and a silent auction. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for
students or $100 for a table of 10. For reservations and more
information, call 672-6748.

The Riverboat Tales Tall and True Cruise will board the Spriit of
Peoria beginning at 6:30 pm, dinner is at 7 pm and the cruise runs
from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis and
Singer/Songwriter Barry Cloyd created Prairie Folklore Theatre to
entertain and to educate the curious about the rich layers of
history found in the Midwestern prairie, spinning stories and songs
together to create musical theatre. Admission is $45 for adults
and $30 for children. Call 800-676-8988 for more information or to
reserve your seats.

The Venue will host an artists reception for Morgan Elser on Friday
from 7 pm - 10 pm. Elser’s work specializes in mixed media and
bronze sculpture. Also, Peoria Native and folk musician Rory
Toelle, will play. On Saturday, the Venue will host a night
featuring an art exhibit and poetry reading from published ICC
student authors/artists. Live music will be provided by ICC
musicians. The event is open to the public and runs from 6 - 9 pm.
There is no cover for either of these events.

The Untamed Shrews are back by popular demand and as wild as ever
at the Jukebox Comedy Club. This will be their only Peoria
appearance in 2009. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and
10:30 pm each night. Tickets are $19 ( $18 w/cash ) except for the
Friday late show which is $15 with cash. Tickets for the Shrews
will need to be pre-paid to guarantee your seats. For more
information or to order tickets, call 673-5853.

Pekin Fire Days is this weekend. It includes the Fire Fest on
Friday from 5-8 pm at the Pekin Downtown Courthouse Square and the
Fire Parade on Saturday at 10 featuring antique fire trucks, fire
units, groups, vehicles and fire engines parade through the
downtown streets to the courthouse. There will be free
entertainment & kids activities plus food vendors and an open house
on Saturday from 11 am - 1 pm at Fire Station #1 in Pekin, located
at 3232 Court Street. For more information, call 353-3100.

The Fort Crevecoeur Spring Rendevous will be held from 9 am to 5
pm on Friday through Sunday at Fort Creve Coeur. Visitors will
experience a way of life from 1680 to 1850, involving traders and
American Indians of this area, through encampments, dancers, live
music and demonstrations. There will also be food and a children’s
area. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children under 12
when accompanied by a parent. For more information, call 694-3193.

The International Migratory Bird day takes place this Saturday from
8 am - noon. Come marvel at the miracle of migration while
celebrating and appreciating the wonders of birds at Forest Park
Nature Center. The event includes bird walks, displays, and
presentations on these most beautiful and graceful of animals. The
event is free, however, donations are appreciated.

The Clyde West Fishing Derby is also Saturday at the Glen Oak
Lagoon. The lagoon will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of fish. Ages
9 & under will fish from 9 - 11 am, ages 10 - 13 will fish from 11
am - 1 pm, seniors from 1 - 3 pm. The event is free. For more
information, call 681-2854.

The Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site will host a Tea Party
from 1-4 pm. Suggestion donation is $10 per adult and $5 per
child. For more information, call 367-4470.

Experience life as it was in 1859 as part of the celebration of
Eureka’s 150th Birthday. There’ll be an old-time medicine show,
kids’ activities and games, and displays recounting the food,
occupations and entertainment from a bygone time from 1 to 4 p.m.
at Farm Bureau Park on 4-H Road in Eureka. Admission is free. Call
467-2113 for more information.

The Peoria Park District and the Indo American Society are proud to
kick off the summer with India Fest on Saturday from 11 am - 1 pm.
Enjoy live music, authentic Indian cuisine, traditional Indian
dancing and much more. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience
this vibrant culture with all your friends at The RiverFront.
Admission is $4-$6.

WWE Raw, Smackdown and ECW Supershow at the US Cellular Coliseum
in Bloomington begins at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $50,
$40, $25 and $15 and are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by
phone at 800-745-3000, in person at U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box
Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

The Peoria Players Singalong series continues with Grease this
Saturday. Dress as your favorite Grease character and sing along
with the movie. Doors open at 6:30 pm and movie rolls at 7 pm.
There is a $5 restoration fee payable at the door. For more
information, call 688-4473.

The Ride for the Cure 2009 will take place on Saturday and will
raise money to be given to area efforts to fund mammograms,
treatment, and research. Registration for the Ride is $20 per rider
or $30 per couple on one motorcycle.

Join blacksmith enthusiasts from across the state as they spend a
weekend at Sommer Park learning a new skill or picking up tips from
other blacksmiths at the Blacksmith Hammer-In. A guest blacksmith
will demonstrate his skill on the bellows-operated stone forge.
Activities include blacksmith equipment tailgate sales,
iron-in-the-hat auction and opportunity to interact with fellow
blacksmiths. Price includes Saturday night dinner. Register for the
event by calling Sommer Park at 691-8423. Tickets are $20 for
Saturday or $30 for both days.

On Sunday, the Central Illinois Jazz Society welcomes Carl
Anderson and his New Orleans Jazz Band to the Radisson Hotel Mozart
room playing two sets beginning at 6 pm and 8:30 pm, with the CIJS
House Band led by Larry Harms performing the middle set at 7:15 pm.
Admission is $5 for members, $7 non-members, children 14 years and
under are free with an adult. For more information, call 692-5330
or 691-3259.

Race for the Cure packet and t-shirt pick up is today until 7 pm
at Northwoods Mall’s lower-level center court. Today is also the
last day to register for the race which you can do at the same
location.

The Southside Business Association of Pekin presents Derby Days at
the Southside Business Park located on Koch Street. There will be
a carnival, a battle of the bands, a bean bag tournament and
carnival food. Event times are Thursday and Friday from 5-10 pm,
Saturday & Sunday from 11 am - 10 pm. Proceeds from Derby Days go
to local charities. For more information, call Joe Apt at
346-1474.

The all-new 90-minute musical adventure, Thomas & Friends(TM) Live!
On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town will be at the U.S. Cellular
Coliseum in Bloomington for one performance at 7 pm tonight.
Tickets are $48, $33, $27. $18.50 and are available online at
Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, in person at U.S.
Cellular Coliseum Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Comedian Brett Erickson will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club
tonight at 8 pm for $10. He returns Friday and Saturday night with
shows at 8 pm and 10:30 pm for $14. His shows are rated R. Also,
the month of May is the birthday special month. Anyone with a May
birthday will recieve a free ticket and anyone in thier party will
recieve $2 off their ticket price.

The East Peoria Carnival continues tonight at the East Peoria
Riverfront behind the Wal-Mart SuperCenter and runs through Sunday.
Carnival hours are 5 pm - 10 pm Thursday and Friday, 1 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, and 1 pm - 5 pm Sunday. Ride tickets are $1.25 each with
family packs available at 20 tickets for $20. All rides take two or
more tickets.

Peoria Players Theatre presents Man of LaMancha, inspired by Miguel
de Cervantes’s seventeenth century masterpiece Don Quixote,
continues this weekend. It tells the story of the “mad” knight, Don
Quixote, as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes and his
fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish
Inquisition. Performances continue tonight through Sunday and begin
at 7:30 pm, except on Sunday, which is at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17
for adults and $12 for youth 18 and under and are available at the
Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 688-4473.

The Arts in Education Spring Celebration 2009 continues weekdays
through May 22 from 11 am - 1:30 pm at the Peoria County Courthouse
Plaza in 3 locations: the Circle, the Monument, and Main and
Jefferson. Dunlap High School, Riverview Grade School, and
Mossville Junior High School will perform Friday.

Squabbles continues at the Barn II Dinner Theatre tonight. This
hilarious play pits a cantankerous father-in-law against a mother
in a comedic succession of squabbles. On Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show
is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors and the buffet open at noon, and the
show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for Fridays
and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more information, call
965-2545.

Real-to-Reel Film Series presents the film “Paprika” at the
Illinois Central College North Arbor Auditorium on Friday at 7 pm.
It tells the story of technology run amuck. Three scientists fail
to secure a device they’ve invented, which allows people to record
and watch their dreams. Winner of 4 international film awards and
nominated for another two. Paprika is described as a “stunningly
beautiful feast for the eyes.” A moderated discussion and social
hour with refreshments follow each film. Admission is $5 for
adults and $4 for students with ID. For more information, call
339-3001.

Girls Night: The Musical will be held in the Peoria Civic Center
Theater Friday beginning at 8 pm. Tickets are $37, $44, $47 and $51
and are on sale at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all
Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at
Ticketmaster.com.

The Waterhouse presents Howlin’ on Water Dueling Pianos dinner and
show this Friday and Saturday. Cost is $31.95 per person including
tax and gratuity. The show only is $10 per person. Call 494-9100
for reservations from 11 am - 2 pm Tuesday through Friday. Dinner
is at 6:30 pm. Show runs 8 -11 pm.

The Peoria Pirates take on the Milwaukee Iron at 7 pm at the Peoria
Civic Center (Carver) Arena on Saturday. Tickets range from $8 to
$60 and season tickets including the Pirates “Ticket Stimulus Plan”
packages are also available by calling Ryan Closen at 673-1000.
Individual tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office,
all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or online at
Ticketmaster.com.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is Saturday at the Metro
Centre with areobic warm up beginning at 7:10 am. The women’s 5K
competitive/timed Run begins at 7:55 am and the men’s 5K
competitive/timed run begins at 8:05 am. The one mile family walk
begins at 8:15 am.

Also on Saturday, the Illinois Art League and the Peoria Heights
Chamber of Commerce present the Peoria Heights Art Fair from 9 am
to 6 pm. For more information about the event, call 681-6729 or
681-1865.

Willow Knolls 14 presents the The Met: Live in HD series with a
live transmission of Rossini’s La Cenerentola at Noon on Saturday.
Tickets are $22 for Adults, $20 for Senior Citizens, $18 Students
and $15 for Children and are available at the Willow Knolls 14 Box
Office. For more information, call 688-6463.

In honor of Mother’s Day, the Peoria Zoo will offer free admission
for all mothers accompanied by a paying child on Sunday. Special
events will take place throughout the day to help celebrate animal
mothers. Standard admission will apply. For more information,
call 686-3365.

Luthy Botanical Garden will also be celebrating Mother’s Day with
an Orchid Show. Admission into the conservatory is free for mothers
and grandmothers. Admission into the concert is $5 per person or
$15 per family. For more information, call 686-3362.

Morton High School presents Thoroughly Modern Millie at Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center tonight through Sudnay. Tickets $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door. Show begins at 7 pm. Performances are at 7 pm, except for Sunday, which begins at 3 pm.

Bradley University continues is production of Deathtrap tonight through Saturday at 8 pm at Hartmann Center. What happens when a washed-up playwright’s protege dreams up a new play that’s good enough to kill for? Murder, suspense, and comedy. Ticket prices are $14 for the general public, $12 for faculty, staff and senior citizens and $7 for Students. Show time is 8 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Hartmann Center Box Office by phone at 677-2650.

Squabbles opens at the Barn II Dinner Theatre tonight. This hilarious play pits a cantankerous father-in-law against a mother in a comedic succession of squabbles. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm, buffet is at 6:30 pm, and the show is at 8 pm. On Sundays, doors and the buffet open at noon, and the show is at 1:30 pm. Prices are $30 for Thursdays, $32 for Fridays and Sunday brunch and $34 for Saturdays. For more information, call 965-2545.

Dwight Slade will perform at the Jukebox Comedy Club tonight through Saturday. Performances will be at 8 pm on tonight, 8 pm & 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10 for the Thursday night & Friday 10:30 pm show, $15 for the other performances or $14 with cash payment.

Join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale on Thursday and Friday at Riverside Community Church in Peoria for a concert featuring several of the most memorable songs from the tie-dyed decade of the 1960s. On Sunday, they will perform again at the Caterpillar Performing Arts Center at Five Points Washington at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students and are available by calling 693-6725.

The Arts in Education Spring Celebration 2009 continues weekdays through May 22 from 11 am - 1:30 pm. Performances are on three stages at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza: the Circle, the Monument, and Main and Jefferson. Richwoods High School & Washington Middle School will perform on Friday.

On Friday, the Contemporary Arts Center presents Live at the Five Spot featuring Preston Jackson & Friends (jazz, R&B) at 5:30 pm. Admission is $7 for CAC members and $10 for non-members. Then, on Saturday, the Contemporary Art Center presents an opening reception featuring the Krainak, Reed, Rognstad and Keck Exhibits 6:30-8:30 pm.

The 38th Annual Pekin AMBUCS Charity Auction will be held beginning at 5 pm on Friday at Pekin’s Memorial Arena. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Pekin, Pekin YWCA, AmTykes, AMBUCS Good Bears, Scholarships for Therapists and more. Admission is free to the public. There will be a raffle for a 42″ plasma tv for $2 per ticket plus there will be food available as well. Items are new & used and also include celebrity items.

On Saturday, the Join the Tribe Tour 2009 of the Newsboys will take place at Northwoods Community Church beginning at 7:30 pm with special guests Decemberadio and Vota. Tickets are $20 in advance, $35 for gold circle and are available by calling 800-965-9324 or online at iTickets.com (a non-refundable service fee applies). This is a fundraiser for Teen Challenge Peoria.

Also on Saturday, the Contemporary Art Center presents Salsa at CAC, a Latin Dance Latin dance lesson and open dancing from 8:30-12:30 pm. The dance lesson runs from 8:30-9:30 pm and open dancing is from 9:30 pm -12:30 am. Open dancing to DJ Ed Caballero. Admission is $3 CAC members and $6 non-members.

Peoria Players Theatre presents Man of LaMancha, inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’s seventeenth century masterpiece Don Quixote. It tells the story of the “mad” knight, Don Quixote, as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes and his fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. Performances begin at 7:30 pm, except on Sunday, which is at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for youth 18 and under and are available at the Peoria Players Box Office, by calling 688-4473.

Wildlife Prairie State Park presents its Junior Explorers Class from 1- 3 pm on Saturday. This month’s class, May the Flowers be with You, combines nature, learning, friends, and fun into a monthly class for ages 5-7. Pre-registration is required: call 676-0998 ext. 6758. Cost is $6/member and $7/nonmember + park admission.

The 3rd Annual Run To Remember Fallen Police Officers benefiting Illinois Concerns Of Police Survivors will be held at Junction City shopping center beginning at 8 am on Saturday. The entry fee is $20. For more information click HERE or call Joe & Mary Mulay at 208-7844.

The Peoria Pirates take on the Lexington Horsemen at 7 pm at the Peoria Civic Center (Carver) Arena on Saturday. Tickets range from $8 to $60 and season tickets including the Pirates “Ticket Stimulus Plan” packages are also available by calling Ryan Closen at 673-1000. Individual tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 676-8700 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

On Saturday, Neighborhood House will host their Annual Breakfast Buffet from 8:30 - 11 am. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and 2 & under are free.

The Peoria Symphony presents An Evening with Mark O’Connor on Saturday beginning at 8 pm at the Peoria Civic Center Theater. Mark O’Connor, a multi-genre violinist and composer, has collaborated with artists ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Rosanne Cash, from Wynton Marsalis to John Williams. Tickets range from $35 to $71 and are available by calling 671-1096 or online HERE. Citylink’s Park & Ride will be running for this performance.

The Alzheimer’s Association presents its annual fundraiser, Run for the Roses, at the Country Club of Peoria on Saturday. The event begins at 4:30 pm, with the race begining at 5:15 pm. There will be food as well as a “Derby Bar” featuring mint juleps, Mojito and Kentucky sunrises (tickets for the Derby bar are $25 each and include 5 drinks). Tickets for the event are $75 and are available by calling 686-1100.

Enjoy a day of live entertainment and surprises at CCT’s Annual Drama Festival on Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm under Corn Stock Theatre’s Tent. The winners of the One-Act Playwriting Competition will also be announced. Bring your lunch and buy snacks & drinks at the concession stand. Admission is free.

The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters is having its first-ever Wings and Wii Weekend at Buffalo Wild Wings at Grand Prairie on Saturday. A Wii Bowling Tournament and food and drink specials will be featured, with a portion of proceeds going toward Big Brothers Big Sisters. Qualifying rounds for teams of four are from 11 am to 3 pm, with finals starting at 3:30 pm. The top sixteen scores advance to the finals. The $20 advance registration fee ($80 per 4 person team) includes a t-shirt, one game of Wii Bowling with the chance to advance, and free lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings on your next visit. Call 637-1771 for more information.

Also on Saturday, the Richwoods High School Swimming & Diving Boosters will host a Community Shredding Event with the opportunity for residents to shred documents, CDs and hard drives to protect against identity theft from 9 am to Noon in the Richwoods High School parking lot. Proceeds will benefit the boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving teams. Confidential On-Site Paper Shredding will do the shredding. The cost is $5 for a 10-gallon container, $10 for a 22-gallon container and $7 for a hard drive. For more information, call 691-9573.

The Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo will be presented by the Peoria County 4-H Extension Foundation at the Green Sports Complex in Mossville on Saturday & Sunday. The event will offer an educational and informative chance to learn about renewable energy, from geothermal and wind to solar and biofuels. Admission is $5 for 12+, and children under 12 are free. For more information, contact Gene Pratt at 370-1395, Gary Sutton at 282-4839, or visit ciree.net.

Drake Bell will perform at the US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington Sunday beginning at 3 pm. Tickets are $35 and are available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, in person at U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

On Monday evening, Bonnie Raitt will perform at the Peoria Civic Center Theater 7:30 pm, with special guest Maia Sharp. Tickets are $61.50 and $77 and are available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 676-8700 and online at Ticketmaster.com.