Good morning, Peoria.

The Center for Prevention of Abuse is hosting its 38th Annual Duck Race this summer—ducks are on sale for $5 each to fund critical services.

The event starts at 11 a.m. on Aug. 22 at EastSide Centre, featuring 35,000 ducks racing down a water slide amid music and family fun.

Peoria County opened the renovated Bicentennial Park at the courthouse plaza Friday (as part of a First Fridays Amplified celebration) featuring live music, art and food trucks, along with new stone pavers, lighting, seating and a bronze bison water feature.

The plaza is open for more community events.

WEEK-TV anchor Jenise Rebholz is leaving the station on June 16 to focus on family after a decade of sharing local stories.

She said her next adventure will keep her active in town.

Frontier Hospitality Group's new Hampton Inn along the Illinois River in East Peoria began welcoming guests three weeks ago, and Mayor Kahl praised its excellent start as a sign of economic growth near the Levee District—officials also hinted at future development.

Peoria officials and community leaders marked 50 years of a longstanding sister city program with Friedrichshafen — an exchange that has connected over 900 students since 1976 — at a Thursday dinner; three local teenagers will travel to Germany this summer as part of the program.

Gov. Pritzker paused tax incentives for data centers effective July 1 and urged lawmakers to develop reforms that require renewable energy sourcing, water use tracking, and local agreements + stakeholders will discuss changes during the fall veto session.

Peoria Heights board approved a revised two story office and retail project on Prospect Rd during this week’s meeting (a $12.5M tax increment financing deal expected to create 80 jobs) as the downsized plan moves forward while maintaining a fair process for residents.

4th of July Gnome Planter Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40.00 — Create a festive gnome planter using clay hand-building techniques to celebrate Independence Day.

Beginner Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Immerse yourself in pottery with a 6-week wheel-throwing course designed for beginners and skill refiners alike.

Paint Nite Creative Event

7-9 p.m. — Kickback On Fulton — $45 — Unleash your inner artist while sipping drinks and creating beautiful art with friends.

Live Concert: Redferrin

7-9:30 p.m. — Crusens Farmington Rd — $25-$50 — Enjoy an electrifying night with Redferrin and Shaylen at this lively music venue.

Under the Sea Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — No cost listed — Explore ocean magic through pottery with creative clay projects for kids aged 7 and up.

Live at the Five Spot: John Miller and the Romaniacs

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria — $8-members, $12-nonmembers — Experience the vibrant sounds of Gypsy jazz and enjoy a fun night of music with John Miller and the Romaniacs.

Stained Glass Foundations: Beginner Workshop

9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Dive into the world of stained glass and create your own masterpiece in this hands-on beginner workshop.

Stained Glass Foundations Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Dive into stained glass art with hands-on training and create a beautiful piece to take home.

Sit & Stitch: Evening Edition

6-7:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — No cost — Craft and connect over stitching and knitting with fellow enthusiasts.

Summer 3-Day Camp: Imaginary Worlds

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $185 per week — Engage in creative projects like Glass Fusing and Ceramic Painting themed around Imaginary Worlds.

A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation

Direct from Off-Broadway and starring former World Irish Dance champions from productions like Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland is a high-energy celebration of Irish music, dance, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s history to life with wit and heart. Featuring live singing and dancing, reimagined Irish classics, and electrifying tap battles, the show blends tradition and modern flair into an unforgettable night of Celtic entertainment.