Good morning, Peoria.

The Red, White & Boom fireworks show is expected to draw up to 200,000 people along the Illinois River on July Fourth.

Entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks will light up the river at 9:30 p.m. as local authorities implement enhanced security & traffic measures.

A new summer series called Market After Hours will launch Thursday evening at Bicentennial Park in downtown Peoria.

The event, a collaboration among local organizations, will offer food, drinks, live music+ local vendors from 4-7 p.m. each Thursday through July 30.

The Peoria Astronomical Society hosts its 71st public stargazing event Saturday night at Northmoor Observatory in Donovan Park, just before the summer solstice starts.

Attendees can enjoy historic telescopes and modern viewing options until about 11 p.m.

Emily Huff of ArtsPartners organized the new West Peoria Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex, where local growers, artisans, and food trucks offer fresh produce and handmade goods — a result of community feedback.

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois will send girls facing financial and transportation challenges to a free week-long overnight camp at Camp Tapawingo in Metamora starting July 5; the program, financed by a $90,000 grant, also provides camping kits and transportation options — ensuring access to new experiences.

On Thursday, June 18, Illinois broke its tornado record with 164 tornadoes (a count nearly triple the average) as a strong El Niño and rising Atlantic salinity trends fueled storms that will persist through July before drier weather returns in August.

Tazewell County was honored with eight awards by the National Association of Counties for innovative government programs (including arts, cultural preservation, civic education, and community economic development) that improve services for residents.

The honors place the county second in total awards.

OSF St. Francis in Peoria received a $90,000 donation from the Gilmore Foundation on Thursday at the Peoria Food + Wine Festival; the hospital will use the gift to cover half the cost of a new 3D ultrasound machine for its maternal-fetal clinic to detect potential health issues in babies.

IHSA approved new 35-second shot clock rules for varsity basketball during a June 15 meeting; schools that fail to install functioning shot clocks in their primary gyms — a requirement for hosting contests — will need to secure alternate venues for the 2026–27 season.

On Wednesday, Bradley Athletics assumed control of NIL funding for its men’s and women's basketball teams after Tom Hammerton was named general manager.

Donations will now support travel, recruiting, scheduling & athlete support.

Fused Glass Geese

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create a whimsical fused glass goose garden in this beginner-friendly class.

Father's Day Paint with Goats!

11 a.m. — Art at the Bodega — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate Dad with goat interactions and a chance to unleash your creativity on canvas.

Beginner 6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery with a hands-on wheel-throwing course perfect for all skill levels.

Peoria City vs. FC Ambush

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Shea Stadium — Tickets required — Catch local rivals in an exciting USL League Two match-up at Shea Stadium.

Space Explorers Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — $135 — Blast off into creativity with a fun 3-day pottery camp exploring outer space themes through clay.

Plant Bingo Painting Party

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 Ticket — Enjoy a creative twist on bingo with real plant prizes and a pottery painting session.

Date and Create: A Clay Hand Building Date Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Ticket price includes materials and a charcuterie plate — Enjoy a creative evening making clay projects together in a fun, hands-on setting.

Stained Glass Foundations: Beginner Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 — Create your own stained glass masterpiece in a fun, hands-on class suitable for all skill levels.

Desk and Porch Goose Night

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 general admission or $75 for a large porch goose — Paint your own trendy desk or porch goose with a variety of designs.

Beginner Wheel Throwing Course

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Get hands-on in this 6-week pottery class perfect for beginners crafting functional pieces like mugs and bowls.