Good morning, Peoria.

Because consumer fireworks are illegal in Illinois, residents planning for Independence Day displays must drive to neighboring states to purchase them—Peoria buyers can choose Super Dave’s Fireworks in Sperry, Iowa or Shelton Fireworks in Covington, Indiana.

Peoria Municipal Band celebrates its 89th season with free summer concerts at local venues until August 9, featuring a mix of marches, Broadway tunes, film scores and guest artists plus food trucks and giveaways.

Dr. David Vroman credits the band’s longevity to its focus on accessibility and quality.

Dr. Jerry Bell, the incoming Peoria Public Schools superintendent, shared his plans with local business leaders on Thursday at the Holiday Inn at Grand Prairie.

He outlined a 100-day strategy to lower achievement gaps and improve math, reading, and financial literacy — aiming to strengthen community ties.

Pet owners are invited to update microchip info or get free microchipping at the PCAPS Office (2600 NE Perry Avenue), a Tower Park scanning station, or City Hall until July 3 during Monday-Saturday hours, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., ahead of the 4th of July holiday.

Three local developers submitted proposals for a 200-home subdivision at Exposition Gardens, a city property.

City staff will interview the proposals and recommend one to the council for market-rate homes to be built within the next four to six weeks.

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.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost details unavailable — A fun 3-day camp where kids learn pottery wheel techniques and create their own clay pieces.

Wisconsin Timber Rattlers vs. Peoria Chiefs

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Dozer Park — Tickets start at $33 — Enjoy a night of minor league baseball action in Peoria.

Star-Spangled Gnome Workshop

4-5:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Create your own unique patriotic gnome from clay in this fun, hands-on workshop.

Clay Planter Hand-Building Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Fees applicable — Build your own beautiful and functional clay planter while learning hand-building techniques.

Peoria Jaycees' Firecracker 5000

7:30 a.m. — Visit Downtown Peoria — Registration fee required — Kick off your Fourth in Red, White, and Blue with a festive run through downtown.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Explore the art of stained glass and create a beautiful project to take home.

Beginner 6-Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery with this hands-on class perfect for beginners and skill refinement.