Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria residents can enjoy 16 diverse July events featuring concerts, festivals, theater, parades, and fireworks across the area.

Highlights include Monsters of Yacht at CEFCU Center Stage on July 31, Fiesta en el Rio at Riverfront Festival Park on July 25, and a Fourth of July parade in West Peoria.

Dream Center Peoria opened its 24/7 cooling center on Sunday night into Monday to offer residents relief from high temperatures with air conditioning, meals, showers and free clothing at its downtown location.

The Peoria Friendship House held its sixth annual Peace Walk Tuesday — joining nearly 200 summer campers to spread positivity and love in the community.

The organization will host fundraisers on July 23 and Sept. 12 to support its educational programs.

Illinois gas prices eased ahead of Fourth of July with the average at about $4.12 per gallon—a 7-cent drop from last week and 68 cents lower than a month ago—but are 65 cents above last holiday’s $3.47.

This update reflects ongoing trends ahead of holiday travel.

AAA reported that gas prices have dropped slightly from last week ahead of Fourth of July travel; however, Illinois now averages $4.12 per gallon—about 65 cents higher than last holiday—with the lowest at $3.81 in Macon County and the highest nearly $4.65 in Alexander County.

Peoria Park District will overhaul the Owens Ice Center by replacing the outdated ice plant (upgrading locker rooms, spectator areas, and traffic flow) starting next spring; officials will gather community input at a forum next Tuesday on a project estimated to cost eighteen to twenty million dollars.

Today, IDOT begins a two-year road project that closes the westbound span of McClugage Bridge for redecking, painting, and repairs; drivers will shift to the newer eastbound bridge and ramps for crossing the Illinois River.

At Pekin City Hall, a new $3,200 walnut podium now honors long-serving city clerk Bill Jansen (served 1939-1979).

His family, led by his 90-year-old son William Jansen, presented it during a ceremony to celebrate his local legacy.

Illinois law allows alcohol sales on the Fourth without additional holiday rules, but sale hours differ by location; most stores sell from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. while some areas start earlier (Oswego) or ban sales (Edwards County).

Peoria and Tazewell County clerks joined 14 other local officials to record a video reading of the Declaration of Independence in honor of America's 250th birthday on sites including courthouses and landmarks — paying tribute to Timothy Matlack who first read the document on July 4.

Peoria County's Emergency Management head urges residents to stay hydrated and wear light, loose clothing as extreme heat continues until Thursday night.

He advises checking on vulnerable neighbors (such as the elderly) and avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks to prevent heat-related illness.

The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, funded by the USDA, started Monday for low-income residents over 60 at Neighborhood House at 1020 S Matthew St. Registrations will continue Tuesday, June 30 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Peoria kids enjoyed a free 19th annual Jack Sweney tennis tournament where summer lessons mixed with carnival games to beat the heat — many already plan to teach in the future — celebrating a 19-year community tradition.

The Peoria Chiefs promise a home run during Tuesday's game at Dozer Park against the Timber Rattlers, so if no homer is hit, fans get free admission to the next game; sponsored by Lippman's Furniture, the offer continues until the team reaches 122 home runs.

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.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will unleash their creativity by sculpting magical creatures and learning pottery techniques.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — No entry fee — A creative pottery camp for kids to sculpt and throw magical creatures and objects.

Stained Glass: Beginner Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Unleash your creativity in a hands-on stained glass workshop and take home your own beautiful creation.

Live at the Five Spot: Holis7ics

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $8 members, $12 nonmembers — Enjoy a high-energy performance from The Holis7ics blending rock, funk, and soul.

David Phelps Concert

7-9 p.m. — Five Points Washington Event Center — Find tickets online — Experience an uplifting musical performance by David Phelps.