Good morning, Peoria.

The Heart of Illinois Fair has been substantially downsized this summer and will feature only motor sports—such as a tractor show and demolition derby—plus a large indoor flea market while carnival rides and most animal events are postponed until next year.

Fair Director Charlie Kennell said the cutbacks are due to uncertainty over the Expo Gardens sale and new plans for the outdoor event space, with the five-day event set to begin Tuesday, July 15 at 4 p.m.

Today in Peoria, residents join a new march called We Are Here: Stop The Violence that starts at 10:30 a.m. in front of city hall to raise awareness of violence prevention.

The march will end at South Matthew Street with a resource fair—providing local support—and invite community participation.

A Peoria teenager, identified as 18-year-old Terrance Shaw, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to first-degree murder for allegedly killing 70-year-old William Collier during a June 9th carjacking at Billie Jo’s Towing in Peoria—he is scheduled to return to court on August 14th.

Keshawn Williams, a second Peoria man, pleaded guilty Friday to armed robbery linked to a January 2024 Facebook Marketplace incident in South Peoria that left one alleged robber dead — his sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug.

29.

Pivotal Housing Partners and Peoria Opportunities Foundation announced the $18 million MacArthur Senior Flats project for seniors 55 and over on the near South Side as part of the MacArthur Corridor Revitalization—this affordable housing project will add 52 units with funding from low-income housing tax credits and other city-supported sources. Construction is set to begin next spring with initial occupancy planned for 2027.

Paint with Highland Cows

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $20 per person — Enjoy a delightful pottery painting session with charming Highland Cows and tasty refreshments.

Summer 3-Day Art Camp Week 5

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $165 per week — Enjoy creative beach-themed art projects in a fun summer setting.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — EastSide Centre — Limited spots available — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity training focused on scoring and ball handling.

Kitchen Dwellers Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Peoria Riverfront Park — $79-$124 — Enjoy a night of bluegrass featuring the Infamous Stringdusters and Leftover Salmon.

Wade Bowen Live Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Crusens Farmington Road — $20 Tickets — Experience an exciting evening with Wade Bowen and support acts at this lively venue.

Velaris City of Starlight Canvas Class

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — All supplies included — Create your own painting inspired by the enchanting city from A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Argentine Tango Practica

7-9 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria — $5 entry — Weekly tango practica welcoming dancers of all levels to practice and improve their skills.

Summer Art Camp Week 6: Shark Week Theme

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — $165 — Dive into a fin-tastic Shark Week with creative art projects for kids.

Draped Floral Vase Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $48 for 8" vase — Create stunning fused glass flower vases in this hands-on class with expert guidance.

Sea Glass Succulents Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Ticket required — Create your own sea glass succulent with step-by-step instruction and all materials provided.