Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria kids with Kicking Cancer in the Knolls are hosting a fundraiser tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Bigelow + Hollyridge to raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital, featuring a lemonade stand, treats, raffles and a dunk tank.

Dream Center Peoria will host Backpack Peoria tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon to give away about 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and to offer dental exams, physicals, and book giveaways on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Chillicothe Players Theatre will present The Great Gatsby at Shore Acres Clubhouse from Aug.

6 to 9. The immersive production invites audiences to dress in 1920s get-ups and join a performance blending Roaring Twenties glamour with themes of ambition, love and lost dreams.

Illinois Central College appointed Dr. Jamonica Rolle as its new president on July 1 in East Peoria.

She is organizing listening tours & gathering input from students, faculty and local business leaders to update workforce development programs.

Peoria Public Works now accepts household and medium format batteries at 3505 N.

Dries Lane and at local fire stations and county facilities to comply with a new law. Residents must bag or tape battery terminals to prevent fire hazards.

Peoria County Planning and Zoning officials are inspecting solar farms this week to check for landscaping, maintenance & safety issues.

Residents are asked to call 309-672-6915 if they notice concerns.

Whitney’s Walk returns with its 23rd annual 5K on Saturday, July 25 at Jubilee State Park in Brimfield — an event founded in memory of Whitney Grotts that raises awareness for depression and suicide prevention and has raised nearly $2 million for local mental health programs.

OSF HealthCare was named a Center of Excellence in pediatric sedation by the Society for Pediatric Sedation — an honor given to only 10 hospitals nationwide that will last until 2030.

The recognition shows the hospital's commitment to compassionate care.

Christmas in July Hand Building Event

5:30-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost varies — Get creative with festive clay projects in the sunshine and prepare for the holidays early.

Mini Mushroom Fairy House Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Create a whimsical mini mushroom fairy house in this all-ages clay hand-building workshop.

Kids Wheel Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost info not specified — Creative 3-day camp where kids sculpt outer space wonders with clay and learn pottery basics.

Jingle and Throw: Holiday Wheel Throwing

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Unleash your creativity in a festive pottery class and take home your own holiday masterpiece.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Dive into the world of stained glass and create your own lemon or orange masterpiece in a fun, welcoming environment.

Organic Chip and Dip Dish Clay Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while crafting a functional, nature-inspired dish in this hands-on clay workshop.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $3-$12 — Experience an inspiring open mic night featuring passionate poetry from diverse artists.

Jon B. & Jacquees Live

7 p.m. — CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing — Ticketed event — Get ready for a night of smooth R&B hits from Jon B. and Jacquees.

2026 Run, Walk, or Trot 2 Stop Blood Clots

9 AM — The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute — Registration opens March 1st — Participate in a community-focused 5K event to raise awareness for blood clots and clotting disorders.