Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria’s 37th annual Duck Race for the Center for Prevention of Abuse is set to take place Saturday at 1 p.m. at East Peoria’s Eastside Centre—35,000 ducks have sold, with all proceeds funding essential services for abuse victims.

A Peoria man, Joshua McGee, was found guilty of first-degree murder for fatally shooting his girlfriend Ashley Tankersley in August 2021 near Jubilee College State Park and will face sentencing on Oct 2 + he was also convicted of unlawful weapon possession as a felon.

Peoria police arrested 55-year-old William E.

Drummond Wednesday morning after multiple ShotSpotter alerts led to charges of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated discharge of a firearm—no victim was found and officers recovered a discarded firearm while a second suspect was not located.

A Peoria County judge sentenced Tnashia Wash to 31 years in prison for first-degree murder in October 2023 after she shot her boyfriend while claiming self-defense — she may be eligible for parole after 20 years.

Police responded just before 9:00 a.m. Wednesday when 17 shots rang out on Shipman and Martin Luther King Junior Drive in Peoria and arrested a 55-year-old man for unlawfully possessing a weapon and firing it while a search of his flight path uncovered a discarded firearm — a second suspect remains at large.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum will host an exhibit called 'The Promise of Liberty' that showcases historic documents such as the Emancipation Proclamation with Lincoln’s signature and the Declaration of Independence as part of next year's celebration for America’s 250th birthday — guest curated by Ken Burns.

On Wednesday, Lifelong Access opened its first Peoria County clinic in Bartonville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a converted office on Airport Road near Limestone Community High School.

The company, which served McLean County for nearly 70 years, now offers ABA therapy for autism and behavioral health services—reducing travel time for local families.

Alpacas and Clay Connection

12-2 p.m. — The Clay Den — $40 per person — Create a clay masterpiece while enjoying time with adorable live alpacas.

Fruitful Fun – Watermelon Pottery Party

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 reservation fee plus piece cost — Enjoy a family-friendly watermelon-themed pottery painting experience with fresh treats.

South Bend Cubs at Peoria Chiefs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dozer Park — Cost info not specified — Watch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between local rivals.

6 Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $275 — Unleash your creativity with hands-on pottery techniques in this engaging course for all skill levels.

Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival

Aug 29-30 — Peoria Riverfront Park — Tickets available — Celebrate blues music with notable artists like Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster at this 35-year tradition.

Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Oil Painting: Blue River

9 AM – 12 PM — Art at the Bodega — Supplies included — Learn Bob Ross techniques and create a serene masterpiece while enjoying a calming atmosphere.

Teacup and Saucer Hand Building Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create your whimsical teacup and saucer with step-by-step guidance at this enchanting clay workshop.

Tic-Tac-Toe Ceramic Art Class

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Unleash creativity in a fun hand-building class to design your own tic-tac-toe board and pieces.

Whisper and Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Peoria RiverFront Market — $3-$12 — Engage with diverse poets in a vibrant open mic atmosphere.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Cost included — Create your own unique ceramic pumpkin with various textures just in time for fall.