Good morning, Peoria.

25 News chief meteorologist Chuck Collins, who spent 50 years in broadcasting, will retire this week—his final forecast is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. and a 30-minute career special will follow at 6:30 p.m.

Peoria’s 138th annual Santa Claus Parade will start at 9:15 a.m. Nov.

28 in Downtown Peoria and will feature costumed characters, decorated floats and marching bands. Peoria Area Community Events announced the parade theme—Decades of Holiday Celebrations—and invited businesses and organizations to submit entries until Oct. 24.

Soderstrom Castle in Peoria—located across from the Country Club on Grandview Drive—will host Halloween festivities with a ‘freshly dead’ theme inspired by the 1974 Young Frankenstein.

The event will offer music and light shows Oct 29 to 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. and trick or treating with the Peoria Players starting at 5 p.m. on Oct 31.

GasBuddy reported that gas prices in Peoria dropped nearly 3 cents a gallon in the past week, averaging $3.25 on Monday — a nine-cent decrease from a month ago and over 13 cents lower than last year.

AAA Illinois recorded the same price for the Peoria/Pekin metro area, aligning with the national trend of falling prices.

The Murray Baker Bridge is lighting in four colors today to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day and recognize the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma — including the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea and Piankashaw tribes.

The display uses colors that symbolize native soil, the sun, blue waters and green grass.

Peoria will host No Kings protests on Oct.

18 along War Memorial Drive from 1 to 2:30 p.m. as part of a nationwide demonstration against recent federal actions — protesters must follow Illinois law to use public spaces without blocking traffic.

Peoria-area schools will send 267 runners from 23 teams to compete in the IESA cross country state finals on Saturday, Oct.

18 at Maxwell Park in Normal—races will start at 9:15 a.m. with events staggered every 45 minutes and awards later at Normal West High School. More than 2,300 runners from 330 schools will take part in eight races across four classes with no charge for admission or parking.

The Journal Star named nominees for the girls high school athlete of the week from Oct.

6–11, featuring standout athletes from Washington, Notre Dame and other schools, and the poll closed at noon Friday. Nominees included top performers in volleyball, golf, swimming, tennis and cross country who delivered strong local results.

Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

8-10 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $5-$12 — Experience a vibrant evening of poetry and community with diverse artists performing live.

K-pop Pottery Painting Night

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 entry — Create your own K-Pop inspired pottery while jamming to epic tunes and enjoying themed swag.

Moonlight Mischief Canvas Painting

6-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Wine purchase available — Enjoy a fun-filled evening painting a spooky cat under the harvest moon.

Zootober: Halloween Fright Fest at Peoria Zoo

6-9 p.m. — Peoria Zoo — $12 per person — Experience Halloween thrills with family-friendly activities and spooky fun after dark.

Boo-tiful Builds: Halloween Clay Workshop

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35.00 – $40.00 — Create spooky Halloween-themed clay projects in a fun hand-building class.

Frankenstein at Corn Stock Theatre

7:30 p.m. — Corn Stock Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance of the classic tale of Frankenstein.

Halloween Wheel Throwing Party

6:30-8 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 — Spin spooky magic on the pottery wheel and create your own Halloween-themed masterpiece.

Thanksgiving Turkey Clay Hand-Building Class

1-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45.00 – $90.00 — Celebrate the season by sculpting your own clay turkey masterpiece for a unique holiday keepsake.

High Profile Athletes & Midwest Bucks 2026 7v7 Tryouts

5:30-7 p.m. — Peoria Stadium — Free entry — Showcase your skills in a competitive 7v7 football tryout event.

Foster Family Information Session

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Central Illinois Friends Community Center — Free entry — Discover the process of becoming a licensed foster family and support youth in need.