Good morning, Peoria.

Goodwill of Central Illinois held its 17th annual Stand Down for Veterans on Saturday at Goodwill Commons on War Memorial Drive to help veterans get new winter coats, household items, benefits workshops, mental wellness support, and a free hot meal — made possible mostly with donations.

On Saturday, more than 1,000 protesters gathered along War Memorial Drive near Peoria Stadium for the national ‘No Kings’ protest organized by local group 50501—some arrived by noon before the planned start at 1 p.m.—to demand more transparency from officials and call for the release of files related to late Jeffrey Epstein. The protest stayed peaceful, and police were present to ensure safety.

Young’s Popcorn Heaven in Peoria celebrated its 10th year in business with a party Saturday at its West Lake Avenue location—owners Gregory Young and his wife Joann advised small business owners to sell great products, pray a lot, and rely on a good mentor to overcome past challenges like inflation and the pandemic.

Peoria County farmers are expected to overcome drought and tariff challenges to have a normal harvest this fall.

Farm Bureau Manager Charlie Hensley said yields are around 250 bushels of corn per acre + 880 bushels of soybeans, though bridge payments might help offset losses from falling corn prices.

On Friday, the walls of the first homes at the former McKinley School site in South Peoria were raised at a ceremony hosted by the city and Habitat for Humanity—this project targets the lack of affordable housing on the South Side.

Basements for three of the homes are complete and the first houses will be finished by summer next year, with six single family homes available for purchase through 20-year 0% interest loans.

Local high school girls from Dunlap, Metamora and other schools earned spots in the IHSA state finals for tennis after sectional wins, with Dunlap sending all six players following a 35-point win and a total of 19 qualifiers advancing.

Additional qualifiers include players from Notre Dame, Morton, Richwoods and LaSalle-Peru (the finals run Oct. 23-25).

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.

Textured Pumpkin Clay Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — $35 — Get into the fall spirit while hand-building your own unique ceramic pumpkin.

Quad City Storm vs. Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Enjoy a competitive ice hockey matchup between local favorites.