Good morning, Peoria.

The Peoria Humane Society held its 30th Blessing of the Animals event on Saturday at its North East Perry Avenue facility—Pastor Mary Beenken of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church led the service as community members brought their pets to be blessed.

The event, part of Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, honored the work of the local shelter and County Animal Protection Services.

On Saturday, the Central Illinois Parkinson’s Support Group held its first Walk this Way for Parkinson’s event to support people with Parkinson’s and their families in Peoria.

Walkers gathered at the Riverplex lobby before completing a half-mile walk along the Peoria Riverfront—group leader Roger Halleen said the event built awareness and the group will hold an annual Christmas Lunch on Dec. 6 at noon at Avanti’s.

Peoria-area high school football playoff games are set for November 8 — the schedule includes an 8 Mahomet-Seymour versus 1 Washington game at 2 p.m. and a 7 Metamora versus 2 Morris contest at 3 p.m., with additional match times to be updated as confirmed.

Peoria-area cross country runners have advanced to the 2025 IHSA state finals, which will be held on Saturday, November 8 at Detweiller Park — their progress comes after sectionals in Elmwood, Rock Island, Geneseo and Normal Community.

Top teams and qualifying individuals from Class 1A, 2A and 3A will compete in the upcoming state meet.

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.

Spilled Tea Bookmark Crafting

1-2:30 p.m. — Fondulac District Library — Free entry — Create whimsical bookmarks that express your love of reading with a fun spilled tea design.

Fused Glass Ornaments Workshop

1-3:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Varies by ticket — Create a beautiful fused glass Christmas ornament while enjoying a festive atmosphere and refreshments.

Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Border Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a night of social gaming and meet fellow enthusiasts in the community.

Park District Bubble Bowls

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost info not specified — Create colorful bubble bowls in a fun, creative setting.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live

5-7:30 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience a magical afternoon with thrilling adventures from Gabby's Dollhouse.

Holly Wreath Hand Building Class

4-6 p.m. — The Clay Den — Workshop fee varies — Craft a charming holiday wreath from clay in this festive hand-building class.