Good morning, Peoria.

Peoria Flea Market will open at Northwoods Mall on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market moves from Expo Gardens after the city purchased the site for housing—local vendors will fill the new 10,000-square-foot space with unique treasures.

Local groups in Peoria are supporting families this Thanksgiving with food drives and donation events.

The Dream Center will distribute food and toiletries Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Thankful Hearts is collecting rice, pasta and canned goods Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the police headquarters while the Friendship House and CBC Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry plan turkey and meal box giveaways Sunday.

A record-breaking 75-foot Christmas tree was donated to the Riverfront Museum by a North Peoria family and will be lit on Tuesday, Dec.

2 at 6:30 p.m.—the tree is part of the Christmas in the Village celebration on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 that will support the Every Student Initiative.

Former chief meteorologist Chuck Collins will serve as Grand Marshal at the 138th Annual Santa Claus Parade on November 28 at 9:15 a.m.—the event will include costumed characters, decorated floats, marching bands, and awards for themed entries as it starts at the Peoria Central Firehouse and moves along Monroe, Main, and Adams streets before ending past the Peoria County Courthouse. Collins retired in October after a 50-year career and returns to central Illinois with a festive new role.

A coffee shop in Hanna City will soon reopen under new ownership — managed by Kenny Widner — and will partner with Intuition Coffee + Juice to offer food and drink.

It closed earlier this year.

At the East Peoria City Council meeting, officials introduced Amira Dvorak as the 2025 Festival of Lights Queen and her court, including inaugural Little Princess Zianna Ngiraibiochel — they will ride a float in the upcoming 41st Parade of Lights.

Mayor John Kahl also proclaimed November 29 as Small Business Saturday to boost local small businesses.

Illinois American Water said some Peoria customers will see a reduced charge on their next bill as it passes on proceeds from a settlement with PFAS manufacturers.

The settlement covers chemicals used in household products like Teflon & Scotchgard that persist in the environment.

The Illinois River helped Peoria grow by giving water and travel routes from indigenous times to the steamboat era—making the river key to the city’s history.

Today, cleaner water from the Clean Water Act has brought back fish and lets residents enjoy the river—keeping it a vital part of community life.

Federal funding changes may risk 250 permanent supportive housing units as the government shifts funds to transitional housing—officials said outreach groups are still checking the timeline—and places like Dream Center could soon force residents to move out after a set time.

State transportation leaders from IDOT, ISP, and local unions launched the Winter Weather – Get It Together campaign in Morton on Tuesday to remind drivers to slow down and prepare for snow and ice.

Officials advised drivers to leave early, avoid cell phone use, and equip their vehicles with emergency kits including jumper cables, flares, food, and blankets.

Peoria City Council deferred their vote on a proposed halfway house at 1924 Southwest Adams St until Dec.

9—councilmembers asked GRO Community for more details on tenant origins and funding to ensure the project supports local residents. The plan, which aims to help 10 to 12 formerly incarcerated people with counseling and job training, had previously been approved by the planning commission despite concerns over millions in rehab costs.

Illinois football joined the College Football Playoff rankings for the first time by landing at No. 21 with a 7-3 record and will face Wisconsin in a road game on Saturday.

The next rankings will be released on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. on ESPN—additional details on the playoff bracket are expected.

Wheel Thrown Lidded Jars Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — Includes materials — Elevate your pottery skills by crafting unique, functional lidded jars over two specialized sessions.

Sparkle & Sip Soirée – Peoria's Festival of Trees 2025

9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. — Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie — $75 per ticket or $600 for a table of ten — Enjoy a lively brunch with bubbly, raffles, and live entertainment while supporting local families.

Clay Den 1-Year Anniversary Celebration

1-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and community with live music, special offers, and a holiday food drive.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check event webpage for details — Create a festive fused glass dish for holiday treats while enjoying a fun class atmosphere.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 a.m.-12 p.m. — The Clay Den — Registration required — A creative 2-day camp that introduces kids to ceramics with hands-on clay activities.

Thanksgiving Break Kids Mini Clay Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will explore ceramics through hands-on projects like sculpting and wheel throwing.

The Elite Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile Run

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — RC Outfitters — $33.20+ — Start your Thanksgiving with a spirited 3 Mile Run or a 1 Mile Walk, featuring chocolate treats and community fun.

Black Friday Bodega Bash

9 AM – 2 PM — Art at the Bodega — $50 fill-the-bag — Enjoy holiday fun with swag bags, prizes, and festive treats.

Evansville Thunderbolts vs Peoria Rivermen

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Peoria Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Thunderbolts take on the Rivermen in this hockey showdown.

Thanksgiving Wheel Throwing Class

2-5 p.m. — The Clay Den — $45 for one piece, additional creations for $15 each — Craft festive pottery while enjoying a playful Thanksgiving-themed class.