Good morning, Peoria.

Rick Otey, a 76-year-old Navy veteran, has launched Operation Last Watch to honor local veterans in hospice care by holding private ceremonies that include a reading of their service and the display of flags — the American flag and their branch flag — to thank them for their sacrifice. The project is for veterans too ill to join the Greater Peoria Honor Flight — a gesture that lets them symbolically step down from their watch — and will soon begin in Peoria.

East Peoria’s Festival of Lights Parade returns on Saturday with 41 floats and a trailer float at 6:30 p.m.—spectators should arrive early as streets close at 6:15 p.m. Folepi’s Winter Wonderland drive-thru display opens Friday, November 28th at 5:00 p.m. at VFW Park—running nightly through January 4th.

Peggy Maloof was named the 2025 Ambassador of the Year at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving luncheon on November 20—she was honored for her work to bring people together and had been recognized in May for her volunteer efforts.

Bradley University President James Shadid said bold leadership will help Bradley and the Peoria community move forward as they face shared challenges—emphasizing the strong link between the university and local progress.

Chamber President Jessica Linder-Gallo also urged optimism—highlighting the ‘Positive Peoria’ theme at the Thanksgiving Luncheon held at the Peoria Civic Center.

Peoria city council tabled a proposal for a halfway house on the South Side that would rent rooms for 10 to 12 parolees at $200 to $300 after they join a workforce program—LULA founder Kshe Bernard said the plan is needed to help reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals, and council will review more details on Dec. 9.

Carle Health and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation announced a partnership that will expand inpatient rehabilitation services starting in January 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, and Carle Health Proctor Hospital—adding specialized expertise and advanced treatment options to improve patient care in Central Illinois.

At Carver Arena, Bradley University engineering student Max Debaun hit a half-court shot on Wednesday during a promotional challenge at the Bradley Braves game against UMass-Lowell—earning him a $50 gift card while nearly 5,000 fans got $10 dinner vouchers at Alexander's Steakhouse. Fans will have until Nov. 26 to redeem their vouchers at Alexander's Peoria location.

The Mid-Illini Conference named 182 high school athletes from fall sports including football, volleyball, soccer, golf, cross country and tennis after the season ended for 2025 to 2026.

The honors were based on official league selections for both first and second teams.

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.

Crushed Glass Trees Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Cost varies — Create stunning crushed glass trees while enjoying a community art experience.

Glass Blowing Ornaments Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $65 for three glass pieces — Create unique blown glass ornaments in a fun, hands-on workshop.