Good morning, Peoria.

South Side Mission began its 54th Thanksgiving Meal Ministry preparation Monday by making cranberries and rolls for about 2,600 meals.

The team will work on green beans and potatoes Tuesday, assemble meals Wednesday, and then deliver them on Thanksgiving while hosting a public sit-down meal for around 200 guests at its downtown Peoria location — 1127 S. Laramie Street.

The German American Central Society of Peoria moved into its new Lindenhof building at 7403 North Radnor Road in September after buying the space in August.

The society held its first Tracht-n-Stein Fest—doubling the venue's capacity to 300—and will host more German heritage events during the winter months.

Peoria gas prices dropped 1.7 cents last week to average $3.17 a gallon on Monday — a survey of 148 local stations shows prices remain 7.1 cents above last month and 4.7 cents above last year.

Experts say that with refinery maintenance ending soon, prices may drop further ahead of Thanksgiving travel.

Peoria’s Friendship House received a $300,000 state grant to boost its after-school programs and the Pathway to YOUR Future initiative for teens—aimed at reducing youth violence.

State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth said the funds will help cover rising program costs and provide positive supervision during critical after-school hours.

Travelers in Illinois should prepare for potential delays this Thanksgiving as an approaching storm is forecast to bring rain, thunderstorms, and some snow + the National Weather Service says central areas may see up to 2 inches of snow late Friday night into Saturday with Chicago facing showers and possible airport delays.

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.

Christmas Tree Fused Glass Dish Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — Check website for pricing — Create a festive glass dish perfect for holiday treats and discover your artistic side.

Textured Clay Mug Hand Building Fundraiser

1-7 p.m. — The Clay Den — 10% of ticket sales support Toys for Tots — Create a unique clay mug while giving back this holiday season.

Santa’s Little Makers Clay Day Camp

12-3 p.m. — The Clay Den — Class fees apply — Kids create three unique clay gifts while experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season.

Family Fun Ornament Painting Party

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $10 per ornament — Paint holiday ornaments and create lasting family memories in a festive atmosphere.