For some, a trip to the Peoria area is sheer Par-A-Dice, as they seek to fatten their pockets on the riverboat. While the riverboat is a popular spot, the river city, about 70 miles north of Springfield, has a variety of fairs, festivals and museums for the entire family.
For example, you may bask in the beauty and tranquility of the Illinois River on the state’s only authentic paddlewheel steamboat.
The Spirit of Peoria offers 90-minute sightseeing cruises and theme cruises — including moonlight, murder mystery, gospel, Woodstock celebration, and Jimmy Buffett music. There are also one-day and two-day trips to St. Louis and Starved Rock State Park. The overnight cruises include meals, storytelling, singalongs, ragtime piano and guitar music. Call (800) 676-8988 or go to www.spiritofpeoria.com.
A visit to the annual Tremont Turkey Festival is sure to make you say “gobble gobble.” The event, located about 15 miles south of Peoria, kicks off Thursday, June 11, with the Miss Tremont Pageant. Throughout the weekend, the festival includes carnival games and rides, 5k run, car and craft shows, tractor pulls, petting zoo, balloon sculptures, frozen turkey toss, strawberry shortcake eating contest, horseshoe tournament, musical entertainment and bed races, where contestants compete to be the first to push a bed to the finish line. For times go to www.turkeyfestival.com.
Peoria has a rich Native American history. Native singers and dancers in full regalia are sure to make the “Return to Pimiteoui: An Intertribal Pow Wow” a celebration you won’t soon forget. Held June 13 and 14 at W.H. Sommer Park in Edwards, a tenminute drive from Peoria, the event includes Native American drums and dancing, primitive camp and French voyageurs, storytelling, flute and bow-making demonstrations, finger weaving, woodcarving, food vendors and more. $5 per car. Call (309) 691-8423 or go to www.peoriapowwow.org.
On June 18 through 21 the city’s riverfront is transformed into a carnival for the annual Steamboat Sports Festival. The event begins Thursday at 4 p.m. with carnival rides, a paddleboat docking ceremony, salsa demonstrations and a “Steamboat Idol” talent show. The rest of the weekend features the Steamboat Classic race, volleyball tournament, freestyle jet ski show, parade of boats, a fire and light show, a children’s area, family entertainment, nightly concerts, and lots of food and games. Free admission and a wealth of activities for both young and old make the Steamboat Sports Festival the perfect place to spend Father’s Day. For more information, call (309) 681-0696 or go to [email protected].
Celebrate African American culture at the city’s 7th annual , held on the riverfront August 14 and 15 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event begins with a “gospel extravaganza,” featuring the best gospel music the city has to offer.
Saturday’s celebration of R & B includes a step show and performances by local bands. Each night includes a performance by a nationally known headline artist, yet to be determined. The Soul Fest also includes food and beverages, vendors and art displays. Call (309) 689-3019 or go to www.peoriaparks.org.
The riverfront again comes alive August 28 through 30 with a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. The annual highlights bands, dance troupes, storytellers, arts and crafts, as well as workshops on Gaelic, Celtic mythology and Irish knitting. Those interested in doing more than just observing can try their hand at Irish dancing or playing the Irish flute, harp and bodhrum drums.
The event begins at 5 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Daily tickets and weekend passes available. Go to www.myspace.com/riverfrontevents.
Become one with nature as you observe native animals in their natural habitat at Wildlife Prairie State Park. The park features
