PEORIA MAGAZINE June 2022

SOMMERFEST JUNE 11, 2022 Hickory Grove Park, Dunlap peoriagermans.net CHILLICOTHE DAYS CARNIVAL JUNE 15-18, 2022

outdoor activities, all to increase aware ness of the Kickapoo Creek watershed. Festivalgoers are anticipating a full force return this year of Peoria’s Irish Fest, Oktoberfest, theMorton Pumpkin Festival, Tremont Turkey Festival, Pekin Marigold Festival and the spectacular UnityPoint Red, White and Boom! fireworks display on July 4. TomMcConnaughay, who chairs the entertainment committee for Peoria Irish Fest (Aug. 26-28) says the St. Patrick’s Society of Peoria is “set to come roaring back this year” after canceling in 2020 and a “disappointing” return last year. “It feels like this year, people will be ready to come out again,” he added. “We’re thinking positive.” Likewise, Jeff Pulfer, spokesperson for the German American Central Society, said the club expects higher turnout at Oktober fest on the riverfront in September, as well as the club’s other summer festivals at Hickory Grove Park in Dunlap. “We don’t know if we’ll be back to 2019 levels yet, but we’re doing everything we can to move it in that direction,” Pulfer said. Loss of summer festival revenue the past two years has hurt the hospitality industry and business in general in the area. But there is optimism for this summer. “There is much excitement and anticipation that the numbers will be better than the last two years,” said J. D. Dalfonso, CEO of the Peoria Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “It’s going to take a combinationof all of these opportunities tobuildbackour economy.” It appears that a festival can be just about any occasion that celebrates the people, heritage, food and culture of the places we live. Central Illinois will be offering plenty of ways tomake your own memories this summer.

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS FESTIVAL JUNE 1–5, 2022 1800 Washington Road, Washington Kick off the summer with food, games, live music, a classic car show, family bike ride, carnival rides and much more. washingtonilcoc.com/good-neigh bor-days-festival ELMWOOD STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL JUNE 4, 2022 Central Park, Main and Magnolia, Elmwood Crafters, vendors, local entertainers, a 5K color run/walk and good food including lots of strawberry desserts. facebook.com/elmwoodstrawberryfest CANTON ART ON MAIN FINE ART FESTIVAL JUNE 4–5, 2022 Jones Park, Canton View and purchase original art from some of the Midwest’s best artists, plus food, local music and wine. cantonillinois.org/main-street/main-street events/art-on-main BLOOMINGTON GOLD JUNE 10–11, 2022 Redbird Arena and Horton Field House, Normal Corvette, Camaro and other car enthusiasts are invited to two days of automotive excite ment including a road tour, judging, vendors, dealer displays and a gala reception. bloomingtongold.com TREMONT TURKEY FESTIVAL JUNE 10–12, 2022 PEORIA AREA SUMMER FESTIVALS 2022

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City Park, Downtown Chillicothe Kick off summer with carnival rides, games, food, live music and entertainment, talent show, Mr. Chillicothe contest and more. facebook.com/chillicothechamber JUNETEENTH FEST JUNE 18, 2022 Carver Center, John H. Gwynn Jr. Park Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S., was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 and the Juneteenth Fest marks the occasion. An even bigger and better celebration is planned for this summer. OLD SETTLER’S DAYS JUNE 22–25, 2022 Metamora Village Square A reunion, a family tradition, a time to gather and enjoy being part of a community. Old Settler’s Days is food, vendors, carnival rides and live music every night near the historic Metamora Courthouse. villageofmetamora.com ILLINOIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Celebrate the Bard with performances, educational programs and community events throughout the summer. This year’s works include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Much Ado About Nothing and King Lear. Illinoisshakes.com JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 2022 Multiple venues, Bloomington

VOLKSFEST JULY 3, 2022 Hickory Grove Park, Dunlap peoriagermans.net

Community Park (on Route 9) Turkey is a big part of this festival, which traces its roots back 56 years. In addition, enjoy entertainment, family activities, the Miss Tremont Pageant, carnival rides, tractor pulls, a parade and more. turkeyfestival.com

Scott Fishel is a senior communications executive with WTVP

JUNE 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE 63