Voices

Summertime... Is in the air

It doesn't much matter what your tastes are, there is a good chance you will be able to find things to do in the Peoria region this summer.

With a riverfront that has become extremely active and music and arts venues scattered throughout the region, Greater Peoria has much to offer, especially on weekends, from May through September — the normal outdoor season around here.

Some of those activities will put you on the river itself, if you are a boater or want to take an excursion on the Spirit of Peoria. Others will put you on the streets or trails running, walking or biking.

You can jam to a wide variety of music styles, from rap and rock to blues and jazz, on just about any given weekend. That would include Memorial Day weekend, when the ever-growing Summer Camp takes place at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. This year more than 100 bands will rock the stages over three days at the park.

The big band sounds will hit the riverfront this year when the Peoria Municipal Band plays every Wednesday starting in June at the Street Party on Water Street between Walnut and State streets.

The Street Party, started and hosted by Kelleher's Irish Pub and Grill, starts May 18. It will begin as Friday and Saturday events, then expand to include Wednesdays and Thursdays in June.

There is never a cover charge to attend the Street Party, which will have different types of music each night.

Events dot the summer calendar in surrounding towns, as well, including Peoria Heights (home of Duryea Days in June), East Peoria, Elmwood, Morton and Pekin.

Art shows and studio tours are available during the warm months and are an excellent way to see what local artistic talent can be found in Peoria.

Community theatres in the area present shows throughout the summer, but the most unique can be seen under the tent of Corn Stock Theatre in Upper Bradley Park. The Corn Stock season of five shows runs June through August and includes the musicals "Hello, Dolly", "Hairspray" and "Hair."

Festivals are a Midwestern staple during the summer and central Illinois has its share. The bigger ones include the Mackinaw International Music, Wine and Beer Fest on May 26 and 27, Cherry Festival in Washington May 31 through June 3, the Elmwood Strawberry Festival on June 2, Reaganfest in Eureka on Aug. 24 and 25, the Marigold Festival in Pekin on Sept. 6-9 and the Pumpkin Festival in Morton, Sept. 12-15.

In this issue of The Peorian we bring you stories about many of the events going on for residents and visitors to the area.

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