Peoria Black Pride celebrates 5th year Sunday
PEORIA — Vendors, community resources, free food and family-friendly entertainment will be at the fifth annual Black Pride picnic Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. “You do NOT have to be Black to attend, and you do NOT have to be LGBTQ+ to participate,” organizers are emphasizing. The picnic will have free hot dogs, hamburgers and Jungle Juice while supplies last. Two dozen vendors will also participate — more than ever before in the event’s historoy — and DJ Mouse will provide music. The Black Pride picnic is co-sponsored by Central Illinois Friends and Peoria Proud, and is organized by Peoria Black Pride. Join the picnic at Bradley Park, 1314 N. Park Rd.
Charity softball game July 19 benefits Prairie Pride Coalition
BLOOMINGTON — Players — and crowd members to cheer them on — are encouraged even now to join the first-ever Kick off to Pride Kings & Queens Charity Softball Games July 19 that also raises money for the Prairie Pride Coalition. Players are still welcome for this new effort led by drag king Shane ShareAlike and The Bistro; call/text 309-210-9302 to sign up. Just as importantly, organizers are asking the community to turn out and cheer on players. The fee to play is $10, and general admission is $5. All proceeds benefit the Prairie Pride Coalition, a frequent leader and co-sponsor of numerous local LGBTQ+-related efforts. Drag attire is encouraged but not required. Games start at 2 p.m. at the Miller Park softball field, 1020 S Morris Ave.
Homes, not data center, to occupy East Peoria farmland
EAST PEORIA — Housing, rather than a data center, will be built on land newly purchased by the City of East Peoria, Mayor John Kahl announced Monday (25 News). The 272-acre parcel on East Peoria’s northwestern boundary will cost the city $5.2 million overall, with a 10 percent down payment. “Once the acquisition of this property has been approved by the City Council, there will be no consideration of any future development that includes a data center or a commercial solar project on this additional city-owned property,” Kahl had announced in a Facebook post, where he also mentioned numerous calls from concerned community members. The land purchase is part of a 20-year comprehensive plan for future city development. Kahl also noted the parcel is one of the last available opportunities for the relatively land-locked East Peoria to meet an increased need for housing, WCBU reported.
