Confidence-building for trans' people Friday
PEORIA – Transgender and gender-diverse people can socialize and learn about building confidence, self-advocacy and ways of meeting and getting to know new people at Finding Your Community Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Personal safety and ways of breaking people-pleasing behaviors will also be covered. Organized by Central Illinois Friends (CIF) and led by genderfluid counselor Shanna Muir, this is the first of three special topics covered in place of CIF’s Trans & Gender-Diverse Support Group that takes place every second and fourth Friday. Fear and courage will be are the topic for Fit In. Stand Out. Aug. 14, and adaptability and goals are the theme for Change My Thoughts Aug. 28. Join the conversations at Central Illinois Friends Community Center, 2112 E. War Memorial Dr.
Historic number of vendors at Saturday's B-N PrideFest
BLOOMINGTON — A record 125 vendors will be “boothing” during Bloomington-Normal PrideFest, expected to draw 10,000 people to downtown Bloomington Saturday. Vendor coordinator Erich Nobis said the record number is 15 more than last year’s total of 110, which was also a record. B-N PrideFest started in 2018 with 21 vendors. The festival has also grown from one block in 2018, to four blocks this year, Nobis said. Vendors will include businesses, nonprofits, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, mental health and social support services, and more.  The free festival also features two stages of entertainment, including live bands and drag, in downtown Bloomington from 4 to 10 p.m.
WACC celebrates 100 years with Saturday Block Party
BLOOMINGTON — The Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) celebrates its 100th anniversary Saturday with its Annual Block Party, featuring bingo, live music, food, giveaways, and basketball. The fun is noon to 4 p.m. and includes an eight-team, three-on-three basketball tournament for kids ages 12 to 18.  You can still call 309-829-4807 to register a team. WACC, located at 600 N. Western Ave., serves more than 2,000 people annually with social and fitness programs for kids and seniors; an after-school program for students; interpretation and translation services; and boxed food for people in need. The center also hosts a mobile health clinic every second and fourth Thursday.Â
