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Many events slated at Festival of Lights

Published: Monday, November 26, 2007 2:30 PM CST
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EAST PEORIA - The East Peoria Festival of Lights holiday events are now under way. Folepi's Village is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays, in the Festival Building, 2200 E. Washington. It is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. The Northwest Territory Christmas Village, a more than 700-piece miniature village designed by Peorian Randy Kellems, will be featured.

Kringle Jingle

A community sing will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, inside the Festival Building. Gary Nabors of Songcrafters will lead the holiday songs. It features holiday songs for the whole family, an appearance by Miss Festival of Lights, and special medleys by the East Peoria Elementary School District 86 chorus. (The event will take place in the same room where the laser theater is staged.)


Live holiday production

The Eastlight Theatre company is once again performing its production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." It will take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8; and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2, and Dec. 9, in the Bryon Moore Auditorium at East Peoria Community High School. Tickets are available by calling 699-SHOW.

Laser Theater



An indoor holiday laser light show will take place Sundays at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. and nightly. Additional 2:30 p.m. matinees are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 23. Admission is free. It is located inside the Festival Building.

Discount

The Winter Wonderland drive-through display will open nightly until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It will be closed Christmas Day.



On Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 10 p.m., WEEK TV-25, will sponsor a $5 off admission discount, to those bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the entrance gate, manned by WEEK TV-25 personnel. Regular admission price is $10. Toys collected will go to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program for distribution to needy area children.

Live reindeer

to appear



Prancer the live reindeer, accompanied by Santa, will visit Folepi's Village in the Festival Building. He will appear from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16; 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21; 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23.

Photos with Prancer, featuring a holiday scene background, will be available for purchase. Digital photos will cost $6 each. Those wishing to use their own camera will be charged $3.

Hot air balloon rides



Free tethered hot air balloon rides will take place, from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, and Dec. 28-29. at Folepi's Village. The tethered balloon will rise 80 feet in the air, providing a birds-eye view of East Peoria at night, lasting eight to 10 minutes. Rides will not be available in windy, rainy or inclement conditions. Announcements will be made at www.cityofeastpeoria.com.

The balloon's basket is handicapped accessible and can carry five adults. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The pilot's discretion will be used to determine who may enter the basket.

The hot air balloon, sponsored by OSF Health Plan, is piloted by UAB Aviation and offers rides at events throughout Illinois and Missouri.



Lunch with Santa

Lunch, door prizes and a visit with Santa will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Festival Building.

Festival of Lights postage



A special cancellation stamp for holiday mailings will occur from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at a special post office station at the Festival Building. It is commissioned annually by East Peoria Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday Music

A holiday version of the Branson-style East Peoria Music Review, Holiday Edition, will take place Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. in the Festival building. Jukebox Saturday Night band will perform the show. Admission to this family-friendly show is $3 per person.



Decorating contest

Entries for the East Peoria Beautification Commission's annual Christmas Splendor exterior holiday lighting contest are now being accepted.

The contest occurs in conjunction with the Festival of Lights. Homes, businesses, churches and schools may enter. Winners will receive pewter Christmas plates.



Those wishing to enter or nominate a structure should call the East Peoria City Clerk's office at 698-4715, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Entry deadline is at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.

Judging will occur the evenings of Dec. 10 and 11. Awards will be presented Dec. 18, during the East Peoria City Council meeting.