EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Many people will line the streets of East Peoria on Saturday night to see their favorite twinkling floats and special guests.
Jill Peterson, Public Relations Coordinator for the City of East Peoria, said this year is the 35th anniversary of the Festival of Lights, and this year’s special guests will be the Budwiser Clydesdales.
“We’ve been having to say weather permitting, and it looks like the weather is going to be permitting. We are so excited and hope people come out to see them,” Peterson said.
During the parade, the Clydesdales will follow the float modeled after them, with a new addition this year.
“We added some animation to a number of the floats. And we added something to the Clydesdale float, which is the dalmatian mascot,” Peterson said. “Every Clydesdale hitch always travels with a dalmatian. So ours is in the front.”
The parade will begin at 5:45 p.m., and the roads will be blocked off by 5:30 p.m.
The floats will leave the Festival building, and begin at the intersection of East Washington and Dolans Lane by Auto Zone.
“We’ll turn onto East Washington [and] follow it down to the intersection of East Washington and Camp Street. That’s where the railroad tracks are.” Peterson. “We’ll go over the railroad tracks and then we will turn right onto Taylor Street, that’s where Gerber Collision and Glass is at.”
The parade will continue down Taylor Street and end at the East Peoria Post Office.
There is another chance to see some light displays. Folepi’s Winter Wonderland will open on Saturday Nov. 23, and will remain open through New Year’s Eve. The wonderland will be open from 5:00-11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Those who drive through the wonderland on Monday nights will get a sweet treat.
“It’s Chick-fil-A Monday. Every car through on Monday nights this year gets two free desert coupons from Chick-fil-A East Peoria. So, you can have a sweet treat,” Peterson said.
The Clydesdales will also make an appearance at the Levee District on Nov. 22 from 5-7 p.m., and get your picture taken with the horses.
“You need to bring your own camera, and we ask that you bring a canned food item because those items will be donated to a food bank,” Peterson said.
For more information on upcoming events, click HERE.
