The enchanting story of Clara and her nutcracker will be told when Central Illinois Ballet presents the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” with original choreography by Rebekah von Rathonyi, Dec. 14-Dec. 16 at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center in East Peoria.

STATE

Illinois Top 200 list nearing completion

The final votes are being tabulated, and when they are, a major project to mark Illinois’ bicentennial will be complete. The Illinois Top 200 list, voted by the public, include 20 categories, such as the best scenic locations in the state, top political leaders, favorite movies shot in Illinois and leading musicians. Votes are being tabulated for the final category: Unforgettable Moments. Choices include a diverse set of news events such as the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the Chicago “Black Sox” scandal and the removal of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.

Bicentennial best-of voters recently picked Abraham Lincoln as the state’s best leader. That was the second-to-last list. When the list is complete, the results will be available on the Lincoln Presidential Library’s website, and will be a resource for anybody who is interested in exploring the state’s history.

The full Top 200 list will be ready in time to be part of the celebration of Illinois’ 200th anniversary on Dec. 3. 

MINIER

Christmas parade slated for Dec. 2

Minier’s 2018 Christmas Parade will kick off Dec. 1, with this year’s theme: Christmas in the Land of Lincoln. Grand Marshall honors go to Village President Neill Keneipp, a fellow Kiwanian. The parade will start at 2 p.m. Santa will arrive on the parade route and, after the parade, he will greet children at the Fire Station.

Again, this year, the Olympia Kiwanis Club will sponsor the town-wide decorating contest. Residents are invited to dig out their lights and decorations and get homes and businesses ready for the holiday season. Three prizes will be awarded for the best decorations.

The Olympia Kiwanis Club serves the children and schools of the Olympia District and sponsors the Olympia Key Club, which is the student organization of Kiwanis International. Each year the Kiwanis Club gives a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior who has given outstanding service. 

For information about the parade or Kiwanis, call Carolyn Hansen at 309-392-1700.

Church serving up ham dinner

St. John’s United Church of Christ, 301 N School St., Minier, will serve a ham dinner with au gratin potatoes, vegetable and holiday dessert from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 3. Meals are $7 for adults and $3 for children, ages 2-12. Call 309-392-2209 for carry-out or local delivery service.

EAST PEORIA

Central Illinois Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

Central Illinois Ballet will present the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” with original choreography by Rebekah von Rathonyi, Dec. 14-Dec. 16 at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center in East Peoria. Performances will be given at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Ticket prices range from $12 to $35 and can be purchased online at dancestudio-pro.com.

Appearing in “The Nutcracker” will be members of the ballet company’s trainees, senior and junior company ensembles. These ensembles are comprised of current students at Cornerstone Academy pursuing a career in professional dance. For these students, Central Illinois Ballet productions offer them the opportunity to dance alongside professional company members and learn firsthand what dancing in a professional company is like.

PEKIN

Library’s historic film series comes to an end

To celebrate the year leading up to Illinois Bicentennial in December, the Pekin Public Library, 301 S. Fourth St., has been showing historical movies, documentaries and old video footage on the first Friday of each month. The final movie in the series, “World War II P.O.W. Stories,” will be shown at 11 a.m. Dec. 7. The film is 29 minutes long. Admission is free. For more information, call the library at 309-347-7111, ext. 0.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–