A stage version of the popular 1987 movie, “Dirty Dancing,” comes to the Peoria Civic Center’s Theater Nov 28 and Nov. 29. For tickets, go to peoriaciviccenter.org.

STATE

It is looking more like Christmas in capital

The state will foot the bill this year to make Springfield look a bit more festive this Christmas season. The state will pay for the lights on the Capitol dome now that the General Assembly did something it did not a year ago at this time: pass a budget.

Last year, Secretary of State Jesse White pulled the plug on the annual tradition to save $7,300 it would cost in electricity bills. However, Springfield was still able to enjoy the lights after the Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois, a coalition of labor unions, donated the money.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Bradley students touch hearts with soles

Bradley University students wanted to collect 378 pairs of shoes, one pair for every person who identified as homeless in the greater Peoria area last year. On Nov. 11, they nearly tripled their goal by collecting 1,042 pairs, thanks to their Walk in My Shoes Peoria campaign. The local campaign was a partnership between Running Central, a sporting goods store, and Dream Center Peoria, a nonprofit group that helps the homeless.

“Homelessness is all around us. It can affect someone you know – your sister, cousin or friend. It’s not just set to one group,” said Kristy Schofield, director of homeless and housing at Dream Center Peoria. “Shoes are the number one item that is needed in the Hope Store at Dream Center. These donations will have a tremendous impact.”

Santa Claus parade kicks off Nov. 24

Peoria’s annual Santa Claus Parade, billed as the longest running holiday parade in the country, (the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is only 93 years old) will go through downtown Peoria Nov. 24, ushering in the start of the Christmas season to central Illinois for the 130th time.

More than 75 costumed characters, horses, decorated floats, marching bands and Santa will participate in the parade that will kick off at 10:15 a.m. This year’s parade theme is That Magical Christmas Feeling.

The parade’s grand marshal will be Brig. Gen. William P. “Robbie” Robertson, who was the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard for the past 13 years. Robertson is a Peoria native who attended Peoria High School, Illinois Central College and Bradley University and is now the chief of staff for the Illinois Air National Guard.

‘Dirty Dancing’ on stage for two performances

A stage version of the popular 1987 movie, “Dirty Dancing,” comes to the Peoria Civic Center’s Theater Nov 28 and Nov. 29.

Adapted by the movie’s original writer Eleanor Bergstein, this North American touring production holds closely to the plot of the film, packing in its anthemic songs (“I Had the Time of My Life,” “Hungry Eyes”) and sexy dancing.

In the story, Frances “Baby” Houseman, 17, is on vacation with her family in the Catskill Mountains in the summer of 1963, and bored until she encounters charismatic Johnny Castle, who teaches dance at the resort. When Johnny takes her to the staff’s after-hours secret party, she discovers a vibrant underworld of “dirty dancing.” This rock ‘n’ roll music is exciting and fresh, and she begins to fall for Johnny.

When Johnny’s regular dance partner Penny has to pull out of an annual dance competition, Baby steps in. The two embark on an intense period of rehearsals to master the routine, during which their romance blossoms. Baby’s father discovers their love affair and orders an immediate end to it. But Baby and Johnny must – and do – find a way.

Tickets range from $50 to $90, and can be purchased at peoriaciviccenter.org.

EUREKA

First tree lighting ceremony planned

A celebration is planned for what is hoped will become an annual event – a tree lighting on the Woodford County Courthouse lawn. The Eureka Events Committee, city of Eureka and the Woodford County Sheriff Office invite the public to the holiday event at 4 p.m. Nov. 25, at the corner of Center and Main streets.

Arctic Dimensions’ Jeff Stahl, owner of The Chanticleer, will carve a Christmas ice piece from 4-4:30 p.m., followed by a sing-a-long with the Eureka High School Jazz Choir, a visit from Santa Claus, ending with the lighting of the town tree at 5 p.m. Hot chocolate will be available for a donation.

–Woodford County News Briefs–