🌱 9th Annual Future Chefs + Diamonds and Desserts Event

Hi all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and chilly. High: 44 Low: 34.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Peoria today:

1. Three Peoria fifth graders faced off in the kitchen last weekend during the 9th annual Future Chefs competition at Woodruff High School. The kid competitors were challenged to make fruit and vegetable side dishes and were assisted by a high schooler as a sous chef. The program's aim is to instill core competencies that the kids can take anywhere. (CIProud.com)
2. Local Girl Scout troops hosted an annual Diamonds and Desserts event recently to raise funds for local troops. Six local Peoria chefs attended with cookie-inspired confections. Attendees also had the pleasure of enjoying a silent auction, a prize wall by Jones Bros. Jewelry, and a cash bar that featured a specialty cocktail. (CIProud.com)
3. Local restaurants reported spotting celebrity actor Will Ferrell in Peoria and nearby Pekin. The celebrity made his way through Peoria earlier this week after visiting Maquet's rail House in Pekin on Tuesday evening. That same day, The Basket Case Pub in Peoria shared a photo on Facebook of Ferrell at the business. (Peoria Patch)

Today in Peoria:

• Cultural Connections: Wonderful Women At the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum (1:00 PM)
• Itoo Society Trivia Night At Itoo Hall (6:00 PM)
• The Ultimate 90's Dance Party At the Revival Music Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Were you one of the lucky 250 to snag a foam finger yesterday at the Redbird Rally at Pour Bro's Craft Taproom? The first 250 people at yesterday's rally received an Illinois State University 3-point foam finger. This giveaway was held to increase team spirit and excite the community. (Illinois State University via Instagram)
• "In The Heights" at Peoria Players is selling out! If you're interested in grabbing tickets for the second weekend, limited seating is available with just two singles open for Saturday. Get your tickets before they're gone. (Peoria Players via Facebook)
• Are you a dancer interested in joining the Central Illinois Ballet? CIB is accepting applications for its 2023/2024 season for male and female dancers, apprentices, and trainees. Today is the first audition day. (Central Illinois Ballet via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.