PEORIA, Ill. – One tree is already up and going at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, and a second soon will follow. Then, you might say, the holidays can officially begin.
Not long after the military-honoring “Fallen Tree of Honor” was dedicated at the museum, its annual outdoor Christmas tree arrived – a 50 foot Norway Spruce donated from Edwards.
After the call went out during WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” show a few weeks back for a big tree that could be used for the holidays at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, it didn’t take long for a tree to be found.
The tree was donated by Alicia Davis of Edwards, and has an important story.
“She donated it, and in honor of her dad,” said Alison Unkovich, chair, “Christmas in the Village.” “He was a World War II veteran, and he passed away in May. She’s doing it in honor of him, and to bring Christmas joy to the Peoria community and beyond.”
This is the second year the museum has hosted a big Christmas tree.
“Our tree was lit last year with 30,000 lights,” said Unkovich. “We are anticipating at least 30,000 lights – or, maybe more – on this one, as it is a little bit bigger than last year’s. It’s going to be a beautiful sight to see.”
The tree lighting will be Tuesday, November 28, at the State Street side of the museum grounds, at 6:30 p.m.
Then, a few days after that, comes the museum’s annual “Christmas in the Village.”
“It’s a really magical Christmas festival,” said Unkovich. “It will be outdoors, on the Sun Plaza, with a variety of vendors, Santa, hot chocolate, carriage rides, food trucks, Christmas music, live music, animals…the list goes on and on. Truly all the Christmas magic you can imagine.”
“Christmas in the Village” will be December 1 and 2, and proceeds benefit the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
