Hello everyone! It’s me, FOLEPI! My name is an acronym for Festival of Lights, East Peoria, Illinois. I am the wooden toy soldier mascot for our World-Famous Festival of Lights! My role as FOLEPI is to officially bring the Christmas Season to town by marching and leading our iconic Parade of Lights. On Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 6:30pm, our amazing fully-illuminated floats will navigate the streets of East Peoria, IL as part of this annual tradition to ring in the season! Watch for me! I’ll be the tall toy soldier in a red suit marching at the front of the Parade!
Brief History of the Festival of Lights
We are thrilled to celebrate our 40th Anniversary! For 40 years, the city of East Peoria has been illuminated by millions of colorful lights. These lights have dazzled the eyes of guests from near and far! Visitors travel from all over the country to experience the glow of our Christmas and Holiday Displays. We welcome visitors from near and far to join us and take part in this wonderful family event!
In 2020, the Festival of Lights won the Heavyweight Championship on ABC TV’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”. For 4 years, the Festival of Lights was selected as one of the Top 100 North American Events by the American Bus Association.
make the most of your Parade experience:
1. Parade Route: The parade begins at the intersection of Washington Street and Dolans Lane. It travels along Washington Street, passing East Peoria Community High School, and continues toward the intersection of Washington and Camp Street. The parade will cross the railroad tracks and continue along Washington Street, then turn onto Taylor Street and will pass Central Junior High School. It concludes at the intersection of Taylor Street and Springfield Road.
2. Parking: Free Parking is available at the FonDuLac Park District Administration Building, Central Junior High School, and East Peoria Community High School. Additional parking is available on side streets along the parade route.
3. Handicapped Parking: Handicapped parking is available along Taylor Street in areas designated with handicap signage. Vehicles must have a handicap sticker, license plate, or dash card. This parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Timing: The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. The streets along the parade route will close to traffic after 6 p.m.
5. Where to Watch: Great viewing can be found anywhere along the route. Many people bring lawn chairs and blankets to bundle up. But be sure to arrive early for a prime spot. I'm looking forward to seeing you along the Parade Route!
6. Are you unable to attend the Parade in person? Don’t worry! We are happy to announce that You can watch the parade from the comfort of your home. The 40th Anniversary Parade will be broadcast LIVE at 6:30 p.m., exclusively on WMBD-TV. And for your out-of-town family and friends, they can livestream the Parade on www.CIPROUD.com.
After the Parade, our amazing floats will be transported to FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland! This Drive- Through Electric Park is our Signature Festival Experience. Atop Springfield Road in VFW Park in East Peoria, you will find our floats and many other lighted displays decorated throughout the Drive-Through Park.
Highlights of Winter Wonderland
FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland runs from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10 for regular vehicles.
A little insider tip: The wait times on Friday and Saturday nights can get extremely long. Please plan accordingly, and be sure to bring car games and snacks. Plan your bathroom breaks as well. There is a port-a-potty at the Winter Wonderland entrance.
FOLEPI’s PRO-TIP: Visit the Winter Wonderland Sunday through Thursday! The lines will be shorter, and visitors will receive a special coupon as a treat!
• Sunday: Culver’s
• Monday: Chick-Fil-A
• Wednesday: Elevate Trampoline Park
• Thursday: Dairy Queen
• And on Tuesdays, Santa will be there! Kids can drop off their letters to Santa upon arriving at the entrance to Winter Wonderland!
There is much to see and do during our 40th Annual East Peoria Festival of Lights! As you drive throughout East Peoria this holiday season, keep your eyes open for the Festival Wreath, the Henricks Star, FOLEPI’s Enchanted Forest, and the Narrated Nativity!
On our website, you can learn about our special events (including Breakfast with Santa, FOLEPI’s Shop & Stroll, and so much more!).
I can’t wait to see you soon! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! FOLEPI
