Mission of PACE

Purpose: Contribute to the quality of life by involving the community in events that celebrate and reinforce pride in the Peoria area.

History of PACE

PACE was formed in 1989. Prior to PACE, TPIP (Take Pride in Peoria Commission) coordinated the Taste of Peoria and the Mayor’s Rib Bib events for the City. The Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau coordinated Steamboat Days, Brown Bag-Its, Friday Fests and Santa Parade activities. These events/activities were combined under PACE after the City of Peoria decided to delegate the operation of these events to one organization to better facilitate event planning. Pace was formed with several volunteers from TPIP, the Convention Bureau, and additional community volunteers. Events were added as needed to accomplish PACE’s mission.

Today PACE coordinates numerous events in line with the mission of contributing to the quality of life in the Peoria Area by involving the community in events that celebrate and reinforce pride in the community. The entire planning, management and administrative functions are done by the board chairs and volunteers of each committee. Funding for PACE activities is generated primarily from beverage sales, food sales, sponsorship contributions, admission fees, entry fees and booth fees. The revenue producing events such as Steamboat Days and Taste of Peoria support our non-revenue events such as Brown-Bag It Series, Santa Parade, Labor Day Parade, Gospel Jubilee, and Yule Like Peoria

PACE’s events provide entertainment to the community for all ages, races, and walks of life. PACE offers a variety of programs to appeal to everyone in the community.