What to Do This Week in Pekin

PEKIN, Ill.,–– It's finally summertime! The warm weather means that fun in the sun is a must! Pekin and the surrounding area have a lot of fun events going on through the weekend and into next week. There are lots of chances for you to enjoy some outdoor activities this week, with plenty of activities for both family and friends to experience! We have created a guide on what to do this week in Pekin for you to enjoy. We've included plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Take a look below!

Watch a Peoria Chiefs Game this Weekend

Next week, the Peoria Chiefs play the Wisconsin Timber in Dozer Park at 7:30. Make a fun day out of watching some of Minor League Baseball's rising stars and take your family out for an affordable and exciting day in the ballpark! If you can't catch the game on May 30th, you can check out their schedule for other games as well!

Check Out Upcoming Concerts at the Peoria Civic Center

Looking for live entertainment? The Peoria Civic Center is hosting tons of shows these next few months, from REO Speedwagon to Dancing With the Stars: Live! Tickets are going fast, so make sure you purchase them as quickly as possible! Plan a fun day for your friends or family and take in the wide range of events available for patrons.

Run in a 5K or Fun Run!

The Common Ground Community Center is hosting a 5K Fun Run/1M Fun Run in Delavan, IL this Saturday at 8:00 AM. The proceeds raised will go towards renovations at the Common Ground, which will use the funds to create summer youth programs and fixing up the youth recreational center and kitchen cafe. Register for a fun 5K for a good cause! If you can't make it, there are plenty of other 5Ks that are happening throughout next month, as well!

Children's Storytime at Barnes and Noble in Bloomington

This Saturday at 10:00 AM, the Barnes and Noble in Bloomington will be participating in their bi-weekly Children's Storytime event. Their newest book being read this week is written by New York Times bestselling author-team James and Kimberly Dean. In it, Pete the Cat is learning a cool new dance, the Cool Cat Boogie! Activities will also take place, so be sure to make it a fun day full of learning!

With so many activities going on around Pekin, there's sure to be fun for everyone of all ages! Make the most of the sunny days to come and enjoy the beautiful weather outside. We hope this guide on what to do this week in Perkin comes in handy when you begin planning your activities for the weekend. While you're out and active, follow a few tips to make sure your car is in good condition, and make refer to our FAQ if you have any questions or concerns!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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2015 GMC Canyon Has One of The 10 Best Interiors

PEKIN, Illi. – We sure hope the 2015 GMC Canyon isn't camera shy, because it's been the center of attention since its big debut! Already the recipient of numerous honors such as the Inaugural Midsize Truck Award and the Best of the Best Truck Award, the pickup now has another gold star to add to its growing list – the 2015 GMC Canyon has one of the 10 Best Interiors according to Ward's Auto!

When it came down to selecting the 10 Best Vehicle Interiors of the year out of the 42 eligible models, materials, design aesthetics, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value, and driver information were all taken into consideration. Ward's named the 2015 GMC Canyon one of the 10 Best Interiors of the year for the truck's ability to revive the stale midsize pickup segment. The Ward's team was particularly impressed by the extensive feature content which makes you feel like you're inside a well-equipped SUV, shedding the stereotypical "compact work truck" expectation. You can enjoy a Bose audio system, plush leather, user-friendly touchscreen, and advanced safety features, without having to upgrade to a full-size truck!

From our perspective, we can say the 2015 GMC Canyon has been extremely popular among consumers as well. We can barely keep them on the lot! Stop by our Peoria Area GMC Dealership to learn more about this title-holder! We have tons of New GMC Trucks to serve your pickup needs!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Things To Do In Peoria, IL

PEORIA, Illi. – Don't you just love when you discover a new place to visit or a new area to explore right near your hometown? We love supporting our surrounding communities and staying local when we can, so we're making it our mission to never stop exploring our great state of Illinois!

Peoria, Illinois is less than 20 minutes from Pekin and is a overflowing with tons of exciting activities. We've compiled a list of endless ideas of things to do in Peoria, IL to help get your adventure started! Take a look –

Things To Do In Peoria, IL

-Peoria Zoo
-Boat Tours
-Riverfront Museum
-Dozer Park
-Peoria Civic Center
-Forest Park
-Giant Oak Park
-Luthy Botanical Garden
-Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences
-Caterpillar Visitors Center

While these 10 popular Peoria activities will definitely keep you busy during your visit, EnjoyIllinois.com and the Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are both great resources for your Peoria adventure if you're looking for something more!

Like we said, Peoria is less than 20 minutes from Pekin, so if you're searching for a Cadillac Dealership, Buick Dealership, GMC Dealership, or Ford Dealership, we're here to help! At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition

PEKIN, Illi. – Did you know that it was the Buick Enclave that fueled the brand's rebirth as a notable luxury vehicle brand? Well eight years later, the crossover's momentum is still going strong and to celebrate, the automaker is introducing the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition!

Building on record sales from 2014, the 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition takes a more distinctive approach to the three-row crossover with a sleek bronze-tone grille and bronze accented 20-inch chrome-clad wheels. The Enclave has achieved notablepopularity in it's segment and the Tuscan edition confirms it's not going anywhere. AND, it won't be long before you can get your hands on one because the 2016 Enclave Tuscan Edition goes on sale this summer!

Take your pick from one of three exterior colors: White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic, then enjoy the rest of the features available on this distinctive edition crossover:

• Wood-trimmed, heated steering wheel
• Ice-blue LED ambient lighting around the instrument panel
• 8-way power driver and passenger seats with power recline, lumbar support and driver memory
• Heated front seats on Leather models and heated/cooled seats on Premium models
• Power-tilting/telescoping steering column on Premium models
• Buick IntelliLink with color touchscreen radio
• OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Power liftgate
• Rear park assist and rear-vision camera system with dynamic guidelines

The Buick Enclave is the perfect vehicle for you no matter where you're at in your life! It offers three-rows of seating with easy access to the back row thanks to the SmartSlide system, which means there's tons of room for your family, friends, or cargo! Stop by our Peoria Area Buick Dealership to check out our inventory of New Buick Cars!

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford  at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram 

Join Velde Cadillac Buick GMC in Supporting the Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria!

PEKIN, Illi. - 'Tis the season to be jolly and spread Christmas cheer around our local community! As long-time supporters of the Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria, we are asking our friends and neighbors to join us in helping thousands of local children and families this holiday season. 

Velde Cadillac Buick GMC has been a proud supporter of the Children's Home for more than 20 years. Every year during the holiday season, we gather new toys, winter outerwear, food and personal care items to donate to the thousands of children the Children's Home cares for each month.  With the help and generosity of our friends and neighbors, we can brighten the holiday season for even more children and families within our local community!

This year you can join Velde Cadillac Buick GMC in supporting the Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria by dropping off a donation to our showroom. Any size donation is greatly appreciated! The Children's Home prefers donated items to be unused and in their original packaging. They ask that the toys be age appropriate and non-violent.  Below are some suggested items to donate:  

• Puzzles/board games
• Books (children to pre-teen)
• Soccer ball, football, basketball
• Toy cars or trucks
• Dolls & accessories
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap
• Winter coats, snow pants, hats, scarves, gloves, boots, socks (size ranging from small children to teenagers)

We do hope you join us in supporting the Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria! We will be accepting donations through the week of December 15th. For more information about the Children's Home,  please visit their website http://www.chail.org.

At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Cadillac Announces Top-End Cadillac CT6

PEKIN, Illi. - Cadillac is preparing to bring a dynamic and technologically advanced sedan to the market in late-2015. Last week Cadillac announced their plans for the top-end Cadillac CT6, a model derived from the Cadillac CTS that will be accompanying an elite group of top-class luxury cars.

The company is kicking things up a notch with this new model, which will be a step above both the CTS and XTS product lines. Amongst all of the other top-level luxury sedans, the Cadillac CT6 is sure to be the lightest and most agile. Cadillac engineers have been working vigorously to combine only the best and most efficient components for each area of this vehicle. The Cadillac CT6 is currently in development stages, but will be featuring lightweight materials as well as a new body construction technique that will reduce fuel consumption while simultaneously improving driving dynamics and safety.  

The top-end Cadillac CT6 acquired its name from its use of the CTS centerpiece carline - which currently holds the titles of "Motor Trend Car of the Year 2014", "Road & Track's Best Luxury Sedan" and "Car and Driver's "10Best". The name also represents an upcoming shift in simplifying the naming of future Cadillac models. "CT" will be used for car models and the number will indicate the size and position of the cars hierarchy of Cadillac models.

The Cadillac CT6 will be manufactured in Detroit in the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2015. 

In search of a luxurious vehicle that will meet every one of your driving needs? Start by checking out VedleGM's online inventory! At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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Cadillac Will Offer "Intelligent & Connected" Vehicle Technologies on 2017 Models

PEKIN, Illi.- Select Caddies will be doubling as a personal chauffeur come 2017 thanks to GM's up and coming "Intelligent & Connected" technologies. We can expect to see the advanced driver assist technology known as "Super Cruise"and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology around the same time we will see the 2017 Cadillac CTS.

GM is focused on using innovation to make driving safer by offering "Intelligent & Connected" vehicle technologies on select 2017 Cadillac models. One of the technologies known as 'Super Cruise" aims to provide customers with a completely new type of driving experience whether they are on the freeway or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. This will include hands-off lane following as well as braking and speed control in certain highway driving conditions.

With V2V, General Motors is looking to reduce the amount of traffic collisions and improve traffic congestion by sending and receiving basic safety information between vehicles that are approaching each other. By utilizing basic information such as location, speed and direction of travel between the vehicles, the vehicle can forewarn the driver and activate safety features such as the forward collision warning. 

If you're interested in learning more about the advanced technology that Cadillac has to offer, stop by at see us at Velde GM! At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde GM is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com

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All-New VeldeGM.com Website is Now LIVE!

PEKIN, Illi - Velde GM is proud to announce that the All-New VeldeGM.com Website is Now LIVE! We have completely revamped our entire website, making it easier for our customers to navigate and find the Cadillac, Buick or GMC vehicle that you have been searching for! 

Head to VeldeGM.com to do vehicle research, learn about financing or to schedule a service appointment for your Cadillac, Buick or GMC vehicle. At Velde Cadillac Buick GMC it is our mission to provide our customers with the best car buying experience possible, all starting at VeldeGM.com. If you have a question that the All-New VeldeGM.com Website cannot answer, feel free to give us a call at (888) 331-3002 and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you!

Start searching for your next Cadillac, Buick or GMC vehicle at the BRAND-NEW VeldeGM.com! At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com
Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Volunteer at the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on September 20th!

PEKIN, Illi.- Together we can fight hunger and feed families within our local community.  Help us make a HUGE difference on September 20th from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive. This food drive will benefit all local food pantries through the distribution of goods by the Midwest Food Bank Peoria Division and South Side Mission. 

Volunteer at the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on September 20th with family, friends and co-workers! There are 11 local Kroger stores committed to this event: Peoria - 5 locations, Bartonville, Chillicothe, East Peoria, Morton, Pekin and Washington. There will be two site leaders and 3 shifts of volunteers per location. Click here to get registered: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10c0A44AEAF2EA0FB6-2014/5280093

Volunteer Positions:

• Greeters at the door of the store who will be passing out "Top 10" listing of items needed.
• Hosts at the truck collection area who will welcome and thank all shoppers for their donations no matter how big or small!
• Loaders who will load all of the goods onto the truck.
• Sorters in the truck who will sort all of the items into the various collection bins. 

Volunteer Shifts: 

• 9:00 AM to noon - this will include setting up the sites and getting things rolling!
• Noon to 3:00 PM - prime collection time!
• 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM - this will include an hour of tearing down the collection area and the truck driver picking up the filled semi truck.

Be sure to arrive early at your store location to meet and greet your team! Also, we recommend bringing water and snacks to have throughout the day. Volunteer shifts are in 3-hour increments, but you'll be having so much fun you will probably want to hang out the entire day! As volunteers, we want to ENCOURAGE our teammates and the shoppers at each our sites to support our community.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on September 20th contact food4allpeoria@gmail.com or call Lori (309) 243-2742, Jennifer (309) 676-4604 or Teresa (309) 360-6083. For those ready to sign up, head to Sign Up Genius and get registered: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10c0A44AEAF2EA0FB6-2014/5280093

At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com
Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on September 20th!

PEKIN, Illi. -It is that time of the year to give back to our community and help to fight hunger and feed families all over Central Illinois. Food 4All is teaming up with South Side Mission and the Midwest Food Bank Peoria Division to host a community-wide food drive on Saturday, September 20th from 10 AM to 5 PM!

Be one of the 400+ volunteers who help to support 200+ food pantries through distribution of goods by Midwest Food Bank and many families through South Side Mission at the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on Saturday, September 20th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Central Illinois Food 4All has partnered up with EVERY Kroger location in the area, giving us a total of 11 locations collecting food for those in need!

How can you help?
PROMOTE: Getting involved is as easy as word of mouth! Help us by sharing and talking about the food drive to friends, family and co-workers. 

PARTICIPATE: Stop by one of the 11 Kroger locations (Peoria - 5 locations, Bartonville, Chillicothe, East Peoria, Morton, Pekin and Washington) and donate dry or canned goods!

Here are some donations items we suggest: 
Mac & Cheese, Hamburger Helper, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Cereal, Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Pasta, Rice, Beans, Pasta Sauce and Canned Tomatoes. 

VOLUNTEER: As massive as this event is, volunteers are always needed! Sign up with your family and friends to help out at a collection site by visiting www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10c0A44AEAF2EA0FB6-2014/5280093! Keep a look out for more information about being a volunteer from Velde Autos!

The food drive is timed specifically to help these families with back-to-school expenses when resources are already drained. Through the Central Illinois Food 4All Food Drive on September 20th we can help the 26.1% of residents that are living in Peoria in poverty. For more information about the food drive, please feel free to contact food4allpeoria@gmail.com or call Lori (309) 243-2742, Jennifer (309) 676-4604 or Teresa (309) 360-6083.

At Velde Autos, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our websites: VeldeGM.com and VeldeFordPekin.com
Follow us on: Velde GM Facebook, Velde Ford Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram