Great Grilling Recipes

PEKIN, Ill.,–– The summer isn't over yet! The next few weeks will still be full of bright and sunny weather, which means there's still time for at least one last end-of-the-summer get-together. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious food by using a few of these great grilling recipes. From cheesy pizza to fruit skewers, we've got you covered for your last backyard barbecue!

Grilled Pizza Bread

Yes, you read that correctly. Pizza can be made on the grill! This simple recipe serves plenty of people, and it only takes a few minutes to cook on the grill. Before you know it, you and your family will be enjoying pizza in a totally different (but just as delicious) way!

Spiral Hot Dogs

Try a new way to grill your hotdogs with one easy step. Take a knife and cut along an angle across the hot dogs, creating a "spiral" effect. You can cook them at a much quicker rate and fit more toppings on the finished product! You'll be surprised at how tasty this twisted dish will be.

Bang Bang Corn

Give your taste buds a kick by adding "bang bang sauce" to your grilled corn! Combining chili sauce, butter, Sriracha sauce, garlic, and lime juice with salt and pepper seasoning, these ingredients will pack a serious punch. Turn up the heat on your corn with Bang Bang sauce this year!

Campfire Potatoes

You don't need a campfire to enjoy campfire potatoes! Whether you like cheese, butter, cilantro, crushed red pepper, or other toppings, these baked potatoes are super easy to make. Give them a try at your next cookout!

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Hungry for wings? Want to avoid the messiness? Satisfy your buffalo wing cravings with grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches! The recipe also comes with a blue cheese-apple slaw that you can enjoy alongside your buffalo chicken sandwich. Cool down with blue cheese-apple slaw, and bring the heat with grilled buffalo chicken sandwiches!

S'mores Roll Ups

Avoid the messiness of cooking s'mores on the fire by cooking them on the grill instead. Fill a tortilla with crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and chocolate, then wrap it in aluminum foil and toss it on the grill. After a few minutes, you'll enjoy this classic dessert in a unique way!

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Looking for a healthier dessert option? Grilled fruit skewers are your answer! You can grill peaches, strawberries, pineapples and peaches for an unbelievably delicious dessert dish. Drizzle some honey and a pinch of salt to help the fruits caramelize for a mouth-watering bite!

Bring the heat to the end of the summer with these great grilling recipes! You and your whole family will enjoy appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and desserts with ease. Before the cooler weather starts to hit, bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. Check up on our service coupons next time you need to schedule an appointment for service so that you don't miss any extra discounts. While you're at it, get your vehicle ready to go for the fall season with our fall car care and routine maintenance tips!

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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Ideas to Keep Your Kids Busy On Any Road Trip

PEKIN, Ill.,–– What makes a road trip last longer than it should? Young, bored passengers. Hearing "I'm bored", "Are we there yet?" and other repetitive questions can make a trip seem that much longer and can make driving a less-than-stellar experience. However, if you know a few tricks, you can keep your passengers from distracting you. In fact, distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents and can be severely reduced with just a little pre-trip prep. Use the ideas below to keep your kids busy on any road trip!

1. Create a Busy Box or Bag

Turn a shoebox or pencil case into a busy box for the younger kids! You can fill them with educational activities like the one above, Lego sets, classic games like tic-tac-toe, or other fun activities. All you need is a small box with a securable lid and something that fits the fancy of your little ones inside! 

2. Turn Your Windows into Canvases

If you're willing to have your windows a little messy, use window markers to turn your windows into canvases for your kids! You can give everyone in the vehicle one window and have them draw something a piece of art with the window as their "canvas". Before you know it, you'll be piloting the best collaborative art project on the road! Just make sure to avoid blocking blind spots and the windshields.

3. Pack Plenty of Movies

Whether you own a vehicle with a built-in DVD player or have movies downloaded on a tablet, having digital entertainment on hand will keep everyone occupied for hours at a time. We recommend bringing family-friendly classics such as The Wizard of Oz, Toy Story, and Finding Nemo for movies that everyone will love!

4. Invest in a Polaroid

For younger passengers and teens, a simple Polaroid camera is a great way to keep everyone entertained. It'll give them a chance to express themselves with photography and the instantly developed photos look great in a scrapbook. You can alternatively purchase a disposable camera and wait until the end of the trip to develop the memories! 

5. Play the License Plate Game

If you're driving across state borders, it's a guarantee that you'll see non-Illinois license plates! You can have fun and do a little competition with your kids by playing the license plate game. This will help little ones learn a little more about our country and can be done sans-technology. Whoever finds the most unique license plates during the whole drive wins. You can incentivize winners with money, candy, front seat time on the way back, or whatever else you decide!

6. Make a Road Trip Playlist

Listening to music is one of the best, and most classic, ways to pass the time in the car. Get everyone to add their top 10 favorite songs to a playlist before leaving and play it on the drive through the speakers. You can keep the playlist and burn it on a CD when you get home, that way you'll have audible memories of your road trip!

7. Download Fun and Entertaining Apps

Get everyone in the vehicle involved in the family fun with some entertaining group apps! Play the famous guessing game Heads Up, play a unique version of Roadside Bingo, and sing your heart out with Karaoke Anywhere! There are plenty of apps to choose from, but these are our road trip favorites.

With this handy guide of ideas to keep your kids busy on any road trip, you'll be ready to take the best road trip yet! Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have all of your road trip essentials packed. You won't want to leave without them! If you happen to run into trouble on the road, knowing what to do in the event of an accident will help you prepare and get help as soon as possible. Don't forget to schedule an appointment with us before you leave to have your vehicle looked at to ensure that it's ready to go on your vacation!

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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Labor Day Activities for the Whole Family

PEKIN, Ill.,–– September 4th is Labor Day this year! An extra day off means you'll get more time to spend with your family, however, it can be difficult finding something everyone will enjoy. Take a look at some labor day activities for the whole family to find a fun getaway that everyone will be sure to love! Whether your family prefers baseball games, fun in the sun, or festivals, there's something for everyone in our list.

1. Watch a Peoria Chiefs Game

Labor Day weekend is full of Peoria Chiefs action you can enjoy! From Friday to Sunday, the Chiefs will be playing the Kane County Cougars in a full series. You can catch evening games at 6:30 pm, or an early afternoon game on Labor Day at 1:00 pm if you're looking for a daytime event. Plus, the tickets all come at affordable group rates for the whole family!

2. Enjoy the Peoria Blues Festival

Celebrating its 29th anniversary, the Peoria Blues Festival will be coming back in full swing on September 1st and 2nd. With a huge lineup, mouth-watering food, and fun workshops, there's something for everyone at the Peoria Blues Festival this year. Buy your tickets now before they sell out - you won't want to miss this annual event!

3. Volunteer Locally

Teach your family the value of giving back to the world around you with local volunteer opportunities. You can positively impact your community and make a difference in someone's life with just a few hours of your time. Whether you're working at a soup kitchen, improving someone's literacy, or taking dogs for a walk, volunteering leaves a lasting impression on your community.

4. Visit the Shedd Aquarium

Pet a stingray, see beluga whales, and experience more underwater species at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago! This Labor Day weekend, the Shedd Aquarium will have discounted admission for families of any size. Learn about the marine world around us and the unique animals that make their home in the ocean. If you've never pet a stingray before, now's the time to do it!

5. Enjoy Masterpiece Mondays

On Labor Day, create a unique masterpiece to call your own at the Pekin High School Art Room! Your registration fee covers the materials to make a Zentangle, a Scratchboard, Collograph Prints, Pastel Drawings, and more! Classes are for kids ages 6-18, so children of any age can enjoy an awesome fun-filled day making unique art pieces!

6. Take a Trip on the Moonlight Cruise

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Spirit of Peoria this Labor Day weekend. Live entertainment and a cash bar will be available. Boarding begins at 7:00 pm, and the cruise continues from 7:30-9:30 pm, giving everyone a chance to watch the sun go down and the moon rise. There are no reservations needed, so get yourself on the Spirit of Peoria as soon as possible!

7. Catch a Movie With the Whole Family

On Labor Day weekend, the New Vision Theater in Pekin will feature Labor Day discounts to families wanting to see a movie! Whether you're going as a group to see a family film like Despicable Me, or catching a late night date flick like The Big Sick, the Pekin New Vision Theater has something for everyone. 

Make the most of your extended weekend with these Labor Day activities for the whole family! If you're taking a road trip this summer, follow some of our road trip tips to ensure your journey runs smoothly. Plus, save extra money with our service coupons and make sure your car is ready to hit the road! If you'd rather stay at home and invite friends and family over for a good old fashioned cookout, consider making some of these summer desserts!

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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Top 20 Road Trip Essentials

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Packing for a road trip? If you're planning on heading out of state, across the country, or simply through Illinois, we have a guide for you! To make your vacation a fun, exciting, and relaxing experience, make sure you bring these top 20 road trip essentials so you and your passengers have the best time possible. A great way to plan out your road trip is by budgeting out your gas with the AAA Gas Calculator. It gives you an estimate on how much gas your vehicle will require, prices in the areas you travel, and more based on the make and model of your vehicle.

1. Jacket: If you're going somewhere warm, it won't hurt to bring a jacket in case it rains or gets cold at night.
2. Boarding Passes, Tickets, Etc: These are some of the most frequently forgotten items on road trips, and are essential in ensuring you make it to your destination!
3. Extra Phone Charger: There's always a chance you may lose or misplace your phone charger, so bringing an extra one will keep your phone at full battery whenever you need it.
4. Several Pairs of Shoes: Tennis shoes, flip flops, and weather appropriate footwear will keep your feet comfortable on the beach, sidewalk, or wherever you go!
5. Extra SD Card: If you fill up your SD card on your camera, you can keep an extra SD card to fill with other memories so you won't have to delete old photos.
6. Copies of Travel Documents: If you're driving or traveling outside the country, keeping extra copies of your travel documents will save you a trip home and can reduce a lot of stress.
7. Headphones: Listen to your favorite tunes while shutting out any unnecessary noise with a pair of sound-isolating headphones.
8. Extra Tube of Toothpaste: In case you run out, bring an extra tube! You'll save yourself some extra money in the long run.
9. Sunscreen: In some tourist destinations, sunscreen can cost as much as $8 per bottle. Avoid an extra trip to a convenience store by bringing a bottle of sunscreen!
10. Hats: On scorching hot days, hats can protect your head from sunburns and discomfort.
11. Towels: Whether you're going to the beach or exploring a big city, bringing a towel never hurts if you have to dry off from a day full of swimming.
12. Sunglasses: This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you forget your pair, you'll have to purchase some from the convenience store, and like sunscreen, it can get very expensive!
13. Extra Socks: Have you ever tried to put on wet socks? It's not an enjoyable experience. Prevent this inconvenience by bringing extra socks along for the journey.
14. Umbrella: Protect yourself from any unexpected rain, snow, or other weather with an umbrella. On sunny days, it can help you reduce the chances of sunburn!
15. Snacks: For long journeys, whether you're on a plane or driving, snacks can hold you over and reduce the frequency of pit stops.
16. Medication: Bringing along ibuprofen or Tylenol can help you in the event that someone gets a sore throat or feels sick to avoid any road bumps in the trip!
17. Refillable Water Bottle: Help the planet out with a refillable water bottle so you won't have to purchase so much disposable plastic. Plus, they are easy to fill up and help save space!
18. Hand Sanitizer: In case you stop somewhere that's a little less than ideal, hand sanitizer will keep everyone's hands clean and prevent the spreading of germs!
19. First-Aid Kit: In case you run into an emergency, making sure your first-aid kit in your vehicle is well stocked will prepare you for any situation. It's better to be safe than sorry.
20. An Empty Bag: This may seem a little silly, but bringing an empty bag gives you the chance to fill it with any souvenirs you collect along the way!

There are tons of things you can bring on your vacation, but these top 20 road trip essentials should keep you prepared for just about anything you'll encounter on the road. Before you leave on your road trip, however, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is able to handle the road ahead. Use these summer car care tips to prepare yourself (and your vehicle) for the summer, whether you're going on a road trip or simply heading to work! Give us a call if you'd like to have your vehicle inspected before you leave for your vacation. Our helpful Service Staff can inspect all of the components of your vehicle to make sure you'll be able to hit the road without any bumps along the way!

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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Great Gardening Tips for Beginners this Summer

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Gardening is one of the most satisfying hobbies you can undertake this summer, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Providing the right amount of sunlight, fertilizer, and water to all of your plants can be difficult to keep track of. However, watching your flowers bloom and your vegetables sprout and grow is worth the wait and the effort! Earn your green thumb this season with these great gardening tips for beginners this summer!

Get Your Soil Tested

Your garden's soil provides nutrients to your plants, keeping them healthy and growing. Keeping track of your soil's pH levels and texture will determine whether or not plants can grow in your garden. Since certain plants thrive in specific pH levels, it's best to get your soil tested so you know what plants can and can't grow. For example, the ground near or underneath pine trees will likely have very acidic soil due to the falling needles, and be much tougher for plants to grow in. You can either send your soil in to a nearby nursery, or get your own testing kit from Home Depot or Lowe's. If you'd like to try a homemade testing kit, put soil in two cups of water. Then, put baking soda in one cup, and vinegar in another. If the vinegar cup fizzes, you have alkali soil, and if the baking soda cup fizzes, you have acidic soil.

Repurpose Coffee Grounds & Eggshells

These homemade remedies are perfect if you need to keep pesky insects away from your plants! Sprinkling used coffee grounds in your soil will keep ants, snails, and slugs away from your budding plants. If you coarsely crush your egg shells and sprinkle them around your plants, you can create a barricade to protect them from slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied pests. The smell of eggshells and coffee grounds are deterrents for deer and other hungry mammals, too! Coffee grounds and eggshells also make excellent compost, providing more nutrients to your growing plants.

Keep Your Plant Tags

If you aren't sure about how much or how little to water your plant or what environment is most healthy for it, keeping the plant tags will help! Your plant tags detail how much water it needs, the sunlight it requires, and the environment it grows best in. You can even create a scrapbook to keep track of the plants you're growing, their requirements, and, if you're feeling creative, a few sketches of what the plant looks like. It's a great way to keep track of your plants' needs!

Keep an Easy-to-Read Rain Gauge

Rain gauges are extremely useful on both hot and rainy summer days. You can monitor the amount of water that gets to your plants to determine whether they're getting not enough or too much. Rain gauges, while very helpful, can be occasionally difficult to read, especially on rainy and humid days. Put a few droplets of food coloring in the gauge to make the water level extremely legible, helping you keep track of the output of your sprinkler or rainwater. Just make sure you install it away from the trees to prevent water runoff!

Start with Easy Plants

The best way to hone your skills as a gardener is to get started with some easy-to-maintain plants! These little guys require little to no maintenance and provide the perfect starting point as you dive headfirst into gardening. Plants like lavender, snapdragons, and pansies are very low maintenance and can live a very long time if properly cared for. Once you've built up your confidence with these plants, you can expand your garden with some easy-to-grow vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and basil. Before you know it, you'll have a fully furnished garden with the best homegrown veggies of the Midwest!

Gardening can be tedious, but remaining diligent and attentive to your plants will give you a beautiful landscape and fresh fruits and vegetables for your home. Give your home's exterior a personal touch with these great gardening tips for beginners this summer. For some additional inspiration, hobbies, and crafting ideas this summer, follow our DIY + Crafts page on Pinterest! Also, keep an eye out for our regularly updated coupons and follow our summer car care tips to keep your vehicle in good working order this season. But if you're in the market for a new vehicle, take a look at our Ford crossover comparison to find the perfect crossover for your lifestyle!

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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One-of-a-Kind Dessert Recipes for Your Next Summer Get-Together

PEKIN, Ill.,–– If you've got a sweet tooth and you love to entertain family and friends, we've got some special ideas for you! Give these one-of-a-kind dessert recipes for your next summer get-together a go to give your guest's taste buds the special treatment they deserve. If you're looking for more dessert inspiration or want to test your cooking skills with other recipes, follow our delicious dishes board on Pinterest. Our board contains recipes for every meal, from savory breakfasts to midnight snacks. Enjoy!

Watermelon Cake

What's more perfect than a watermelon themed cake for the summer season? We're drooling just writing about this one. This recipe is made with just a few simple and easy-to-find ingredients, and ends up looking beautiful inside and out. Get the kids involved in making the cake for a piece they can be proud of, too! Find the ingredient list and the step-by-step instructions online by clicking the link. 

Four Ingredient Cake Batter Dip

Not only is this four ingredient cake batter dip extremely easy to make, it's also incredibly delicious and fun. All you need is some cool whip, cake mix, cream cheese, and milk, and voila! You've got yourself an incredibly delicious no-bake treat for everyone to enjoy. This dip is whipped up in a matter of minutes and is one that'll impress even the pickiest of dessert connoisseurs!

Apple Pie Dessert Nachos

Taking the best of two foods, apple pie dessert nachos combines the sweet and savory flavor of apple pie with the convenience of nachos! This handy dessert snack is best shared with a few people; however, you can adjust the recipe to make more for a bigger crowd. With just a few ingredients, around 15 minutes of cooking, and a little bit of carefree compilation, your guest's taste buds will be singing! 

Pineapple Creme Brulee

If you're looking for a more challenging, but very rewarding dish, this one is perfect! You can hone your culinary skills by making some mouth-watering pineapple creme brulee! This multi-ingredient recipe takes extra care and requires a culinary torch for the brulee, so make sure you're prepared before you get started. These custard filled pineapples are sure to be the hit of any summer get-together, from family gatherings to catching up with old friends. 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cone

Love ice cream? Love chocolate chip cookies? Get the best of both worlds with this mind blowing combination. Chocolate chip cookie cones are made the same way regular chocolate chip cookies are, but require just a few extra steps to add that unique cone shape. Take a look at the recipe for the secret, then give it a go and fill it with your favorite flavor ice cream! 

Follow our Pinterest page for more one-of-a-kind dessert recipes for your next summer get-together! While you're out and about getting the ingredients for these fun dessert recipes, stop by Velde Ford for an oil change, tire rotation, or any other service. Make sure to take a look at our summer car care tips to make sure your vehicle is up to speed this season so you and your family can enjoy any road trip or in-town travels! Before you stop in, check out our coupons to save on auto service. 

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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Summer Car Care & Organizational Tips

PEKIN, Ill., – Check the temperature: sunny days and warm weather are here to stay! Road trip season has officially begun, which means you'll be spending a lot of time in your vehicle. With that in mind, we've put together a list of summer car care and organizational tips to get your vehicle ready to go for any road trip, no matter how big or small! From cooling systems to U/V protection, we've got you covered with tips and tricks to make sure you enjoy every drive this season. We've also included a few DIY tips to help you keep your vehicle organized for those long drives. Gear up and get your vehicle up to speed this summer!

1. Regularly Check Your Cooling System

Keeping your engine cool is just as important as keeping yourself cool! Your engine's coolant helps to reduce the temperature of the engine on hot days, and without coolant, it can heat up your engine and potentially cause a lot of damage to the interior. If you see any colorful fluids leaking from your vehicle or smell something sweet, bring your vehicle into our Service Center to get it checked out immediately!

2. Make Sure Your A/C is Working

This is a no-brainer, but it's better to be safe than sorry! You won't want to be stuck in rush hour traffic or on a road trip without a fresh breeze cooling you down. If you notice a lack of airflow or your vehicle doesn't produce A/C, get it checked out as soon as you can! Sometimes, all you may need is just a simple filter or fan replaced. These simple fixes can make all the difference in the world on scorching hot Illinois days!

3. Clean Your Car's Exterior and Interior

You'd be surprised at how much of a difference this can make! Having a cleaner interior will help on hot days and decrease internal temperatures when you enter your vehicle. If your windshield is dirty, it can get extremely hazy on hot summer nights and make it difficult to drive. Making sure you have a clean interior and exterior is not only safe, but it'll make your car look a lot better for those fun nights out with your family and friends!

4. Check Your Vehicle's Suspension

The long winter seasons take a toll on a vehicle's suspension, especially during pothole season. Repeated damage to the suspension can misalign your wheels and steering. A good rule of thumb is that if it takes a lot of effort to turn, there is a chance you could have damage to your suspension. If you've hit a large pothole and your steering seems a bit off, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Our Service Staff is extremely experienced with suspension care and will get your car back into your hands in no time!

5. Keep An Eye on Your Fluid Levels

Keeping a lookout for wiper fluid, power steering fluid, brake pad fluids, and oil levels will allow your vehicle to run smoothly and efficiently through the warm months. Your power steering fluid will help you control your car through turns and reduce resistance, while your brake pad fluids will help to reduce resistance with braking, especially in quick scenarios. Your oil helps to lubricate your vehicle's engine, which will keep it running without heating or warping any other parts of the vehicle. While it may be a hot summer, the chance of it raining is extremely likely! Make sure you've got wiper fluid to wash off any dirt on your windshield so that you can drive clearly!

Keep your car clean this summer with these organizational ideas:

• If you have a dog, consider investing in a dog seat cover. This will keep the fur off your seats!
• Add hooks or hangers to your seats to carry groceries or backpacks easily.
• Get a cooler for your car to keep some drinks nice and chilly for the kids!
• Store plastic bags in a Kleenex box. They could come in handy later!
• Keep loose change in an empty gum container so you can have it nearby without making a mess.

If you like these ideas, check out our Pinterest page for more DIY car fun! Organizing your vehicle can be fun and easy this summer with these summer car care and organizational tips! You can keep your vehicle clean and your passengers happy with some quick and easy maintenance. In no time, you'll have a fresh and efficient vehicle and you'll be ready to tackle road trip season! By following all of our tips, you'll have more room, increased safety, and extended life for your vehicle in only a matter of minutes! If you're in need of additional vehicle maintenance, feel free to schedule an appointment and our Service Staff will get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible!

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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Summer Movies to See with the Family

PEKIN, Ill.,––Summer hasn't officially begun yet, but the temperatures are about to climb! Back in the day, when the weather got too hot, we took a trip to the movie theater where the air conditioning was on full blast. You can still do that today when the sun is blazing hot with your little ones for a fun and different type of Summer outing! OR you can stick around at home with the AC going and popsicles in hand to watch a good flick together. Check out these Summer movies to see with the family:

@ the Theater

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Out Now! 

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Out Now! 

Cars 3 

June 16th 

Despicable Me 3

June 30th

Spider-Man: Homecoming

July 7th 

@ Home

The Goonies

The Lego Movie

How to Train Your Dragon

The Princess Bride

Inside Out

Other movies you might consider to watch as a family at home include: Finding Nemo, Jumanji, Tangled, The Karate Kid, The Little Mermaid, The Parent Trap, Mrs. Doubtfire and more! Check out this best kids movies list we found and make your own list of movies to see with family. We hope you and your family find ways to have fun and stay cool together this Summer season. If you're headed out on an adventure, make sure to have your vehicle serviced before you go for your safety. Check out our Summer Car Care tips and schedule a service appointment at Velde Ford today.

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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May is the Month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness

PEKIN, Ill. – May is the month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness. Velde Ford takes your safety very seriously. Keeping you and other drivers on the road is our first priority. During the nicer months, it’s important to start looking for motorcyclists on the road. Too many accidents are caused between car drivers and motorcycle riders that could be easily prevented. Staying safe on the road is a two-way street and a shared effort, so take a look at these safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

• Wearing the right gear for riding is the key to your safety. A helmet, closed toe shoes, pants, a motorcycle jacket, and gloves should all be worn. Although some motorcycle gear can be a little heavy to wear, it’s going to ease your fall in case you ever get into an accident. Some of the gear, like your helmet, will also help protect you from flying debris when you’re riding.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and always watch out for potential road hazards. As a motorcyclist, you’re harder to see in traffic. Being aware of other drivers around you and looking out for any road hazards like potholes, train tracks, and construction will help you avoid any potential accidents.
• Use your turn signals and headlights. The key is to make you as visible as possible to other drivers. This is also very important to other drivers, but motorcyclists especially. You’re more likely to get into an accident when other cars can’t see you or don’t know where you’re going. 
• Check the weather. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a rainstorm or thunderstorm when you’re on your motorcycle. Double checking the weather will help your avoid these situations and keep you safe on the road.

Tips for Drivers:

• If you’re driving behind a motorcycle, leave at lease a 3-4 second following distance between you and the bike. If there’s ever a case than you need to stop quickly or swerve, you want to have the time to do that and avoid hitting the motorcyclist in front of you.
• Consider the condition of the road you’re on. If you’re on a road with potholes, railroad tracks, or even construction, the motorcyclists will need to slow down and avoid these obstacles more than a person with a car. We recommend following even further behind when encountering road conditions like this.
• Always, always, always check your blind spots! This is one of the leading causes of accidents between cars and motorcycles. Motorcyclists move much quicker and are much smaller, making them harder to see when they’re coming up in your blind spot. Double checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulders will help you avoid any potential accidents.
• Don’t try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Even if your car is on the smaller size, it’s never safe to share a lane. In the case that you have to swerve or the motorcyclist needs to swerve, you may collide. Give the motorcycle the space it needs to drive. 

Although May is the month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness, you should practice these tips every month to keep safe on the road. Your safety goes beyond these helpful tips. Take a look at our Spring Car Care pages online to learn about the maintenance your tires, car fluids, and suspension and alignment need this season. Routine maintenance will not only keep you safe on the road, but your vehicle will perform its best as well. Schedule your spring service appointment online today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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DIY Gardening Projects for Spring

PEKIN, Ill. – Spring is finally here and the warmer weather is on its way! If you’re an avid gardener, this may be your favorite time of the year. It’s time to start planning what you’re planting this year, and if you’re bored of the same old veggies, fruits, plants, and flowers year after year, then we have something for you! Take your green thumb to the next level with one of our creative DIY gardening projects this spring. We guarantee your garden will be the coolest one on the block, no matter the size!

DIY Gardening Projects for Spring

Mason Jar Herb Garden

 

Vertical Vegetable Garden

Plastic Bottle Garden

 

Geodome Greenhouse

 

Tire Flower Planter

Tiered Herb Garden

 

With these awesome gardening project ideas you’ll be ready for the warmer weather in no time! To make sure your vehicle is just as prepared for spring as you are, we have a new spring car care section on our website. Check it out to learn more about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs this season. Schedule a service appointment with our experts at Velde Ford today.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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