Activities
General Assembly Meetings -
One Sunday a month at Alexander's Steakhouse, Peoria
2026 Meeting Dates:
January 4
February 1
March 1
April 12
May 3
June 7
July 12
August 2
September 13
October 4
November 1
December 6 - Christmas Party, no meeting (see below for RSVP info)
Festa Picnic - August
Join us for our 95th Festa on August 9, 2026. Click here for more information.
Pizza for Petarde Fundraiser
Join us in 2026 at Agatucci's as we raise money for a display featuring Italian immigrant sculptor and Peoria resident, Joseph Petarde (1865-1942). On each second Thursday, January-September, Agatucci's Restaurant will donate a portion of their profit from that night's sales to the Italian American Society and the Peoria Historical Society for this display. To learn more about Mr. Petarde and his works, CLICK HERE.
Socials
Several times a year Society members will get together outside of our meetings to enjoy each other's company, converse and relax.
Italian Heritage Day - October
Each year, the members of the Italian-American Society gather together to celebrate our heritage as Italians. A member of the Society or Peoria community will often speak about the history of Italians globally or in the United States.
Annual Christmas/Holiday Dinner - December
Each December at our monthly meeting members of the Society take time to reflect on the past year and celebrate family and friendship at our annual Christmas/Holiday Dinner. In addition to the buffet meal, members are encouraged to prepare and bring desserts. At this event, the Society members collect items for a charity in the area. There may also be special appearances by Santa and La Befana.
The 2026 Christmas party will be Sunday, December 6 at Raber's, 3000 W Farmington Rd, West Peoria. Doors open at 4:30pm, cash bar and appetizers available at 5pm, buffet dinner (prime rib, fried chicken, sides, salads and rolls, plus fries and chicken strips for kiddos) at 5:30pm. Wear your funny, ugly or festive Christmas/Holiday attire and don't forget a dessert to share! Entertainment by accordion player and member, Tom Dorigatti. Cost is $30/adult, kids age 15 and younger are free. RSVP is required. COMPLETE THIS FORM or contact Sara Nardini Schlueter, 309-397-3587. Please include the names and ages of each child attending, as well as some small gift ideas (puzzles, crafts, games, etc.). Payment can be made via Venmo (@italianamericansocietypeoria) or send check or cash to Sara (614 W Jefferson, Washington IL 61571). RSVP BY NOVEMBER 20, 2026. Please bring a donation for the local St. Vincent dePaul Society Food Pantry: toothpaste, bar soap, canned vegetables, meats and soups (pop top is best), pasta sauce, tuna pouches or a monetary donation.