Almost 500 people participated in Peoria’s first GLBT Fall Ball held in the grand ballroom of the Pere Marquette Hotel in downtown Peoria. The event was sponsored by the newly formed group Differently Normal and is the largest GLBT event in Central Illinois. Amazon, lead singer of the Chicago band Pulsation, entertained the crowd. Also attending were people from Bloomington, Rockford, Springfield, and Chicago. ‘This was one of the most amazing events that I have attended,’ said Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois. ‘We have a vibrant and beautiful community in the heart of the Heartland.’ Photo: Garcia with organizers of the Fall Ball, Rob, Shelly and Eric. BELOW: Garcia with Amazon. Photos by Catherine Sikora