Census day is fast approaching, and the City of Peoria Complete Count Committee has some activities planned to help inform the community about the importance of the Census. The following activities will take place during the month of March:

• "Census Day Is Coming" Informational Session, March 18th @ 6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.
A Census representative will explain why participating in the Census is important and how Census results are used for re-districting. Any questions regarding the questionnaire or concerns regarding privacy issues will also be addressed during this class. Class will be held at ICC North and it is free, but registration is required. Register at www.icc.edu/acp (select "workshops/programs" then choose "special interests") or call 999-4545.

• Census Road Tour at March Madness IHSA Basketball Tournament, Friday, March 12th from 10:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. and Friday March 19th all day at the Peoria Civic Center
The 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour is coming to Peoria. The stop is part of a cross-country Road Tour in which participants will learn about the 2010 Census and the positive impact their participation will have on Peoria. Peoria attendees can stop by the 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour to:

Learn more about the 2010 Census and the positive impact Census participation will have on the local community.
View and share Portrait of America stories from other Road Tour participants on YouTube and Flickr pages.
Track the Road Tour and view its various stops as it crosses the country.
Receive Road Tour updates via Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and MySpace.

• Bradley University Night, Friday March 26th from 10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. at Bradley University Markin Student Recreation Center
Students from Bradley University's Communication 219 Public Relations class will have an informational booth along with a variety of Census activities and give-a-ways. This activity will inform students that they are counted here in Peoria and encourage them to participate in the 2010 Census.

The Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to occur every 10 years. For more information go to http://2010.census.gov, visit the local Census Office at 2220 Townline Road in Peoria or call 309-550-9220.