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Riverfront entertainment in Peroia plan gets thumbs up

Vieux Carre means "old quarter" and is popularly identified with the historic French Quarter where people dine al fresco and enjoy outdoor entertainment in New Orleans.

In Peoria, the Le Vieux Carre building is about to become the first Peoria facility where something similar will occur, albeit in a much smaller and tamer venue than the popular Crescent City tourist attraction.

By unanimous vote Tuesday, the City Council endorsed an ordinance creating the Riverfront Entertainment District allowing for the closure of Water Street between State Street and Hamilton Boulevard from 4 p.m. to midnight on a continuing basis.

The closure allows businesses to offer outdoor dining and entertainment either on street, in a parking lot or on Riverfront Village's elevated platform.

The first applicant for the outdoor activities will be Pat Sullivan, who is the co-owner of Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery and who has been spearheading the issue since last year.

"I think it's going to be new and exciting," Sullivan said after the council voted. "It's not a perfect plan but where it is starting (between) State and Walnut streets, hopefully it continues down (Water Street). Hopefully it will grow positively."

The council, in endorsing the concept, will allow Sullivan and all the Le Vieux Carre businesses - John S. Rhodell Brewery; Rizzi's on State; The Waterhouse; Water Street Wines, Cafe & Coffees; and Kelleher's - to offer drinks and food in an outdoor setting along Water Street.

Sullivan will need to receive a permit before the outdoor activities begin in mid-May.

This article was written by John Sharp (jsharp@pjstar.com) of the Journal Star. It was posted on pjstar.com on April 13, 2010. To read the full article click here.

To find out more about Kelleher's Irish Pub in Peroia or to write a review click here.

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