When the "Creature Feature" Came to Washington

The Acri Creature Feature was a late-night television show that aired in its original form from 1969 to 1976.  Hosted by Acri Company president Chuck Acri and originally shown on WQAD in the Quad Cities, the show became syndicated on several channels in Illinois, including WEEK-TV in Peoria.  When cable TV came to Peoria in the late 70s, viewers had more options on their television, and the show's popularity declined, but for many years, it was a staple for children staying up late on a Saturday night.  The program aired classic horror movies, interspersed cheesy live-action skits with characters and plenty of advertising for the Acri Company.

In 1974, the characters from the Acri Creature Feature descended on Washington, Illinois, for a two-day set of charity appearances.  On Saturday, June 1, 1974, the Washington Police Benevolent Association refurbished the old Sullivan Field for a charity game with the "Acri-Creeps" as part of a "fun day" celebration they had to raise money for a local Down Syndrome organization.  The softball game was followed by a beef barbecue at the nearby Shamrock Inn.  On Sunday June 2 the characters played in a charity softball game on the John Bearce Ford property against WEEK-TV personalities for the Crippled Children charity (now Easter Seals).  Bearce also held a car show as part of the fundraising activities.

WEEK-TV personalities Martha Steele & Vic Burnett

It was a great weekend around Washington to raise money for two worthwhile charities, and the creepy characters from the Acri Creature Feature program were a big part of it.