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🪄A Magic Show, Main Street Concerts, and Spring Outfits

🪄A Magic Show, Main Street Concerts, and Spring Outfits

Good morning, Princeton friends. If you’re into brain games...

April 29, 2025

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Good morning, Princeton friends. If you’re into brain games, live auctions, or helping adorable animals, this is your moment—you can swing by Wild Honey for spring outfits, grab a Chicken Parm Sub from Paisano’s, and tell yourself you deserve it—even if your trivia team finishes last.

Let’s have at it.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🥁Down in Mainstreet
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
❓Trivia Night
💼Princeton Businesses
🎭Summer Drama Camp
🗓️This Week at Princeton High School
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Happy Birthday Amy Hoover and Mandy Nelson! 🎈
WLPO: New Second Story Teen Center In Princeton Opened Tuesday
RMN: Support Bureau County Education with the Friends of Extension and 4-H Raffle
BCR: First responders were dispatched at about 1 p.m. Monday to Interstate 80 near Plank Road in Peru for a crash. So far, the injuries are believed to be minor, officials said.
Festival 56 in Princeton is offering up three paid apprentice positions this summer for people between the ages of 14 and 22. Over 8 weeks, each apprentice will be assigned to work in one or more areas including, but not limited to directing, scene design, lighting and sound, production, and public relations.
The Princeton Boots Vs. Badges Blood Drive is set for Tuesday, May 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Princeton Fire Department, with appointments available through ImpactLife by phone or QR code.

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🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch at 423 S Randolph St, Princeton, IL, is listed for $175,000 and offers 1,462 sq ft of living space. Built in 1960, it features a main-floor laundry room that could be converted into a fourth bedroom if needed. The home includes an updated kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floors throughout, and a fenced backyard with a storage shed and two outdoor sitting areas. All appliances are included, and the home has a full unfinished basement ideal for storage. It sits on a 7,840 sq ft lot and is well-maintained, offering classic charm with practical updates. The listing is attracting a lot of attention, with over 2,300 views in just two days.
This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-level home at 1051 Lora Ave, Princeton, IL, is listed for $200,000 and offers 1,441 sq ft on a 0.25-acre lot. Built in 1972, the main floor features a living room, dining room, and updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a peninsula with seating. A sliding glass door opens to a large deck and a fully fenced backyard. The upper level contains all three bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level provides a second living space with a wood-burning fireplace, half bath, and laundry room with storage. The home also includes an attached 2-car garage and is move-in ready.
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 1202 W Margaret Dr, Princeton, IL, is listed for $230,000 and offers 1,752 sq ft on a 0.28-acre lot. Built in 1966, it features a one-level open floor plan connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Highlights include a spacious front porch, a 3-season sunroom, and a garage with a heated bonus room perfect for storage or hobbies. Recent updates include a new sewer line (2023), a newer roof (3–5 years old), and updated windows. The hall bathroom has a walk-in shower, and electric baseboard heat offers zoned temperature control. A 2-car attached garage and a storage shed add to the functionality of this well-maintained home.

🥁2025 DOWN ON MAIN SUMMER STREET CONCERT SERIES

The Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series will be back in Princeton this summer. Here are the dates!

Friday, June 20: Mae Estes

Friday, July 18: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Friday, Aug. 8: Face 2 Face, the Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Show

Thursday, Sept. 4: Electric Avenue

Saturday, Oct. 18: Heidelberg German Band for Oktoberfest

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☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

🌦️Today: Very warm and windy. High around 85°F with winds from the south-southwest at 20 mph. A few showers and storms possible late with a 30% chance of rain. Overnight, skies stay mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms likely and a low of 58°F. Winds remain strong from the south-southwest at 20 mph.

⛅️Tuesday: Partly cloudy to mostly sunny with a high near 67°F. Winds from the west at 10 to 20 mph. Night skies stay partly cloudy, cooling down to a low of 47°F. Winds shift to the southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

⛈️Wednesday: Scattered thunderstorms are possible with a high near 64°F. Winds from the west at 10 to 20 mph. Skies clear a bit overnight with a low of 55°F and winds staying west at 10 to 15 mph.

⛈️Thursday: A few thunderstorms early becoming less widespread during the day. High near 67°F with west winds at 5 to 10 mph. Clouds increase again overnight with a few showers late and a low of 50°F. Winds from the south at 10 to 15 mph. Rain chance 30–40%.

🌥️Friday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers possible. High near 65°F with northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with a low near 45°F and lighter north-northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chance 20%.

🌥️Saturday: A pleasant day with a few clouds from time to time. High near 70°F with east-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Mostly clear overnight, dipping to a low of 47°F with south winds at 5 to 10 mph.

🌤️Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 76°F with south winds at 10 to 15 mph. Partly cloudy skies at night with a low near 53°F. Winds shift slightly to the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.32
Casey’s West/North: $3.35
Beck’s West/North: $3.35
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.35
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.35

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🐕FRIENDS OF STRAYS TRIVIA NIGHT

Friends of Strays is hosting a Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Princeton Moose Lodge (1339 N Euclid Avenue). Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the trivia action starts at 6 PM sharp. Teams of six to eight players can jump in for $25 per person, and your entry includes light appetizers to keep your brain fueled. Plus, there’s a special treat — magician Cory will be performing table-side magic before trivia kicks off! Between rounds, enjoy a live auction packed with exciting items. The top trivia team will even go home with a trophy! All proceeds will help Friends of Strays care for local dogs and cats.

Want to get involved? Sign up your team and submit payment during business hours at the Friends of Strays office.

Questions? Call 815-872-7387 for more info.

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🎭SUMMER DRAMA CAMP

Registration is underway for the Annual Children’s Summer Drama Camp at the Prairie Arts Center for children entering 2nd-9th grades. Camp will run Monday-Friday, June 16-27, from 2-5 PM. The camp cost is $100 with special rates for siblings. Need-based scholarships are also available upon request for those who meet the criteria.

Drama Camp at the PAC culminates at 5:30 PM on June 27 in a performance of an original play written specifically for the campers and, to a large extent, tailored to the needs and abilities of the campers. Campers name their own production. Children get the hands on experience of creating a show, from set and light work to costuming to performing. Past theater-learning topics have included theatrical accents, sets, Shakespeare, costuming, stage make-up, mime, choreography for the stage, stage lighting and design, musical theater, and opera. Camp activities also include theater and improvisational games like one might see on the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".

Children’s theater programming at PAC has always been about more than just theater skills. We strive to offer a safe, wholesome environment in which children can learn, grow, and have fun. Over the many years that we have run the summer drama camps as well as other children’s drama programming, we have been privileged to witness the transformation of many of our children from ducklings to beautiful, talented swans. Fostering the growth of our community’s children is the greatest benefit of PAC children’s theater programming. To register, contact camp director Rachel Gorenz-Johnson at: 815-876-6284 or [email protected]

Payment is expected by June 2. Please make checks payable to Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Checks and registration forms can be returned to: Rachel Gorenz-Johnson, 3 South 5th Street Princeton, IL 61356.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES #SHOPLOCAL

The Milk Moustache is highlighting their new Angel Dear baby clothing arrivals featuring buttery soft fabric and bright spring prints. Visit their store this weekend to shop new selections.
Mardog’s Grooming Room is now taking early May appointments for pet grooming, encouraging customers to book soon as spots fill fast. Call 563-239-4899 or message them on Facebook to schedule.
Wild Honey Boutique has released a fresh collection of spring outfits perfect for the sunny days ahead. Visit their store to shop new arrivals.
Scooter’s Coffee has launched a colorful JavaSok and tumbler collection to keep your summer drinks stylish and cold, with small and medium JavaSoks at $13.99, large at $15.99, and 22oz tumblers for $18.99. Shop online at bit.ly/3zqXddC. Bright, bold designs are featured in their newest photos.
Neighborhood Ace Hardware is now carrying Spruce Weed & Grass Killer, safe around people and pets when used correctly. Available in 64oz wand sprayers for $44.99, 64oz trigger sprayers for $29.99, and 24oz hand spray bottles for $14.99. Check them out in-store for quick solutions to your spring yard needs.
Five 22 is showing off their newest arrivals, including a striped tank top, new purse and purse charm, and their favorite Risen jeans. Their stylish flat-lay photo showcases these trendy finds, available now in-store until 5:30 PM.
Wild Honey Boutique is ready for warm weather with fresh spring arrivals like striped tops, floral sunglasses, and bright outfits. Photos feature breezy pieces perfect for the season. Stop in today to update your wardrobe!
Bureau County Senior Center is hosting a fundraiser with candy bars for $1 each or $60 for a box. Photos show colorful candy bar boxes ready for purchase. Help support the center by picking up a few sweet treats!
City of Princeton Animal Control introduces Scooby Doo, an adoptable 2–3-year-old male Pit bull mix full of energy and love. He’s great with people, enjoys outdoor play, and seems fine with cats. Visit 1118 N. Church St., Princeton, or call 815-875-1150 to meet him.
Bureau County EMA encourages residents to sign up for their Rave Alert mass notification system for emergency weather and public safety alerts. Register by visiting readybureau.com. Bureau County EMA is located at 700 South Main St., Princeton, IL 61356.
True Leaves Bookshop celebrates Independent Bookstore Day with a launch of new Princeton-themed shirts and tote bags, beautifully designed by Once Upon a Craft. Their display features cozy green shirts and canvas bags perfect for local lovers. Visit True Leaves in downtown Princeton to shop the collection.
The Knack will host a Mother & Daughter Sip and Paint Class on May 3rd from 5–7 p.m. Participants, ages 21 and up, will paint a butterfly canvas together for $35, with all materials provided.
Paisano’s Ristorante introduced a new Chicken Parm Sub made with garlic bread, mozzarella, signature meat sauce, and two hand-battered chicken strips. This hearty sandwich has been added permanently to their menu.
Dessert Your Loved Ones is taking graduation orders for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candy. The Princeton-based business, owned by Julie Pinter, also offers catering for parties.
Pin Splitter Lanes now offers unlimited bowling on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $10. It’s a budget-friendly way to get some practice in or enjoy a fun night out.
Main Street Dance Academy will host its Summer 2025 Camps and Intensives beginning with Rising Stars Dance Camp for K–1st grade from June 16–20. Weekly intensives run from June 23 through August 1, offering sessions in Jazz & Hip-Hop, Jumps/Leaps/Turns, Contemporary & Lyrical, and Conditioning & Choreography for students in grades 2–12, with tiered pricing starting at $55 and registration due by June 6.

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