🅿️ Easter Egg Hunts, Home Bakeries, and Nestor Gomez

SPONSORED BY

Illinois Humanities and Midwest Partners will present “Everyone Has a Story: Performance by Nestor Gomez,” on March 23 at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave E, Princeton, IL 61356, from 6:30pm–8:00pm CT, with a reception to follow from 8:00-9:00pm CT. Light refreshments will be served. This family-friendly event is free and a part of The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream program. RSVP is required. 

Narrated by dynamic, award-winning storyteller Nestor Gomez, this immersive performance tells Gomez’s personal stories of his American dream—in particular, his family’s immigration to the United States and the social, cultural, and linguistic struggles he has navigated ever since. 

Initially undocumented (now a citizen), Gomez moved from Guatemala to Chicago at the age of 10 in the mid-1980s. He began his storytelling career on a whim, winning first prize at his first Moth Storytelling Slam in Chicago over a decade ago. He has since won 35 Chicago Moth Story Slams and more than 30 others in cities across the nation.   

For those interested in learning to tell their own stories, in writing or performance, Gomez will lead an in-depth Storytelling Workshop the following day, March 24, at The Bike Place, 701 N Main St, Princeton, IL 61356, from 1:00-3:00pm CT. RSVP is required. 

Register Here

Happy Monday, Princeton. Spring is in the air, and I am very concerned that I won’t be ready for my marathon in April. You may see me running a lot this week — if I look like I’m dying, just leave me be. Perhaps give me a little honk or yell “Run, Forest, Run!” to motivate me.

Let’s jive.

—Justin Bullington

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📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🥁Princeton Music
🧁Princeton Home Bakeries
🐣Princeton Easter Egg Hunts

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Hieronymus: “Princeton junior Ace Christiansen is the NewsTribune Boys Wrestler of the Year for the second time after leading the area in wins at 39 and placing third at 138 pounds in the Class 1A state tournament.”

• Early voting is now open at the Bureau County Clerk’s office.

• Festival 56: “As we gear up for an exciting summer of theatrical performances, we're reaching out to our incredible community for support. Our theater is in need of host families for our talented actors and crew during their stay with us. Whether you have a spare room or can provide temporary lodging, every contribution makes a difference. As a host family, you'll have a chance to:

  • Gain insight into the world of theater and entertainment

  • Form lasting friendships with actors and crew members

  • Create cherished memories and unforgettable experiences.

  • Receive a Flex-4 which is good for four FREE tickets to any of our shows. If you're interested in becoming a host family or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 815-879-5656.”

• Order your candy-filled eggs to be scattered in your yard in time for Easter morning to help raise money for Gateway Services. Deadline is March 27th. Order online here.

• Illinois Humanities and Midwest Partners will present “Everyone Has a Story: Performance by Nestor Gomez,” on March 23 at the Prairie Arts Center.

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

Today: expect partly sunny conditions with a high of 57°F, feeling like 30°F with the wind chill. Winds will be from the WNW at 15 mph with gusts up to 29 mph.

Tuesday: partly sunny and warmer with a high of 57°F. The real-feel temperature will be more comfortable at 53°F. Winds continue from the WNW at 15 mph.

Wednesday: cooler temperatures with a high of 41°F and a real-feel of 36°F. It will be partly sunny. The wind will shift to a more northerly direction at 13 mph, gusting up to 29 mph.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.49
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.56
Casey’s West/North: $3.56
Beck’s West/North: $3.56
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.56
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.56

Diesel

Beck’s West/North: $3.85
Road Ranger, N Main St.: $3.85
Casey’s West/North: $3.85
Amoco, N Main St: $3.94

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Myrtle’s Pies is taking pie orders right now. They will be open March 30th from 7-12pm for whole pie pickup. Call 815-915-8397.

• Gateway Services will host a fundraiser at Rip’s Chicken April 10th and 11th.

• The Knack has a limited supply of decadent and delicious chocolates called “Passionfruit Caramel”. Dipped in dark chocolate, with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Optimal Health is now serving coconut cream pie.

• Someone please adopt Bessie from Friends of Strays.

• Ecclectic Joy has very unique, new, hand-carved items: A bird who holds glasses. A wooden box with wooden dice. Ornate coasters.

• Made by Nana Faye has hand-made Easter baskets for sale: visit madebynanafaye.com.

• Get free coffee with breakfast from 6:30-8am Monday-Thursday at the Coffee Cup.

• At the Downtown Pub:

  • Southern Crunch Codwich ($13): A symphony of textures and flavors that marry the crunch of chicken-fried delight with the tenderness of flaky fish on a toasted brioche bun.

  • Alaskan Pollock Bites ($11): These mouthwatering, pop-in-your-mouth treats feature a crispy, golden coating — packed full of flavor.

• Coal Creek Brewing Company is hosting an Eras Party Tuesday, March 19th, starting at 5pm. Dress up as your favorite Taylor Swift Era. There will be a friendship bracelet station, and Taylor’s favorite candies. There will also be giveaways.

• Hollywood & Vine will have a St. Patricks Day Party Saturday March 16th. The band Burn n’ Bush will play from 2-5pm. Big on Blondes will play from 7-11pm.

• Drink Specials at Prime Quarter:

  • Tequila Tuesday: $4.50 Classic, Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon, and Peach Margaritas

  • Wine Wednesday: $4.50 house wines

  • Thirsty Thursday: $1.50 10oz Bud Light, Miller Light; $2.50 Stella, Modelo.

• 3 lb. honey is back in stock at Sayler’s General Store. They are open from 10-4pm.

• Guys and Gals Salon is welcoming new clients, tanning or hair needs.

  • 1 tan - $8.80

  • 5 - $27.50

  • 10 - $46.20

  • 20 - $82.60

🎸PRINCETON MUSIC

• Nick Sanzeri | Hollywood & Vine | March 22, 6pm

• STEAM Irish Quartet | Grace Theater | March 30th at 7:30pm

• Joe Rian & The A.M. Drinkers | Barrel Society | March 30th at 7pm

• The Killer Riffs | The Hawg House Saloon | April 6th, 3pm

• Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos | The Cider Mill | Apr. 12th at 6:30pm

• Girls Like Us: Music of Carole King, Carly Simon, and Joni Mitchell | Grace Theater | Apr. 12th at 7:30pm

• Joseph Huber Band | Barrel Society | May 3rd, 7pm

🧁PRINCETON HOME BAKERIES

• Cupcake Creations Unlimited: 815-878-0363

• Sweet Haven Cakes: Angi Murphy on Facebook

• Audrieonna’s Delights: 815-503-4523

• L&M Sweets: 815-440-6901

• Princeton Pastries: 815-910-7600

• Dessert Your Loved Ones: [email protected]

🐣PRINCETON EASTER EGG HUNTS

• Liberty Village | March 23rd, 10am

• Moose Lodge | March 23rd, 11am

• Bureau Township Community Church | March 30th, 11am

• Bureau County Fairgrounds | March 30th, 1pm

• New Hope Church of the Nazarene | March 30th, 2pm

• Soldiers and Sailors Park | March 30th, 10:30am

• People Church | March 31st, 9:30am