🎠Embroidery, Scarecrows, and the Bureau County Fair

SPONSORED BY

Good morning, my Princeton people. Sorry for the later publish, forgot to push “publish.” 🤪 Fair week is finally here. I’m going to eat my weight in fried food, watch my kids get on some crazy rides, and see a bunch of people I vaguely know, but have forgotten their names. Also, today is national potato day. What’s a potatoes favorite horror movie? Silence of the Yams.

Let’s go.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏃The Underground 5k
🌤️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
💼Princeton Businesses
🪡Stitching Success
👷Princeton Job Opportunities
🏠Princeton Home for Sale
🎸Local Music
🎠Bureau County Fair
🗓️Princeton Upcoming Events
🍿At the Apollo

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Brendan Coughlin!🎂

• Second Story Teen Center will be grilling and serving brats, ribeyes, hot dogs, and pork chops on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sullivan’s.

• The Bureau County Fair Draft Horse Show is set for Sunday, August 25, starting with Halter classes at 10 a.m. and driving classes at 1 p.m. Late entries are still accepted by email or fax, and the fairgrounds are located at 811 W Peru St.

• The Princeton’s Scarecrow Festival will make its grand return on Saturday, October 12, featuring an array of exciting activities for all ages. Highlights include the Monster Mash Balloon Bash, trick-or-treating on Main Street, a kids' costume contest, and the Bureau County Fair’s Annual Halloween Parade, which will be followed by a special performance of the Hocus Pocus Hags. The day will also offer a petting zoo, food vendors, fun activities for kids, and a thrilling Nightmare Haunted Attraction celebrating 21 years of scares, along with hot air balloon glows and tethered rides.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

  🚫Ad free

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 175 others.

🏃THE UNDERGROUND 5K

The 31st Annual Underground Railroad 5k will be held on Saturday, September 7th, beginning and ending at the Bureau County Metro Center.

The event schedule includes registration and packet pick-up at 7:00 AM, the Kiddie Fun Run at 8:00 AM, and the 5k race at 8:30 AM. Entry fees are $25 if registered by August 9, and $30 afterward, with a $300 fee for corporate teams of up to 20 participants.

T-shirts are guaranteed for all pre-registered participants, with limited availability on race day. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners, top Princeton male and female, and the top three finishers in each age division. For more information, contact Race Director Brett Renner at (815) 876-0721.

Sign up here

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

☀️Today: The day will be mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds, reaching a high of 76°F. Winds will be from the north-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will be partly cloudy with a low near 55°F. Winds will be light and variable.

⛅️Tuesday: Expect partly cloudy conditions throughout the day with a high of 74°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will remain partly cloudy with a low of 49°F. Winds will be light and variable.

🌤️Wednesday: The day will see a mix of sunshine and clouds with a high near 75°F. Winds will be light and variable. Some clouds will linger into the evening, but conditions will generally clear overnight, with a low around 50°F. Winds will remain light and variable.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.66
Casey’s West/North: $3.67
Beck’s West/North: $3.67
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.67
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.67

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Enjoy 26% off your entire purchase at Four Seasons with code SHOP, valid until August 25, 2024. Exclusions apply.

• With the kids back in school, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a relaxing facial with Maddie at Guys and Gals Salon. Book your appointment today and enjoy some well-deserved pampering.

• Join us on Sunday, September 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tony’s Butt Shack in Hollowayville for a car show benefiting Christmas for Kids. The event will feature awards, door prizes, trivia, and a silent auction, all set to music from AMC Sound DJ.

• Discover fantastic new treasures at Maupin’s Providence Homestead, located at 877 East Peru St. Open today until 5 p.m., their Princeton shop offers a unique selection of antique and vintage finds.

• Sayler’s General Store on Main Street is open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in to browse their delightful selection of treats and discover what’s new in the shop.

• Join a Taylor Swift-inspired painting party on August 21st at 6 PM, where fans can enjoy music, dinner, and creativity. The event, hosted at the Downtown Pub, includes a pre-drawn canvas, materials, and a cash bar. Tickets are $25, and all ages are welcome, with younger participants needing an adult to assist.

• Friends of Strays invites everyone to their Fall Open House on Saturday, September 23. The event will include facility tours, raffles, and more, with donations for raffles accepted during shelter hours.

• There's still time to join the Corner Chair Market class on Tuesday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m. Secure your spot by calling or stopping by.

• Tailholt Trading Post has recently added some beautiful new furniture pieces, including a wood table with an elegant leather top. They welcome visitors to drop by and explore these unique additions.

• Steven Becker from Thrivent invites everyone to a summer financial check-in to discuss progress on financial goals and any necessary adjustments. This is a great opportunity to address financial concerns and celebrate accomplishments. Contact Steven Becker for a quick consultation.

• BCMC: “We’re looking forward to seeing all the area runners 3 weeks from tomorrow for the 31st annual Underground Railroad 5K! Register in person at the Bureau County Metro Center or online now. Kiddie Fun Run (free!) at 8am with the 5K to follow at 8:30 am.”

• Optimal Health is now offering Nixie Zero Sugar Sodas, available in Classic Cola, Ginger Ale, and Root Beer flavors. These refreshing and organically flavored sodas are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sugar-free beverage. Visit Optimal Health to be among the first to try them.

• Little Blue Dress is hosting a Birkenstock Friends & Family Sale with a 15% discount on all Birkenstock footwear. Shoppers can use the code “Birkenstock” to enjoy this offer online. The sale features a variety of Birkenstock sandals, including pink, green, and black designs.

• On Monday August 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can support the Bureau Valley After Prom by dining at Culver's of Princeton. A portion of the sales during this time will be donated to help fund the after-prom event.

✉️NEW SUBSCRIBER?

You have access to all previous newsletters: click here to read them.

👉Please, please, please make sure to add the Princeton NOW newsletter email address as a “contact,” “VIP,” or “Whitelist” in your email service. This will prevent it from going to spam or bouncing.

• Princeton NOW Premium subscribers now receive:

  🚫Ad free

  ❤️Local Obituaries

  🚔Arrests

  🏡Property Transfers

  🔍Health Department Food Inspections

  💍Marriages

  🏛️Board and City Council Meeting Summaries

  ⏫Upgrade your newsletter today and join 175 others.

🪡STITCHING SUCCESS: HOW MADE BY NANA FAYE IS WEAVING COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY TOGETHER

Faye Conner, the heart and hands behind Made by Nana Faye, has spent nearly four years turning her passion for sewing and embroidery into a thriving local business. What started as a personal project during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic quickly grew into something much more significant. “I started sewing during COVID and found that it was relaxing for me, but that was a challenge,” Faye recalls. While learning to sew through online tutorials, she stumbled upon embroidery—a discovery that would change her life. The purchase of her first embroidery machine marked the beginning of a journey filled with creativity, determination, and community support. “I bought an embroidery machine and found I enjoyed creating,” she adds.

Faye’s business story is as unique as her creations. Living near Orlando, Florida, during the pandemic, she faced the uncertainty of job security and the need for a supplementary income. “The concept to launch was pretty much ‘OK, I’m going to start making things for family and friends,’” Faye explains. What began as a few personal projects quickly grew into requests for gifts and business logos. However, the path wasn’t always smooth. “I had never even used a needle before, and I jumped in the fire,” she admits. From overcoming her fear of a six-needle embroidery machine to mastering complex designs, Faye taught herself everything through videos and relentless practice. “That machine was there for 2 weeks because I feared it,” she says, reflecting on those early days. But once she turned it on, there was no looking back. “I started watching videos, turned it on, and never looked back.”

Over time, Made by Nana Faye evolved from a small hobby into a full-time commitment. Initially, Faye focused on making items for her granddaughters, but demand grew rapidly. “I didn’t really hit the ground running until around March or April of this year,” she says. Social media and word of mouth played crucial roles in expanding her reach beyond Princeton and Peru, Illinois. Despite a slow start, Faye’s determination paid off. She invested in a 15-needle machine, allowing her to take on more intricate projects, including custom hats—a service that quickly became popular. “Now I don’t have a day that ‘I have nothing to do,’” she remarks, reflecting on the constant flow of work that keeps her busy seven days a week.

One of Faye’s proudest moments came when she realized the extent of the community’s support. “I have met some of the sweetest people here that refer me to their family, friends, and when I see my name suggested on Princeton Now or any local groups, I realize my hard work to be great at what I do is starting to pay off,” Faye says. The kindness and encouragement from the community have been instrumental in her success, making her feel accomplished and valued. Faye is passionate about giving back to the Princeton economy by keeping her business local and helping other small businesses grow. “If I can make them apparel that supports their business, it makes me proud,” she adds.

Looking toward the future, Faye has big plans for Made by Nana Faye. She envisions expanding her business by offering outsourcing services to other local companies, fostering a network of support within Princeton. “I want people to know about how easy it is to reach out to me, tell me what they are wanting or have in mind, and I will create it for them,” she emphasizes. Faye’s motto, “If it fits on my machine, I will make it for you,” reflects her commitment to customer satisfaction and her love for creating unique, personalized items that bring joy to others. As she continues to grow her business, Faye remains deeply grateful to the community that has embraced her and supported her from the very beginning.

For custom apparel and embroidery services, you can find Faye Conner at the Made by Nana Faye Facebook page, or call 251-604-7019.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• Pharmacy Technician | Full-time | Monday to Friday (occasional Saturdays)

• Pharmacy Clerk | Part-time | Approx. 12-15 hrs/week (afternoons & Saturdays)

• Certified Nursing Assistant | In Home Care Connection Hospice Services | $19.00 per hour | Part-time | Flexible schedule, travel reimbursement

• Front Desk Receptionist | Liberty Village of Princeton | Full-time | Day shift

• Groundskeeper | Princeton High School | $15 - $17 an hour | Full-time | 8 hour shift

• Administrative Assistant - Zoning Department | Bureau County | $14 an hour | Full-time | Monday to Friday

• Tree Climber/Trimmer | Taylor's Way | Up to $25 an hour | Full-time | Monday to Friday

• Lawn Care Specialist | Taylor's Way | $18 - $21 an hour | Full-time | 35 to 45 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Add a job to the list — email: [email protected]

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

• This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch home, located at 1816 S Main St is priced at $199,900 after a recent $20,000 price drop. It sits on a spacious 80x200 lot and offers an updated kitchen with a functional layout, main floor laundry, and a cozy sunroom—perfect for year-round relaxation. The property boasts a full basement that provides additional space, complete with a shower and room for customization. Situated in the heart of Princeton, this home combines solid construction with a great location, ensuring convenience and comfort.

🎸PRINCETON MUSIC

• Mitchell Tenpenny and Lauren Alaina | Bureau County Fairgrounds | August 22nd, 7:30pm | Buy Tickets

• The Killer Riffs | Hawg House Saloon | August 24th, 3pm

• Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers | Barrel Society | Aug. 30th, 7pm

• The Killer Riffs | Hawg House Saloon | October 19th, 3pm

Down on Main Summer Street Concert Series

• The World Turning Band on September 5.

• The season will wrap up on October 5 with an incredible performance by Mae Estes.

🎠BUREAU COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for $30, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy all the rides throughout the event. Special pricing is available for seniors 62 and older, who can enter the fair on Thursday for just $2. Additionally, veterans and one guest receive free admission, making it an accessible event for those who have served.

◾️Wednesday, August 21

• Gates open at 2:00 PM.

• Exhibit Halls open at 3:00 PM.

• Wrist Band Ride Night on the Huge North American Midway from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

• G'Man Combo-Generics-Variety Band at Kramer Hospitality Building from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 6:00 PM.

• Rick Moreland-Gospel Music at Kramer Hospitality Building from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Salute to Veteran's Show with Flags of Freedom & Quilts of Valor in Exhibit Hall #2 at 7:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 8:00 PM.

• Generics Rockin’ Robin Band-50's & 60's at Kramer Hospitality Building from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

◾️Thursday, August 22

• Dairy Cattle Show at 9:30 AM.

• Exhibit Halls open at 12:00 PM.

• Bingo for Seniors at Kramer Hospitality Building from Noon to 3:00 PM.

• Jack Ness-Variety music at Kramer Hospitality Building from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Live broadcast WALS 102.1 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Steve Hargis-Country music at Kramer Hospitality Building at 5:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 5:30 PM.

• Rabbit Show at 6:00 PM.

• Goat Show at 6:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 7:00 PM.

• Generics’ Goodies Band-Variety 8 Piece Band at Kramer Hospitality Building from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

• Grandstand – Mitchell Tenpenny with special guest Lauren Alaina at 7:30 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 8:30 PM.

• Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo in Exhibit Hall #2 at 9:00 PM.

◾️Saturday, August 24

• NBHA Horse Speed Show at 9:00 AM.

• Poultry Show at 9:00 AM.

• Sheep Show at 10:00 AM.

• Beef Show at 10:00 AM.

• DJ Music at Kramer Hospitality Building from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

• Exhibit Halls open at 12:00 PM.

• BBQ Rib Cook-off from Noon to 3:00 PM.

• Generics’ Rockin’ Robin Band at Kramer Hospitality Building from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 2:00 PM.

• Grandstand-Power Wheels Kids Demo Derby at 3:30 PM.

• Beer Garden by Grandstand closes at 3:30 PM.

• Grandstand-Demolition Derby at 4:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 4:00 PM.

• Henry Torpedo Boys at Kramer Hospitality Building from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

• Tail Gate Confessions-Country at Kramer Hospitality Building from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 9:00 PM.

• Sneak Peek – Nightmare Haunted Attraction in Exhibit Hall #2 at 9:00 PM.

◾️Sunday, August 25

• Open Horse Show at McCutchan Arena at 9:00 AM.

• Draft Horse Show halter classes at 10:00 AM.

• Junior Beef Show at 10:00 AM.

• Swine Show at 10:00 AM.

• Exhibit Halls open at 12:00 PM.

• Rich Selquist-Classic variety music at Kramer Hospitality Building from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 12:30 PM.

• Queen’s Pie Auction-outside the Fair office at 1:00 PM.

• Draft Horse Hitch Classes at McCutchan Arena at 1:00 PM.

• Beer Garden by Grandstand at 1:00 PM.

• Kids 10 and Under Figure 8 Race at 1:30 PM.

• Grandstand-Figure 8 Demo Race at 1:30 PM.

• Bureau Co Barbershop Chorus at Kramer Hospitality Building from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 2:00 PM.

• Jeff Manfredini-Pop, Rock, Americana at Kramer Hospitality Building from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at 3:30 PM.

• DJ Music at Kramer Hospitality Building from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

• Fine arts entries released at 5:00 PM.

🍿AT THE APOLLO

Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG)

• A magical adventure following Harold, a young boy with a crayon that brings his imagination to life.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:15 PM

It Ends with Us (PG-13)

• A romantic drama based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, exploring the complexities of love and the courage needed to break cycles of pain.

• Showtimes: Tuesday to Thursday: 6:00 PM

Note: The last show on Sundays is open captioned.

Please note that while fall sports are going on, there will only be one showtime per day from Tuesday to Thursday.

For tickets and more information, visit Apollo Princeton.

🪧Want to advertise? 1,300 subscribers, 10,000+ impressions monthly. Give your business the attention it deserves. Email: [email protected].