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Good morning, Princeton friends. From concerts and county fair thrills to homes for sale and a stormy fall forecast, this issue is packed with everything you need to know about Princeton this week. Dive in for local updates, weather, events, and a peek at what’s buzzing beyond city limits.

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
🎡Fair Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🕶️From Princeton Tourism
💼Princeton Businesses
🏀3 on 3 Basketball
💭Remember in Princeton
🏈Football Schedule
🍁Fall in Illinois

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Carol Johnston🎂!

• July was one of the wettest in a number of years, Mayor Ray Mabry reviewed improvements in infrastructure at Monday's City Council meeting.

• Kathy Ballard is the 2025 recipient of the Betty Pretzsch Memorial Volunteer Award

• Princeton Christian Academy is holding a mums fundraiser for the school, offering red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white blooms in 9-inch pots for $12 each. Orders and payment are due by August 29, with delivery on September 11. Call the school to place your order: 815-875-2933.

• Douglas Elementary (PES District 115) needs classroom paraprofessionals for the 2025-26 school year. Interested candidates can review licensing requirements at ISBE and email [email protected].

• Downtown Princeton Street Concert: Face 2 Face performs Friday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. on Main St. (Marion to Park); food and drink vendors open at 5 p.m. including Barrel Society, Coal Creek Brewing, Princeton Inn, Hawg House Saloon, Modern Mix, Wild Ginger Bistro, Sisler’s Ice Cream, Golden Rice Thai, Philly Factory, Flo’s on Pulaski, and Swanee’s Soft Pretzels—bring a lawn chair and park behind South Main.

• Bureau County Fair reminds concertgoers that now is the time to grab Trace Adkins tickets. The concert is set for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The Bureau County Fair has announced that band 303 will perform live from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. Fairgoers are invited to enjoy this energetic afternoon concert as part of Sunday Funday at the fair.

• The Monster Mash Balloon Bash will take place on October 4 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, offering a festive mix of tricks, treats, and scares. You are encouraged to mark your calendar and watch for additional event details coming soon.

• The Homestead Festival team encourages community members to register their floats for the annual parade by August 8. A major announcement about the 2025 parade is expected soon, and all parade details can be found at homesteadfestival.com.

📍Outside City Limits

• La Salle man arrested after TRIDENT agents assist in executing search warrants Wednesday

• Route 40 Road Work at Buda to Shut Down Bridge Through November

• Walnut Pool Fun Days run Aug 4–8 from 10 a.m.–noon: bring pool toys, splash around, and pay just $2 per day or $5 for the week (season passes don’t apply).

• Buda’s annual Townwide Sales run Friday–Saturday, Aug 8–9 starting at 8 a.m., followed by a community grand-opening celebration with free food and raffles on Aug 15 from 3–6 p.m. The festivities finish with the Buda Fire Department’s Car, Truck, Bike & UTV/Golf Cart Show on Aug 16 at 9 a.m., with a $10 entry fee supporting local firefighters.

• The St. Jude Rides Golf Scramble will take place at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Sheffield on Saturday, August 30. Registration is $60 per person and includes 18 holes of best ball, dinner, fun, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and a silent auction—all supporting children battling cancer.

• Sheffield Locker is stepping up to meet local demand following the closure of Wyanet Locker. They are now accepting wholesale, retail, and custom orders, with contact available at 815-454-2407.

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• This single-story home at 817 W Putnam St. in Princeton, IL, is listed for $115,000 and features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1,008 square feet of living space. The layout includes a bright living area, a main-level laundry room, and a screened porch, with additional space in a partially finished basement. Bedroom dimensions range from 12x11 to 15x8, and the home offers central air, natural gas heating, and forced air. Built in 1950, the property sits on a 9,583-square-foot lot and includes a one-car garage. The home is move-in ready with solid bones, providing buyers the opportunity to customize to their vision.

• 444 S Chestnut St in Princeton is a beautifully updated two-story home listed at $180,000, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,636 square feet. Built in 1886 and situated on a corner lot, the home showcases wood floors, an open-concept family room, and a versatile flex room for dining, office, or play. The kitchen includes vaulted ceilings, abundant cabinetry, and ample counter space, ideal for casual dining or entertaining. Highlights include an updated spa-style bathroom, full basement for storage, oversized heated garage, and a fenced backyard with a cozy outdoor fireplace. With no HOA and a price of $110 per square foot, this home combines historical charm with modern comfort.

• Located just a block from Princeton’s art district, this charming 2-story home at 26 Elm Pl is listed at $169,900. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,891 sq ft, it features original oak flooring and staircase, a vintage tin ceiling by in the dining room, and abundant natural light. The L-shaped dining area offers flexible space for a coffee bar, office, or plant nook. The home includes a fenced yard, screened-in porch, updated furnace, plumbing, A/C, sump pump, and hot water heater—all replaced since 2020. A spacious layout and recent improvements make this corner-lot home a standout at just $848/month estimated mortgage.

🎡BUREAU COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 20

• 2:00 PM – Gates Open

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls (Allen Building) Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Rick Moreland performs gospel music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00–10:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Midway)

• 7:00 PM – Veterans Tribute (Exhibit Hall #2) with Flags of Freedom & Quilts of Valor

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits) in the Hospitality Building

Thursday, August 21

• 9:30 AM – Dairy Cattle Show

• 12:00–3:00 PM – Bingo for Seniors (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00–10:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00–5:00 PM – Antique Motorcycle Display

• 3:00–4:00 PM – Jack Ness Variety Music

• 4:30–5:30 PM – Jon Graham (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Resumes

• 5:00 PM – Goat Show & 6:00 PM – Rabbit Show

• 5:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 7:00 PM – Grandstand Concert: Trace Adkins with special guest Brushville

• 7:00–10:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek)

• 7:00–9:00 PM – Generic’s Goodies Band (Hospitality Building)

• 8:30 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Friday, August 22

• 3:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Al & Jeannie Brown (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Beer Garden Opens & Carnival Continues

• 5:00–6:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 5:30 PM – Grandstand: Truck & Tractor Pulls (Farm Stock & Illinois State Pullers)

• 6:30–7:30 PM – Kevin Kramer (Pop Music, Hospitality Building)

• 7:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Resumes)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Tailgate Confessions (Country/Rock Music)

• 8:30–9:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Saturday, August 23

• 9:00 AM – Poultry Show; NBHA Horse Speed Show (10:00 AM start); Sheep Show (10:00 AM); Beef Show (10:00 AM)

• 12:00–1:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Generics Rockin’ Robin Band (’50s & ’60s hits)

• 1:00–11:00 PM – Wilson Carnival on the Midway ($30 unlimited rides)

• 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM – Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (multiple performances)

• 3:30 PM – Beer Garden Opens

• 3:30–4:00 PM – Kids Demo Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–10:00 PM – Demolition Derby (Grandstand)

• 4:00–5:00 PM – Marshall Putnam Stark Show Choir (Hospitality Building)

• 6:00–7:00 PM – Henry Torpedo Boys (Bluegrass Music)

• 7:00–11:00 PM – Nightmare Haunted Attraction (Sneak Peek Continues)

• 8:00–9:30 PM – Rodeo Drive (Country & Rock Music, Hospitality Building)

• 9:00 PM – Cake Walk & Chicken Bingo

Sunday, August 24

• 9:00 AM – Open Horse Show (McCutchan Arena)

• 10:00 AM – Draft Horse Show (halter classes), Junior Beef Show, Swine Show

• 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Tractor Show (Fairgrounds)

• 12:00 PM – Exhibit Halls Open (Allen Building)

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Rich Selquist performs classic variety music (Hospitality Building)

• 12:30 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds)

• 1:00 PM – Draft Horse Hitch Classes (McCutchan Arena), Beer Garden opens, Wilson Carnival kicks off (Midway – $30 unlimited rides)

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – 303 Concert closes out the week at the Grandstand (free admission)

• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Bureau County Barbershop Chorus (Fairgrounds)

• 2:00 PM – Kid Buck$ Game Show (Fairgrounds), Queen’s Pie Auction

• 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Those Funny Little People (Pop, Rock & Americana) in the Hospitality Building

• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Another round of Kid Buck$ Game Show

• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – DJ Music (Hospitality Building)

• 5:00 PM – Fine arts entries released on the Fairgrounds

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅ Today: Mostly sunny and warm with only a slight chance of a stray storm. The afternoon tops out near 88°F with a very high UV index, so sunscreen and shade breaks are smart. A light southerly breeze (S 5–15 mph) adds a bit of ventilation, though it stays muggy (~81% humidity). Sunrise 5:59 AM / Sunset 8:07 PM. At night, expect partly cloudy skies with an isolated thunderstorm possible, a mild low near 71–72°F, and high humidity (~95%) as winds ease to S 5–10 mph. Moonrise 7:34 PM / Moonset 3:43 AM (Waxing Gibbous).

🌤️ Friday: A classic midsummer day with intervals of sun and clouds and no meaningful rain chance during the day. High reaches 91–92°F; it will feel hotter thanks to ~76% humidity and a very high UV index—hydrate and limit peak-afternoon sun. A steady SSW breeze ~10 mph continues. Sunrise 6:00 AM / Sunset 8:06 PM. Night turns mostly cloudy and very muggy with a low around 72–74°F, humidity near 90%, and a hint of a breeze SSE 10–15 mph. Moonrise 8:07 PM / Moonset 4:54 AM (Full Moon).

⛈️ Saturday: Hot, sticky, and mostly dry through the day with sun and some clouds; plan for a high near 90–91°F, humidity ~75%, and a SW wind 5–10 mph. Outdoor plans are fine earlier, but keep an eye on the sky late. Sunrise 6:01 AM / Sunset 8:04 PM. Late evening into overnight, clouds thicken and thunderstorms may develop (around 40% chance). It stays very muggy with a low near 71–72°F, humidity pushing ~89%, and light S–SSW winds 5–10 mph. Moonrise 8:35 PM / Moonset 6:07 AM (Full Moon).

🌧️ Sunday: Mostly cloudy and not quite as hot. Scattered morning thunderstorms are possible (~40% chance), then plenty of clouds linger. Expect a high around 86°F with humid air (~79%) and SSW winds 10–15 mph. Sunrise 6:02 AM / Sunset 8:03 PM. During the evening and early night, another round of showers/storms is possible (~60%) before tapering late. It remains sticky with a low near 70°F, WSW winds ~5–10 mph, and high humidity (~89%). Moonrise 8:59 PM / Moonset 7:20 AM (Waning Gibbous).

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.19
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.23
Casey’s West/North: $3.19
Beck’s West/North: $3.26
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.09
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.26

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🎸 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music by The Wise Guys. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM at the Princeton Inn.

🎶 Pretend Friend at Barrel Society – Enjoy progressive bluegrass with Pretend Friend, a nationally touring band from Wichita, Kansas. Wednesday, August 13 at 7 PM at Barrel Society.

🎸 The Wise Guys at the Princeton Inn – Party with live music by The Wise Guys. Saturday, August 16 at 6 PM at the Princeton Inn.

🩸 Health Screening Blood Draw Clinic – Take part in a preventive blood screening hosted by the Bureau County Farm Bureau. Friday, August 22, 6–9 AM at 1407 N Main St, Princeton.

🎵 David Miner & Charlie Jones – Enjoy country storytelling and songwriting from David Miner and Charlie Jones. Thursday, August 28 at 7 PM at Barrel Society.

🎤 Trace Adkins with Brushville – Country music at the Bureau County Fair. Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets at bureacountyfair.com.

🥁Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park — Enjoy live music with Midnight Rider at Soldier & Sailors Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 700 S Main Street.

🐶 UKC/SRS Dock Jumping Season Shutdown – Dock jumping competitions for dogs with UKC/SRS registration. September 13–14 at 1616 N Main Street. Details and registration at ukcdogs.com.

🛍️ 12th Annual Artisan Market – Over 30 artists, food trucks, live music, beer & wine at Hornbaker Gardens. Saturday, September 20, 10 AM–4 PM. Free admission.

🏍️ Princeton Swap Meet – Find unique items and motorcycle parts at this popular swap meet. Sunday, November 9, 8 AM–2 PM at 811 W Peru St. $10 admission; vending $50.

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🕶️FROM PRINCETON TOURISM

Face 2 Face hits the stage Friday, August 8th, in downtown Princeton! Music starts at 6:00 PM 📍 Main Street, Between Marion St and Park Ave

Come early, get your lawn chair spot, and grab a bite to eat! Enjoy Street Concert Specials from our amazing brick-and-mortar favorites—Spoons & Forks and Neil & Shorty’s BBQ—located right at the venue site! Check out their pages for their street concert specials!

Food & Drink Vendors (starting at 5PM) Include: Barrel Society, Coal Creek Brewing, Princeton Inn, Hawg House Saloon, Modern Mix, Wild Ginger Bistro, Sisler’s Ice Cream, Golden Rice Thai, Philly Factory, Flo’s on Pulaski & Swanee’s Soft Pretzels.

Be sure to shop our Princeton businesses located within the concert venue... though the street is set up for the concert, ample parking is available behind our South Main buildings.

Bring your lawn chair, your appetite, and your favorite people—see you Down on Main!

🌼DANDELION WISHES REFURBISHED FURNITURE

Michelle DeVoss has this refurbished lodge chair available at her home shop in Sheffield. The front and back have been decoupaged with a buffalo and a southwestern design and sealed for durability. The frame and seat have also been redesigned. This is a unique chair that will make a statement. Asking price is $250 and limited delivery may be available. 

Be sure to follow “Dandelion Wishes Refurbished Furniture” on Facebook for upcoming projects! Michelle can be reached through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected]. 

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Boek-el-ZOO hosts Hamilton Farm Doodles this Saturday, 12–3 p.m. at 419 S. Main, Princeton—kids can meet, cuddle, and learn about the pups with a Q&A. Bonus: snag a free Sisler’s Ice Cream scoop coupon for children under 10 next door.

• The Princeton Closet has extended hours Thursday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with the donation center open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Basket Days run Friday & Saturday: fill a basket with 12 clothing items (belts, ties, hats, spring scarves, socks & bras) for $8—items with special tags excluded.

• Artisan Market at Hornbaker Gardens unveiled its live-music lineup for Saturday, Sept. 20 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Performers include Jeff Manfredini (10 a.m.), Kevin Kramer (11 a.m.), Lojo Russo (noon), Al & Jeannie Brown (1 p.m.) and Joey Figgiani (2 p.m.).

• Four Seasons – Princeton just featured the NEW Emaline top—pretty color, pattern, and a flattering cut. The store is open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Paisano’s Ristorante added rolled ice cream flavors Strawberry Cheesecake and Reese’s Puff. The Elote Pizza of the Month is back—made with sweet corn from Boggio’s—served 4–9 p.m.

• Sisler’s Ice Cream has brought back Salt Water Taffy and Cotton Candy ice cream to celebrate the upcoming Bureau County Fair. Flavors are available through the end of the month (or while supplies last), and Salt Water Taffy is also offered as a candle scent.

• Monical’s Pizza of Princeton now offers Oven-Ready (frozen) pizzas for an easy bake-anytime option. Perfect for late-night cravings or stocking the freezer.

• Corner Chair Market will host a Pumpkin-Making Class on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Make two pumpkins (large & small) with snacks and all supplies included; $35, limited to 15—call 815-915-7968 to register.

• Optimal Health is stocking handy Superfood Fruit Spreads (SMASH)—great for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacks. Squeeze onto yogurt, oats, toast, smoothies, salads, cheese, or ice cream; scan in-store for recipe ideas.

• Golden Rice – Authentic Thai & Asian Cuisine will be open Wednesday & Thursday, Aug. 6–7, 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Menu highlights include sushi, Pad Thai, Sweet & Sour, Chicken Cashew, curry stir-fry, Pepper Steak, Green Curry, Panang Curry, and Mango & Sticky Rice (spring rolls unavailable).

• Finders Keepers Resale Store rolled out new floor items and a major price drop—all regular-priced clothes are now $2 each. Stop in this week to browse fresh arrivals.

• Princeton Area Chamber – Lunch in the Park returns Friday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Park with Hands of Hope hosting (Italian beef, pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, salads, chips & drinks). Support the Second Story Teen Center at their bake sale on site.

• Once Upon A Craft just restocked shelves with Great American Popcorn Co. flavors fresh from Galena. Swing by to grab a bag (or two) while supplies last.

• Shane’s Shine Shop in Princeton is promoting its professional ceramic coating service, giving vehicles a slick finish that is easier to maintain and better protected against the elements. Call 815-872-4301 or stop by 611 N. Pleasant St. to schedule and keep your ride shining.

• The MomCo of Bureau County wraps up the season with an Alexander Pool Day on Wednesday, Aug 6 at 1 p.m. in Princeton’s Alexander Park. Moms can relax in the shade while kids splash, so remember towels, sunscreen, and water bottles.

• Friends of Strays introduces T-Bone, a cheerful one-year-old pup who’s housebroken, dog-friendly, and loves attention. Visit the shelter to meet this goofy, food-loving “little chunk” and see if he’s your perfect match.

• Wyanet Carpet Flooring America replaced the carpet on City Hall’s steps Monday morning, helping keep Princeton’s public spaces looking sharp. The team thanks the community for its continued support.

• Mavolan’s and Wild Honey Boutique have golf attire on sale ahead of the Tiger Classic on Aug 16. Shoppers can score discounted polos, skirts, and accessories while supplies last.

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🏀3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Homestead Festival 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Alexander Park, 500 S. Anderson Street. Games will begin at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Online registration is open now, and teams that register before August 21 will receive a free t-shirt. After August 21, teams can still register, but no t-shirt will be provided. The cost is $80 per team, and space is limited to 30 teams total, so early registration is encouraged. First place team medals will be awarded in boys and girls divisions for grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 (entering grade as of August 2025). All proceeds benefit the Illinois Valley Rimrockers Organization. Register here. More details can also be found here. Event fees will be refunded if the tournament is cancelled.

💭REMEMBER IN PRINCETON

🐅2025-26 PHS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

All games start at 7:00 PM

• August 29 – at Newman Central Catholic

• September 5 – vs Rockridge

• September 12 – at Sherrard*

• September 19 – vs Kewanee*

• September 26 – vs Monmouth-Roseville*

• October 3 – at Hall/Putnam County*

• October 10 – vs Mendota*

• October 17 – vs Mercer County*

• October 24 – vs Erie-Prophetstown

🍁FALL IN ILLINOIS

AccuWeather’s fall forecast for Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky anticipates a season that will begin on a warmer note before gradually transitioning to cooler conditions.

Meteorological fall begins September 1, while the astronomical season starts September 22 with the equinox. The outlook calls for “near normal” conditions, meaning residents can expect typical seasonal changes, with occasional early cold spells mixed into the warmth. The Ohio Valley, which includes large parts of all three states, has been identified as facing a moderate risk of severe weather this fall.

This increased threat comes from the clash between lingering summer warmth and incoming cold air masses. As a result, damaging storms and even tornadoes are more likely, especially during October and November. AccuWeather warns that the greatest severe weather risks will likely emerge in these later fall months. Because of this, residents are urged to stay alert and prepared with tools such as a reliable weather radio.

The forecast highlights both the beauty and volatility of fall in the region. Overall, it serves as a reminder to enjoy the season while staying mindful of shifting weather patterns.

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