🎃Monster Mash, Top-50, and a Medallion Hunt

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Good Wednesday morning, neighbors. Especially to the PHS volleyball and football teams, who have their ‘Blue and White’ nights this week. Check out this video that Coach Pearson reposted on his X account. This will get you pumped for the season ahead. FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT TONIGHT!

Let’s do this.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
✅For Your To-Do List
🎃Monster Mash Balloon Bash
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🎠Fair Schedule
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunity
💼Princeton Businesses
⛺️Shadows of the Blue and Gray
📍Outside City Limits
⛪️Local Churches
🏅The Homestead Medallion
🐅Bureau County Fair Entertainment

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy 25th Anniversary Shaun and Angie Bullington! May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year. 💍

• Happy Birthday Sarah Parker, Jake Love, and Justin Doty! 🍰

• County Clerk: If anyone is interested in serving as an Election Judge for the November General Election, they should email the County Clerk at [email protected]. Judges are specifically needed in LaMoille, Manlius, and the southern part of the county. Also, today is the first day for candidates interested in running for election in the 2025 Consolidated Election can pick up their packets. Districts that have positions up for election include: Schools, Cities/Villages, Townships, Libraries, Park Districts, and Fire Districts.

• The Annual Homestead Festival Window Display Contest, hosted by the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, is back and invites businesses to participate. This year's theme, "Back to Our Roots," encourages creative, eye-catching displays that capture the spirit of the festival. For more details on how to enter, visit the official Homestead Festival website.

• Princeton Tigresses Volleyball has been recognized as one of the Top 50 IHSA Volleyball Programs by coaches and media. This prestigious recognition highlights the team's outstanding performance over decades.

• Starved Rock Media: Former Bureau County Jail Up For Sale

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✅FOR YOUR TO-DO LIST

🎤Join a Taylor Swift-inspired painting party today 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.

📔Join the Princeton Public Library today from 3 PM to 6 PM for a special crafting class with Melody Best titled "No Sew, No Spine, No Sweat Journals." This class is perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, where participants will create an accordion fold mini album with room for 25 photos or sketches using three different enclosures. The class costs $30, and seating is limited to 15 participants, so be sure to register soon to secure your spot.

🤠Don’t miss the live performance by Mitchell Tenpenny with special guest Lauren Alaina on Thursday, August 22, at 5:30 PM at the Bureau County Fairgrounds. This exciting event promises an evening of great country music and entertainment. Get your tickets now and join the crowd for a memorable night.

🧺The Bureau County Senior Center invites everyone to "Lunch in the Park" on Friday, August 23rd, from 11 AM to 1 PM (or until sold out) at Soldiers and Sailors Park. The menu includes barbecue pulled pork sandwiches for $6.00 and hot dogs for $4.00, with proceeds supporting the Senior Center. Enjoy a beautiful day while supporting a great cause!

🎸Head over to the Hawg House Saloon on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 1 PM as The Killer Riffs make their return. Enjoy a day filled with music, drinks, and the lively atmosphere the saloon is known for.

🎃MONSTER MASH BALLOON BASH

The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Princeton Tourism and the Bureau County Fair, is hosting the Monster Mash Balloon Bash on Saturday, October 12th. This event marks the return of hot air balloons to Princeton as part of a new fall celebration. The day will feature trick-or-treating on Main Street, a kids' costume contest, and the Bureau County Fair’s annual Halloween parade. Additional attractions include the Nightmare Haunted Attraction, a petting zoo, food vendors, and fun activities for children. The event will also offer a hot air balloon glow and tethered rides. This exciting day of tricks, treats, and scares is sure to delight attendees of all ages. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. Don't miss out on this fantastic community event!

⛅️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅️Today: Expect a mix of sunshine and clouds throughout the day, with temperatures reaching up to 75°F. Winds will be light and variable. During the evening, clouds will clear, leading to generally clear skies overnight. The temperature will dip to around 50°F, with light and variable winds.

☀️Thursday: The day will be mostly sunny, with a high of 78°F. Winds will be light and variable, providing a gentle breeze throughout the day. In the evening, skies will remain mostly clear, with temperatures cooling down to around 52°F. Winds will stay light and variable.

⛅️Friday: The day will start with a mix of clouds and sun, transitioning to cloudy skies in the afternoon. The high will be around 80°F, with winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will remain mostly cloudy, with a low of 64°F and light, variable winds.

☁️Saturday: The day will begin with mostly cloudy skies, which will clear up slightly, leading to partly cloudy conditions later on. The high will reach around 85°F, with a slight chance of a rain shower. Winds will blow from the south at 5 to 10 mph. In the evening, expect occasional rain showers and cloudy skies, with lows around 67°F and southeast winds at 5 to 10 mph. There’s a 50% chance of rain.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.59
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.64
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

🎠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.

◾️Friday, August 23rd

• 3:00 PM: Exhibit halls open

• 4:00-5:00 PM: Kramer Hospitality Building features Generic’s Combo

• 5:00 PM: Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

• 5:00 PM onwards: Beer Garden by the grandstand

• 5:30 PM: Grandstand hosts Farm Stock Tractor Pull

• 6:30 PM: Grandstand event continues with Illini State Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull

• 5:30-6:30 PM: Kramer Hospitality Building hosts Jon Graham with a “Jimmy Buffett Tribute”

• 7:00 PM: Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

• 7:00-8:00 PM: Kramer Hospitality Building features Logo Russo-Pop Music

• 8:30-9:30 PM: Kramer Hospitality Building hosts Kevin Kramer-Pop Music

• 8:30 PM: Another showing of the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show

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

◾️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.

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITY

👩‍⚕️In Home Care Connection Hospice Services is actively seeking compassionate individuals dedicated to hospice care for the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant. This part-time position offers a pay rate of $19.00 per hour, with benefits including a flexible schedule and travel reimbursement. Applicants must have been in their previous job for at least one year to qualify for a matching 401(k) program. The required qualifications include a CNA certification and a driver's license, and candidates must possess reliable transportation. Interested parties are encouraged to apply if they are looking for a meaningful and rewarding opportunity in hospice care.

💊There are two job openings available at the Princeton Pharmacy at 610 N. Main.

• The first position is for a full-time Pharmacy Technician, responsible for assisting in filling prescriptions. This role requires good computer skills and attention to detail, with previous experience preferred but not necessary. The job schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday shifts.

• The second position is for a part-time Pharmacy Clerk, responsible for various duties in a busy pharmacy, including managing the register, cleaning, and making deliveries. This role requires approximately 12-15 hours of work per week, with shifts mainly in the afternoons and on Saturdays. Applicants for this position must be at least 16 years old.

• Contact Princeton Pharmacy for more information: 815-875-1237

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Bean Buzz is offering a variety of exciting new drinks, including the "Tiger Punch" with blue raspberry and pineapple, "Tiger Town Energy" featuring toasted marshmallow and blue raspberry, and the "Fear the Stripes Frappe" made with white mocha and blue raspberry.

• Scooter’s Coffee has launched its fall menu, featuring new flavors like Green Apple Infusion, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites, and Maple Bourbon Latte. Stop by to enjoy these seasonal favorites, including the Maple Waffle Sandwich and Autumn Caramel Crunch.

• Five 22 is bringing in new arrivals daily, perfect for the beautiful weather this week. Check out their latest styles, like the striped short sleeve sweater paired with cream straight leg denim, for a fresh look.

• Dairy Queen is offering a back-to-school special: buy one Blizzard at regular price and get a second for just 99 cents. This deal is available from August 19th to 25th, and includes the limited-time Peach Pie Blizzard.

• Sign up for The Princeton Closet’s text list to receive alerts about new arrivals, basket day reminders, and more. Simply text “CLOSET” to 815-362-4010 or scan the QR code to join.

• 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.

• 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.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

• Nestled in Wyanet, the historic home at 310 W Main St celebrates its 100th year with a rich legacy and modern updates. This 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence spreads over 2,800 sq ft, boasting original hardwood floors and a charming wood-burning fireplace that enhances the cozy family room. Recent upgrades include new plumbing, a new sewer line, and renovated roofing, ensuring modern comforts blend seamlessly with timeless architecture. Set on 1.42 acres, this home offers ample outdoor space, a detached garage, and is a testament to a century of care and love.

• There Will Be More Illinois Police Hitting The Streets During Labor Day Weekend

• The Illinois Department of Health has a site dedicated to a mosquito that is worse than the regular pests that are native to the state. It's an invasive variation known as the Asian Tiger Mosquito and you don't want to be on the receiving end of its bite.

• 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.

⛪️LOCAL CHURCHES

• Wyanet Community Bible Church is hosting an After School VBS from September 9th-13th, 3:15 to 5:45 PM, for children in grades 1 through 6. This year’s theme is “The Great Jungle Journey” from Answers in Genesis, with fun activities and lessons planned.

• Kids Klub, a non-denominational Christian children's ministry with over 70 years of experience, is starting a new year in September. An informational meeting will be held on August 20th at 5:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Bureau, with a light dinner served at 6:00 P.M. For more details, contact the Kids Klub House in Malden at 815-643-2307; Jeremy Listenby is the director.

• The Evangelical Covenant Church will be hosting a FREE family-friendly movie, "Facing the Giants," in the church parking lot at 24 N. Main St. on Saturday, September 7th, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the annual Bureau County Homestead Festival. Grab a friend and a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy free popcorn and free root beer floats while watching the heartwarming story of a downtrodden Christian high school football coach who turns to God when everything seems to be going against him.

🏅THE HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL MEDALLION HUNT

The Homestead Festival Medallion Hunt, sponsored by Central Bank, is now underway. Five clues will be released, with the first one posted on September 1st at 5:00 PM on the Homestead Festival and Central Bank's Facebook pages. The hunt will continue daily until the medallion is found. The lucky winner will receive $1,000 in Princeton Chamber of Commerce gift certificates and a ride in the Homestead Parade on September 7th. The medallion, approximately 3.5 inches in diameter, will be hidden on public property within the city limits of Princeton in a safe location. It will not be hidden at City County Park, the Bureau County Fairgrounds, the Amtrak Station, or any local cemeteries. Participants are reminded that nothing needs to be broken or dug up to find the medallion.

🐅BUREAU COUNTY FAIR ENTERTAINMENT

The Bureau County Fair, set for August 21st to 25th, kicks off on Wednesday with a series of musical performances. From 5:00-6:00 PM, enjoy GC’s Combo’s 50’s and 60’s rock & roll, followed by G’s Rocking Robin Band from 7:30-9:00 PM.

On Thursday, the day starts at noon with Bingo and continues with Jack Ness from 3:00-4:00 PM and Generic’s from 7:00-9:00 PM offering a mix of swing, rock, and country tunes.

Friday features Lon Gram from 5:30-6:30 PM and Kevin Kramer from 8:30-9:30 PM.

On Saturday, entertainment includes G’s Rocking Robin Band from 1:00-3:00 PM and the Henry Torpedo Boys from 6:00-7:00 PM.

The fair concludes on Sunday with Rich Selquist from 12:00-1:00 PM and the Bureau County Barbershop Chorus from 1:30-2:30 PM, followed by Jeff Manfredini from 3:00-4:00 PM.

Local businesses like The Big Apple Restaurant and Hetty Seeds Denton Family are sponsoring these events. Fairgoers should confirm performances with the Bureau County Fair Secretary’s office as the schedule is subject to change.

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