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Good morning, Princeton friends. The Homestead Festival is here—and Princeton NOW is your guide. From this year’s Grand Marshals to full weekend schedules, parade tips, concert times, food truck hours, and 50/50 raffle details, we’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable weekend.

Let’s roll.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
🏠Princeton Homes for Sale
👋🏻Grand Marshall
🎊Homstead Schedule
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
🗓️Upcoming in Princeton
🛝New Playground
🎟️50/50
💼Princeton Businesses
🍭Fun Fair
💭Remember in Princeton
🏈Football Schedule
💧Homestead Tips

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Happy Birthday Jonathan Henegar and Emily Wolf🍰

• Winners of the 2025 Medallion Hunt have been announced, including Hope Ingram, David Cotter, and Collins Cotter among others. The clues and winners were revealed thanks to support from Central Bank.

• RMN: In a unique 2.25-mile pair racing format, Ottawa took the boys’ team title while Princeton finished 7th, led by Augustus and Allister Swanson with a combined time of 27:00. On the girls’ side, Princeton tied Ottawa for second behind Seneca, but Payton Frueh and Ruby Acker claimed the overall pair championship with a time of 29:45. Coach Pat Hodge praised the improvements from returning runners and highlighted the girls’ pair title as a strong start to the season.

• A $50,000 Powerball ticket was sold at Casey's General Store in Princeton.

• Power Issues Dealt With In Oglesby And Princeton

• Homestead Festival Returns For 54th Time In Princeton

• Bureau County Sheriff Report 08-28-2025

📍Outside City Limits

• It's been over a year since the St. Margaret's Hospital property in Spring Valley was part of a bankruptcy sale.

• SUV And Cement Truck Flip Over During Separate Peru Accidents

• Kewanee nabbed a TV star for its centennial

🏠PRINCETON HOMES FOR SALE

• 1007 W Farnham St, Princeton, IL is listed at $140,000 and offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and 1,610 square feet of living space on nearly a half-acre fenced lot. Built in 1886, the home includes built-ins throughout, a den/office with closet that could serve as a 4th bedroom, and a detached 2-car garage with an additional storage shed. Recent improvements include a new roof in 2023, exterior paint in 2022, and a new water heater in 2021, along with updated windows. The property also features raspberry bushes, a cherry tree, a plum tree, and a long driveway with plenty of off-street parking.

• Located at 443 E Peru St in Princeton, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.65-acre lot. The home blends classic charm with updated functionality, featuring 9-foot ceilings, original wood trim, leaded-glass details, and a bright kitchen with an island and ample counter space. Highlights include a large sunroom, a walk-in main floor shower, and an upstairs bonus room with kitchenette potential. The professionally landscaped backyard provides a serene oasis with a water fountain, large deck, firepit, and 2-car heated garage with an attached workshop. Listed at $285,000, this property offers a combination of elegance, versatility, and peaceful outdoor living.

• 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.

👋🏻2025 GRAND MARSHAL

The Bureau County Homestead Festival Committee is proud to announce Dr. Barbara Swalve Everett and Dr. Richard Everett as the 2025 Grand Marshals for the 54th Annual Homestead Festival, taking place September 4–7, 2025.

The Everett’s, married for 45 years, have lived and served in Princeton since 1980. Together, they founded Princeton Chiropractic Center in 1984, where they offered chiropractic care, physical therapy, and wellness support for over four decades. Known not only for their professional excellence but for their humility, teamwork, and community-first mindset, the Everetts have made a lasting impact on generations of local families.

Beyond their practice, the Everetts have dedicated themselves to community causes for over 45 years. They’ve mentored countless healthcare professionals, supported local athletics, led school fundraisers and playground projects, and were founding organizers of the Z-Tour Bike Ride—now one of the top ten cycling events in the Midwest. Their service includes contributions to Perry Memorial Hospital’s renovations, the PHS gymnasium project, Jefferson Elementary school fundraisers.

In 2017, the Illinois Chiropractic Society named them Chiropractors of the Year—the first time the award was presented to a couple.

“We are deeply honored and grateful,” said the Everetts. “Our greatest joy has been walking alongside the people of this community. Princeton is truly home.”

The Bureau County Homestead Festival Committee invites the public to celebrate the Everetts during the 2025 Homestead Festival Parade and throughout the weekend’s events.

🎊HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

What’s available to eat while you’re having all the fun at Homestead Festival?

• On Friday, Sept 5, Food Trucks & Beverages will be available from 5 PM - 9 PM.

• On Saturday, Sept 6, BC 4-H will have their Pork Cookout Tent at Soldiers & Sailors Park from 11 AM - 5 PM.

• On Saturday, Sept 6, Food Trucks & Beverages will be set up again at Soldiers & Sailors Park from 4 PM - 8 PM.

• On Sunday, Sept 7, the Moose Lodge is hosting a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast from 8 AM - 12 PM.

• On Sunday, Sept 7, BC 4-H will have their Cookout again at Soldiers & Sailors from 10:30 AM - 3 PM.

• And as always, we have several brick and mortar restaurants that will be available (a few of them will stay open late) such as Downtown Pub & Grill, Niel & Shorty’s BBQ, Spoons & Forks, and Wild Ginger.

Plan for a weekend full of tradition, fun, and community spirit. Don’t forget to grab your 50/50 raffle tickets—the drawing will be held on Sunday, September 7, and you don’t need to be present to win.

Friday – September 5

• 12:00–5:00 PM — Explore local history at the Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:00–4:00 PM — Visit the Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4:00–8:00 PM — Take a ride on the Main Street Trolley

• 5:00–7:00 PM — LEGO Design Competition Reception at the Prairie Arts Center

• 5:00–10:00 PM — Homestead Celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Park

• 5:00–9:00 PM — Enjoy food trucks and beverages

• 5:30–7:00 PM — Live music from Rodeo Drive

• 6:00–9:00 PM — Twilight horse-drawn carriage rides

• 7:00 PM — Homestead Festival Announcements: Grand Marshals, winners of the StudioK LEGO Contest, Jr. Women’s Club Baby Contest, and Chamber of Commerce Window Display Contest

• 7:30 PM — Pie Eating Contest, Pie Bake-Off & Auction

• 8:00–10:00 PM — Headliner performance: Infinity Concert

Saturday — September 6

• 8–12 PM — 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (Alexander Park)

• 8:30 AM — Underground Railroad 5K (Metro Center, 7 AM registration)

• 8:30–12 PM — Farmer’s Market (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 9–6 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 9–11 AM — Homestead Festival Fun Fair (Heartland Bank South Lot)

• 9–11 AM — Princeton High School Tours

• 10–12 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 11–5 PM — 4-H Pork Cook-Out (Soldiers & Sailors Park; Drive-Thru at Fairgrounds; 11–2 PM @ Covenant Church)

• 12–5 PM — Bureau County History Center Tours

• 1:15 PM — Main Street Relay Race

• 1:30 PM — Homestead Festival Parade (Grand Marshals: Drs. Barbara Swalve Everett & Richard Everett; Gamma Phi Circus to follow)

• 3 PM — Euchre Tournament (Soldiers & Sailors Park; 2:30 PM registration)

• 3–5 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 4 PM — PHS Alumni Concert (Prairie Arts Center)

Sunday — September 7

• 8:00–3:30 PM — BBQ Rib Cook-Off (Central Bank Lot)

• 8:00–12:00 PM — Pancake & Sausage Breakfast (Moose Lodge)

• 8:00–2:00 PM — Homestead Flea Market (Bureau County Fairgrounds)

• 8:00–3:00 PM — 45th Annual Car Show (South Main Street)

• 9:00 AM — Tug Fest (Metro Center; 8:30 AM registration)

• 10:00–4:00 PM — Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Craft Show (Courthouse Lawn)

• 10:00–1:00 PM — Pony Rides (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 10:30 AM — Story Hour (with Bureau County United Way)

• 11:00 AM — Dunk Tank (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 11:00 AM — Bags Tournament (Prairie Arts Center; 10:30 AM registration)

• 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM — Magic Shows (Soldiers & Sailors Park)

• 12:00–2:30 PM — Tractor Pull (11:45 AM registration)

• 1:00–4:00 PM — Owen Lovejoy Homestead Tours

• 3:30 PM — 50/50 Raffle Drawing (Apollo Theater Marquee)

🌤️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛅ Today: Partly cloudy and cooler, with an afternoon high near 67°F. A brisk WNW wind 10–20 mph adds a fall-like feel, and the UV index runs high despite the clouds. Skies turn mostly clear Friday night and it gets chilly, down to the mid-40s (~45°F) with a light WNW breeze 5–10 mph.

🌤️Saturday: A quiet, early-September day with sun and passing clouds and a seasonable high around 69°F. Winds are W near 5–10 mph. Skies go clear Saturday night, and it’s another cool one with lows near 43°F and a light NW wind.

☀️Sunday: Bright and comfortably warm. Expect plenty of sun with a few fair-weather clouds, highs near 70°F, and a southerly breeze 10–15 mph. The evening stays clear and crisp, dipping to the mid-40s with light winds.

☀️Monday: Sunshine dominates as a warming trend begins. Afternoon highs reach the mid-70s (~76°F) with a south wind 5–10 mph. Monday night turns partly cloudy and milder than recent nights, near 53°F, with a light SE breeze.

🌤️Tuesday: Partly cloudy and warmer with a high around 80°F. A SSE wind 5–10 mph keeps it feeling pleasant and dry. The night is partly cloudy, not as cool, with lows near 57°F and a gentle ESE wind.

🌤️Wednesday: Warmest of the stretch. Look for filtered sun and a few clouds, afternoon highs near 84°F, and a light SSE breeze. Wednesday night remains partly cloudy and mild, near 62°F, with light and variable winds.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.29
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.39
Beck’s West/North: $3.39
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.29
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.39

🗓️UPCOMING IN PRINCETON

🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza Nights at Hungry World Farm – Enjoy farm tours, baby goat snuggling, and wood-fired pizza at Hungry World Farm, 19183 Plow Creek Rd, Tiskilwa, on Saturdays August 30, September 6, and September 13, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

🥁 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.

🚗 Open Garage – A car show featuring vendors, food, and more vehicles at Rotary Park in Princeton. Saturday, September 20, 8–11 AM.

🛍️ 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. 11491 2300 St E, Princeton, IL.

🎃 Nightmare Haunted Attraction – Opening Night – Haunted barns, bonfire, food, and souvenirs at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St, Princeton. Friday, October 3, 7 PM–10 PM. Hosted by Bureau County Fair.

👻 Trunk-or-Treat at Liberty Village – Enjoy fun games, sweet treats, and food at Liberty Village of Princeton, 140 N. 6th St, Princeton. Thursday, October 16, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.

🛵 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. Also listed as the Homestead Festival Flea Market.

🛝NEW PLAYGROUND AT ZEARING PARK

Princeton Park District Breaks Ground on New All-Inclusive Playground at Zearing Park

PRINCETON, IL – The Princeton Park District is excited to announce that work has officially begun on the new all-inclusive playground at Zearing Park. This project is being funded through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which awarded the Park District a significant Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant in December 2024.

The project is a 50/50 between the OSLAD grant and the Park District. The Princeton Park District has been planning for this project for a few years and with the help of one trust account, no tax dollars are being spent on this project. The new playground will feature state-of-the-art, accessible equipment designed for all ages and abilities. It will also include a new underlayment and a sidewalk to ensure seamless access from existing pathways.

"We are thrilled to see this project come to life," said Tammy Lange, Executive Director "This new playground will be a fantastic addition to our community, providing a safe and fun space where everyone can play together. We are grateful to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for their support and to the community for their valuable input during the application process." Our team, along with Dan Pepin, Community Funding & Planning Services have worked together for nearly 2 years to bring this project to this point.

Construction will depend a lot on the weather, however, is expected to be complete by fall 2025. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to stay clear of the construction area. The public will be invited to a grand opening celebration once the playground is ready for use.

Pictured L to R: Nick Davis, Assistant Director Princeton Park District, Tammy Lange, Executive Director Princeton Park District, Pat Puebla, Recreation Consultant/play & park structures and Ian Charleton, project site foreman

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🌼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]. 

🎟️HOMESTEAD 50/50 RAFFLE

The 2025 50/50 raffle currently sits at a pot of $9,145, with the drawing set for Sunday, September 7 at 3:30 p.m. in front of the Apollo Theater on Main Street in Princeton. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at various local businesses, including banks, boutiques, restaurants, and golf courses. Pricing is tiered at 6 tickets for $5, 12 for $10, or 24 for $20. Last year’s raffle reached a total of $21,175, with past years seeing amounts as high as $25,680 in 2023 and $23,000 in 2021. Organizers are encouraging early participation to grow the prize pot before the upcoming drawing.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

• Fall is in full bloom at Ace Hardware, where mums and vibrant seasonal plants have just arrived. Swing by to browse their colorful selection and pick out something to brighten up your yard.

• Homestead hours are underway at Niel & Shorty’s, with regular openings Wednesday through Saturday from 11AM–2PM and again 4PM–8PM. Grab some BBQ and enjoy the festive weekend at 646 S. Main St.

• Fresh Finds is stocked with cozy fall treasures for Homestead Weekend, including festive décor, stylish sweaters, and more. They’re excited to welcome everyone shopping local and celebrating together.

• Connections Studio is offering Pilates classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10AM, and Saturdays at 9AM. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can grab a class card or register for the 2025/2026 season.

• Paisano’s just brought back their famous pasta bowls for the month, starting tonight! Made with fresh bread from Folsom’s Bakery and loaded with cheesy pasta, garlic butter, and house seasoning, these bowls are baked to perfection and served with garlic breadsticks. Paisano’s is featuring made-to-order rolled ice cream in three new flavors—Birthday Cake, M&M’s, and Oreo—available this evening from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

• During the Homestead Festival, The Bike Place is hosting a Swap & Super Sale Friday–Sunday with BMX bikes, vintage Schwinns, kids’ bikes, and more—some for free. Stop by 701 N Main to check out the new “Chat Benches,” Little Free Libraries, and more surprises.

• Miss Betsy’s is running the “Travis’ Dozen” special every Monday in September—13 donuts for the price of 12. If Travis is working, you just might get an extra sweet treat in your box!

• Lenny & Joon’s is offering a Homestead menu with breakfast favorites like biscuits & gravy, chorizo egg tacos, and lunch items like Italian beef and pulled pork sandwiches. Affordable sides and drinks round out the seasonal offerings.

• The MomCo of Bureau County will host a bake-sale fundraiser on Friday, September 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Park, with proceeds supporting local mothers.

• The Bureau County Senior Center announced an open volunteer seat representing Bureau County on the WIAAA Board of Directors; the position meets quarterly in Rock Island with mileage reimbursed, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact WIAAA.

• The City of Princeton Animal Control has cats and kittens available for adoption; interested adopters can call 815-875-1150 for details.

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🍭FUN FAIR

A fun-filled kids’ event will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Heartland Bank South Branch parking lot off Pleasant Street in Princeton. The cost is $3 per child with a maximum of $10 per family, and all proceeds benefit the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. For more information or to sign up, contact Jessica Peterson at [email protected] or Sara Hudson at [email protected]. The event is proudly sponsored by Heartland Bank and Trust Company.

💭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

💧HOMESTEAD FESTIVAL TIPS

From the Homestead Festival Facebook Page

We are 1 Day from the start of Homestead Festival Weekend! We Got Spirit! Here are a few helpful hints to help you have the best Homestead experience:

1. Most events and activities are free of charge, but you’ll want to have some cash on hand for your 50/50 tickets, food trucks, and dunk tank.

2. The weather looks fantastic with full sun, so bring a hat or sunscreen if you’re needing protection.

3. Mornings may be a bit cool, you might need a hoodie before 10:00.

4. The only restrooms available will be porta-potties located at the south end of town.

5. Food trucks, water, and beverages will be available and restaurants will be open. Many restaurants are posting special menus, so check the Facebook pages of your favorite places!

6. Don’t forget to bring your chair for the street concerts, parade, and circus (after the parade).

7. If you’re new here, you’ll want to reserve your seat early for the parade.

Want to advertise? Email: [email protected].