Summer Fun Guide 2023! FOOD MUSIC
EVENTS CAR SHOWS COMMUNITY
All event information was submitted and was accurate as of press time. Events are subject to change. Check local websites for the most up to date information.
LaSalle County Events:
MAY – SEPTEMBER
Canal Market
Every Saturday & Sunday
10 AM - 4 PM, and select event days throughout the year
815-667-4861
lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
Summer Concert Series
Fridays • 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Hegeler Carus Mansion LaSalle 815-224-5897 hegelercarus.org
Music On The Veranda
Fridays • 8 PM - 11 PM
Starved Rock Lodge • Oglesby starvedrocklodge.com
JUNE-AUGUST
Ottawa’s 3rd Friday Artisan Market
Third Friday of each month 6PM TO 9 PM
Open Space Art Gallery (815) 293-7099 osartstudios.com
MAY
May 27-28
Wild Bill Days
Utica • utica-il.gov
lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org
JUNE
June 2
Music Under The Oaks
Fridays • 6 – 9 PM 815-200-5058 • peru.il.us
Music in the Park
Saturdays • 6 - 8 PM Washington Park Ottawa cityofottawa.org pickusottawail.com
Pistol Shrimp Home Opener Veterans Pak • Peru peru.il.us
June 2-4
Ottawa Two Rivers Wine Festival
Jordan Block • Ottawa pickusottawail.com
2 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN
June 10
Family Pride Festival
Washington Square Park Ottawa
June 16
Ottawa’s Annual Cruise Night
5 pm to 10 pm
June 15-18
Oglesby Summer Fun Fest
Festival Grounds
Oglesby oglesbyfunfest.com
June 16
Ottawa’s Annual Cruise Night
5 pm to 10 pm LaSalle Street
Ottawa lasallecountycruisers.com
June 22-25
Celebrate LaSalle
Downtown LaSalle lasalle-il.gov
JULY
July 1
Utica Fireworks Celebration
Utica
Carey Memorial Park utica-il.gov
July 3
Peru Fireworks Celebration
Water St. • Peru peru.il.us
July 4
4th of July Fireworks
211 East Main St. Ottawa pickusottawail.com
AUGUST
August 5
LaSalle County Cruisers 38th Annual Car Show
2 PM • LaSalle Street
Ottawa lasallecountycruisers.com
August 10 - 13
Mendota Sweet Corn Festival
Downtown Mendota
sweetcornfestival.com
August 18 - 20
Starved Rock Nationals
Skydive Chicago
Ottawa srnshow.com
August 31 - September 3
Mendota Tri-County Fair
Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds
Thursday, Aug. 31
Rodeo & Fireworks
Friday, Sept. 1
ISP Truck and Tractor Pulls
Saturday, Sept 2
Mega X Shoot Out Motorcycle racing
Sept
3 SUMMER FUN | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | NewsTribune | ShawLocal.com SM-LA2078191
Fireworks 2023 Tri-County Fair!
31-Sept. 3 Celebrating Our 150th Year! Try Our McFlurry with Oreo Cookies 2139 N. Main St. Princeton 800 W. Dakota St. Spring Valley 1503 13th Avenue 2701 E 12th St Mendota
Sunday,
3 Demolition Derby &
Aug.
May
May 27
Princeton Farmer’s Markets begin (every Saturday at Soldiers & Sailors Park on S. Main St.).
May 27
Chalkapalooza Soldiers & Sailors Park, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Local artists, music, face painting and sidewalk chalk painting.
JUNE
June 3
Monster Truck Show
Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W. Peru St., Princeton.
County
June 3
Second annual Shrimpfest at Rotary Park in Princeton. All day, family-friendly event with multiple bands and kids’ activities in the park.
Shrimp served by the Rotary Club.
June 4 & 18: Community Band Concerts at 6 p.m. Soldiers & Sailors Park, South Main Street in Princeton. Bring your own lawn chairs. Refreshments available.
June 9-11
Buffalo Days
LaMoille. Craft & Vendor Fair in the LaMoille park behind First State Bank
Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Parade, beer gardens, kids’ activities, inflatable rides.
Saturday: 5K Run/Walk.
June 8-10
Annual festival in Walnut with a parade, beer gardens, food, craft show, musical entertainment, and more.
June 10
Spring Valley SummerFest Kirby Park, Spring Valley
4 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN Along Peru’s Historic Riverfront 1100 Water Street 815-223-1742 • www.mazelumber.com SM-LA2074124 Your BACKYARD Oasis Awaits!
Table Fire Pit 7 DIFFERENT STYLES ON DISPLAY AND IN STOCK! Bureau
Patio Heater
June 9-11
Hornbaker Gardens
in Princeton, annual Open House and Hosta Walk. There will be refreshments, door prizes and they will have the gardens looking exceptionally beautiful. On Saturday, two workshop offerings: leaf casting and stepping stones. On Sunday, join the Hornbakers for a walking tour of their gardens and arboretum.
June 11
Spring Valley Classic Car Truck & Motorcycle Show West St. Paul St. Spring Valley 12 to 4 p.m.
June 12, 19, 26
Ladd Farmer’s Market Mondays, 4-6 p.m. War Memorial Park.
June 16
Main Street Concert in Princeton by Princeton Tourism on South Main Street. Rockland Road (Kick Off to Beef & Ag Festival Weekend). Bring lawn chairs, food and drink available.
June 16
Friday Night Market at Spring Valley Mini Park, East St. Paul Street, 5 to 8 p.m.
Crafts, plants, clothing, entertainment, food.
June 17
Main Street, Beef & Ag Festival Weekend in Princeton, presented by the Bureau County Cattlemen’s Association partnering with the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce at Soldiers & Sailors Park. The event will kick off at 11 a.m. and run All day. Jake Maurer from Nashville and The Pork Tornadoes from Iowa will entertain event goers. There will be plenty of things for the kids as well as a craft and vendor fair, pedal pull, and cattlemen serving their famous ribeye sandwiches and the Princeton Lion’s Club serving their delicious mushrooms.
5 SUMMER FUN | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | NewsTribune | ShawLocal.com June 10th 12-8 • KIRBY PARK • Spring Valley sponsored by the Spring Valley Park Board Inflatable Attractions Gaming Trailer Junior Water Fights Face Painting Petting Zoo Train Ride Devilette Dunk Tank Bags Tournament Food Trucks Beer Garden 7-10 Live Band Regal Begel Get your 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS! $5 EACH more info City of Spring Valley GROW Spring Valley fun for everyone! winner drawn June 10! Join us in SPRING VALLEY for some SUMMER FUN! COME & HAPPY HOUR WITH US! FOOD • CLOTHING • CRAFTS THRIFT • ART • PLANTS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOOD TRUCKS & BEVERAGE TENT MAY 19 DARRELL DATA JUNE 16 JEFF MANFREDINI JULY 21 NICK SWISHER AUGUST 18 TAILGATE CONFESSIONS Friday Night MARKET 5-8 PM @ the Spring Valley Mini-Park • St. Paul St. SM-LA2078005
June 16-17
“More in Bureau County,” featuring county- wide garage sales on Father’s Day weekend in Princeton and including Village of Ladd town wide sales, too.
June 7
Old Wheels Car Show
First Lutheran Church, 116 N. Pleasant St. in Princeton. Activities for kids, great antique auto show, food, and fun.
June 16-18
Princeton Sidewalk Sales.
Come Join the Fun in Peru
The City of Peru takes pride in being a people-friendly community that offers fun and excitement for everyone!
June 23-August 6
Festival 56
Cabarets in Princeton.
June 23-24
Bike Fest
Bicycle swap meet and sale, art, parade, bike safety and fun for kids with food and ice cream.
Rotary Park, Princeton.
June 24
Summer Solstice Shopping in Princeton.
Splash Field at Washington Park
follow us at Splash Field at Washington Park this summer for weather updates!
Opening for the Season Memorial Day Weekend!
SUMMER CAMPS!
Start JUNE 12
MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS
First concert of the season:
JUNE 9 • CENTENNIAL PARK
Free to the public!
FIREWORKS
June 24
Princeton Z Tour Bike Ride
This ride provides you with a chance to enjoy some of the best bike roads that northwest Illinois has to offer. The routes will feature loops that incorporate hills, rolling terrain, beautiful views of Bureau Creek with minimal traffic, beginning and ending at Princeton’s beautiful Zearing Park. Routes from 11 miles long to 102 miles long. Proceeds benefit the Zearing Child Enrichment Center in Princeton.
June 24 - July 1
Million Dollar Quartet in Princeton
Festival 56
JULY 3
Held once again on historic Water Street
*Rain date July 4
All festivities are free & open to the public. For additional information and other upcoming events, visit peru.il.us
MOVIE IN THE PARK
AUGUST 11
Centennial Park
THE TASTE OF THE ILLINOIS VALLEY
AUGUST 3,4,5
in Centennial Park
Bounce houses, games, vendor fair, bands, beer garden and more.
6 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN SM-LA2074475
7 SUMMER FUN | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | NewsTribune | ShawLocal.com WWW.PRINCETONTOURISM.ORG W W W . P R I N C E T O N T O U R I S M . O R G PRINCETONTOURISM P R I N C E T O N T O U R I S M VISITPRINCETON_IL V I S I T P R I N C E T O N _ I L SOUTH MAIN ST BETWEEN PERU ST & MARION ST FREE ADMISSION! GRAB YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY & YOUR LAWN CHAIR FOR AN EVENING DOWN ON MAIN STREET · FOOD TRUCKS & FUN BEGIN AT 6PM · LIVE MUSIC 7-10 PM L I V E M U S I C 7 - 1 0 P M CONCERTS STREET SUMMER TOURISM PRESENTS Down on Main S T R C O N C E SEPT 7TH S E P T 7 T H FREEBIRD F R E E B I R D INFINITY I N F I N I T Y THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE T H E U L T I M A T E T R I B U T E ROCKLAND ROAD JUNE 16TH J U N E 1 6 T H TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO T H E Z Y D E C O EXPERIENCE E X P E R I E N C E OKTOBERFEST SEPT 30TH S E P T 3 0 T H BRUSHVILLE AUGUST 11TH A U G U S T 1 1 T H PALO& P A L O & HEIDELBERGMAN BAND H E I D E L B E R G M A N B A N D JUNE 30TH J U N E 3 0 T H JULY 28TH J U L Y 2 8 T H LYNYRD SKYNYRD TRIBUTE L Y N Y R D S K Y N Y R D T R I B U T E ROTARY PARK R O T R Y P R K SM-LA2077210
June 30
Main Street Concert featuring Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience on South Main Street in Princeton. Bring lawn chairs, and food and drink available.
June 30 - July 2
Walnut Days in Walnut On Friday, Bingo/ Poker Tourney, Fish & Chicken fry. On Saturday, pancake breakfast, car show, parade, music, bags tourney. On Sunday, pancake breakfast, pedal pull, inflatables and huge fireworks show.
JULY
July 1-8
Significant Other Festival 56 in Princeton.
June 9-11, 2023
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
4-7 Tropical Sno Two Rivers ($)
5-7 Paint the Town ($5) Gurney street (behind bank) Hot Dogs and Chips included (Rae 910-7711/Ashley 878-7909)
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
4:00 Food-Taco Special/Beer Tent Opens
4-8 Airtime Inflatables (Wristbands $10) Tropical Sno Two Rivers($)
Axetreme Throwing
5:30 Baby Buff Winners Announced-Allen School
6:00 Prairie Princess- Allen School (Mara 579-1833)
5K Stampede-High School`(Stacy 878-6962)
8-12 Music By ABBYNORMAL Beer Tent
11:00 Egg Sandwiches
July 2
Walnut Days Fireworks
July 2, 9, 23, 30:
Community Band Concerts at Soldiers & Sailors Park, South Main Street in Princeton. B ring your own lawn chairs. Refreshments available.
6 p.m.
July 2-August 2
Twelfth Night Festival 56 Princeton.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Ladd Farmer’s Market Mondays beginning June 12 through September (if produce is available), 4-6 p.m. War Memorial Park.
July 4
Princeton 4th of July Celebration, Zearing Park.
July 8
7th annual Sheffield Tractor Pull in Sheffield.
July 13-15
Bureau County 4-H Fair in Princeton.
July 14-23
Footloose Festival 56.
July 15
Big Truck Show in Ladd Convoy Against Cancer, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Buffalo Burgers are Back!!!!
Games • Entertainment
Music • Vendor Fair • More
Inflatables (Wristbands $20)
Sno Two Rivers($)
Throwing
Tractor Pull-Park
Begins 3:00
Magic Show-Park 1-3
2-6
2:30-4:30
Fun fair
Amusement Extreme Ride/Game (included in wristband)
Party (included
$1,069
Parade Registration will be at the High School parking lot. Parade Route will go North this year on Main Street, starting at Burnett Street, ending at the Park.
Congratulations 2023 Grand Marshall: Harlem & Alice Ehmen
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
8:00 Tractor Show (Munro 303-1960)
10:00 Food/Beer Tent Opens
Parade Regtistration-HS Parking Lot
10-4 Vendor Fair (Julie Cromwell 303-2295 & Kelly Frost 763-568-6169)
11:00 Parade-Main Street (Jeremy 343-6848/Brian 200-2899)
12:00 Adult Waterfights Registration-Sheldon Street by Park
8 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN
Airtime
Tropical
Axetreme
12:30 Kiddie
Measner
Kids
12 -4 Silent Auction 12-8
1:00 Adult WaterFights
AMJ
in wristband) 3:00 Measner Magic Show-Park 4-7 Music By STEPHEN BORES Beer Tent 8-12 Music By WISE GUYS Beer Tent 11:00 Egg Sandwiches SUNDAY, JUNE 11 9-10:30 Community Church Service by: Churches of La MoillePark Pavilion 10:30 Sign Up Bags Tournament-Beer Tent 11:00 Food/Beer Tent Opens Bags Tournament begins Kiddie Waterfights Registration-Sheldon Street 11:30 Kiddie Waterfights begins-Sheldon Street 1-6 Music By BURN N BUSH Beer Tent 2:00 Live Auction-Beer Tent 5:30 50/50 Drawing SM-LA2077273 Debo Ace Hardware 1713 4th St. Downtown Peru 815-223-0461 acehardware.com ACE EXCLUSIVE
Foam
Weber® Genesis® SA-E-325s™ 3 Burner Gas Grill - Indigo • 3 high performance burners • 787 sq. in. total cooking area • Weber’s largest and hottest sear zone • Expandable top cooking grate (8037442) Tank sold separately INDIGO Available only at Ace! Model 35373201 SM-LA2076365
July 21
Friday Night Market
Spring Valley Mini Park East St. Paul Street
5-8 p.m.
Crafts, plants, clothing, entertainment, food.
July 28 - August 6
Something Rotten! Festival 56.
July 26-30
DePue Boat Races
APBA National Powerboat racing on Lake DePue with beer gardens, music and food.
AUGUST
August 2, 9
The Market at Liberty Square, Walnut. Farmer’s Markets, 5-7 p.m.
August 4-5
Tiskilwa Pow Wow
MUSIC IN THE PARK
May 12th – Joey Figgiani,
June 9th – Steve Sharp,
Augest 4th – Todd Witek, September 15th – Greenfield Station
Food by the Ladd Fire Dept.
FARMERS MARKET
Every Monday beginning June 12th 4 pm – 6 pm
June 12th – Didoughs Twisted Pretzels
June 19th – Tony’s Tacos
June 26th – Lil Mad Café & Tropical Sno
July 10th – LaKatrina & Sisler’s Ice Cream
July 17th – Lil Mad Café & Tropical Sno
July 30
Cruisin’ Main Street
Darius Miller Park, Princeton. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., car parade down Main St. at 2:30 p.m. Fundraiser for Christmas for Kids program.
Days with kids’ games, band, and beer garden on Friday. Saturday includes the parade, water ride and blow ups, lunch, bag tournament, band, and beer garden. Tiskilwa Historical Society hosts its annual Classic Rides display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 5. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, visit the Museum on Main and Gallery on Galena to view exhibits.
August 7, 14, 21,28
Ladd Farmer’s Market Mondays through September (if produce is available), 4-6 p.m. War Memorial Park.
Summer Fun
In Ladd
A&B GARAGE ANNUAL CAR CRUISE IN & OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, July 15th at 9 am – 2 pm
In conjunction with Convoy Against Cancer. 50/50 and lots of other fun!
CHRISTMAS WALK 2023
Save the Date December 9th, 2023! 2-5 pm with Lighted Snowman Parade at 5 pm
VILLAGE WIDE GARAGE SALES
June 16th & 17th
Maps available at NC Bank, Casey’s, Post Office & Village Clerk’s Office
CONVOY AGAINST CANCER – BIG TRUCK SHOW
Saturday, July 15th 10 am – 3 pm
Right on Main Avenue. Music, Food, 50/50, Raffles
July 24th – Didoughs Twisted Pretzels & Tropical Sno
July 31st – Taylored Plate & Tropical Sno
August 7th – Didoughs Twisted Pretzels & Tropical Sno
August 14th – Sisler’s Ice Cream & Maria’s Pizza
August 21st – Tony’s Butt Shack
August 28th – Maria’s Pizza
thru September in War Memorial Park
DICK’S TAP 2ND ANNUAL CAR CRUISE &
Saturday, July 1st 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Live Outdoor Music, Food, Giveaways, Drinks, 50/50 Drawing and Live Music again at night Music, Food, Beverages, 50/50 Drawing.
TAPS
11th Day of every month at 11 am
Taps is played over our Main Avenue speakers as a reminder to citizens of the sacrifices made for our freedom.
9 SUMMER FUN | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | NewsTribune | ShawLocal.com
SM-LA2074083
5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
August 11 Main Street Concert
Brushville on South Main Street in Princeton. Bring lawn chairs; food and drink available.
August 18
Friday Night Market
Spring Valley Mini Park, East St. Paul Street
5 to 8 p.m.
Crafts, plants, clothing, entertainment, food.
August 23-27
168th annual Bureau County Fair
Princeton.
Wednesday
Tribute to Veterans;
Thursday
Josh Turner & Sara Evans Concerts
Friday Truck & Tractor Pull
Saturday
Demolition Derby
Sunday Figure 8 Demolition Derby
Plus, livestock shows, horse shows, free musical entertainment, great fair food, State Fair Carnival, and fun for the whole family.
10 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN 1102 Meriden Street • Mendota 815-539-9341 WHERE QUALITY, FRESHNESS, AND SERVICE IS GUARANTEED! SM-LA2069535 SM-LA2070887 JULY 28-30, 2023 SAVE THE DATE! PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY DEPUE MEN’S CLUB Daily Championship Boat Racing Nightly Entertainment Food Beer Gardens And more! Check Out the DePue Boat Races’ Facebook page On Beautiful Lake DePue! SM-LA2078995 GRANVILLE DAYS Friday • August 4 ANNUAL CAR CRUISE NIGHT Followed by STREET DANCE until Midnight Music by: FREE RANGE CHICKENS Food Vendors and Local Bars & Restaurants Serving refreshments & food street side!
• August 5 FAMILY DAY IN THE PARK Bounce Houses • Kids Games & activities with Prizes • Bingo • Kids Water Fights • Movie in the Park at Dusk Local Food Vendors • Emergency Vehicle Exhibitions 50/50 Drawing at 8 p.m.
Saturday
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11 SUMMER FUN | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | NewsTribune | ShawLocal.com Cut down on mow time ... Make more time for family. Smith’s Sales & Service 1604 Peoria St. • Peru 815-223-0132 www.toro.com SM-LA2075921 529 Model 21357 Visit us at www.toro.com Count on it Save time, finish faster and make your job easier with Toro’s 21 in. Recycler® Self-Propel 60 Volt Max* Battery Mower. Raise your expectations with this easy-to-start, easy-to-use, and easy-to-maintain mower. It’s ready when you are, as it starts the first time, every time. • Up to 43 minute run time on a single charge • Save garage space, up to 70% more room with vertical storage • 5.0Ah 270 wh (L270) 60V battery with easy push button start 21” SMARTSTOW® SELF-PROPEL MOWER SM-LA2077364 www.utica-il.gov 2023 EVENTS June 10 TH & 11 TH UTICA GARDEN FAIRE & PLANT SALE July 1 ST UTICA FIREWORKS CELEBRATION EXPLORE NORTH UTICA Come enjoy all our delicious dining options from North to South including Al Fresco dining and drinking on Mill Street. From gourmet treats, wines and unique spices to antiques and specialty gifts. We have it all. Come for a day or the weekend. LaSalle County Historical Society CANAL MARKET 2023 SCHEDULE Every Saturday and Sunday May 27 - September 10am to 4pm Handmade • Homemade • Homegrown • Vintage August 24-27 Carnival, Free Live Music, 5K, Beer Garden, Crafts, & So Much More! 50/50 Last Year’s Winner Won $99,430 AMBOY, ILLINOIS depotdays.com “The Camping Center of Northern Illinois” FA CE_2x7 www.newstrib.com Like us on facebook so easy . . .
12 ShawLocal.com | NewsTribune | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | SUMMER FUN Carnival & Midway Unlimited Ride Wristbands - $30
June 15 | 4:00 - 11:00pm
June 16 | 4:00 - 11:00pm
June 17 | 1:00 - 11:00pm
June 18 | 1:00 - 9:00pm Entertainment oglesbyfunfest.com Follow us for more details! CITY WIDE GARAGE SALES June 16th and 17th CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY Red, White and Bike SATURDAY 11:00AM ON JUNE 17 Unless otherwise noted, all activities are held on the grounds surrounding the municipal pool. No gate or entry fee required. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy our free entertainment. Due to the nature of theatrical acts, attractions are subject to change. NEW THIS YEAR! Summer Fun Fest Kick Off Party June 10 at the Oglesby Pool at 5PM. Cookout, Ducky Derby & more! THURSDAY, JUNE 15TH 6:30 - 8:30pm She’s A Maybe 9:00 - 11:00pm Rok Brigade FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH 6:30 - 8:30pm 80s Mixtape 9:00 - 11:00pm Slippery When Wet SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH 3:00 - 5:00pm Ladd Sound Productions 5:30 - 7:30pm Killing Me Smalls 8:00 - 11:00pm Fooz Fighters SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH 1:00 - 3:00pm Ladd Sound Productions 3:30 - 5:30pm River Road Trio 6:00 - 9:00pm Brushville WIN BIG! DRAWING 50/50 SUNDAY, JUNE 18 9:00PM GET READY TO June 15-18 2023
Thursday,
Friday,
Saturday,
Sunday,