The Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce will host “A Mendota Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 6, featuring holiday activities and shopping opportunities downtown.

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The Prairie Arts Council will usher in the holiday season with The Magic of Christmas, a charming community theater children’s musical written and directed by Rachel Gorenz-Johnson. Performances will be held at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave East in Princeton, on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, and may be purchased by calling (719) 290-0954. The production is supported in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and The Princeton Closet, helping bring this seasonal tradition to the community.

Ottawa Sunrise Rotary toy and book float returns for the 36th year in the Festival of Lights Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28.

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Take a look at some of the week’s best photos, captured by Illinois Valley photographers from Sunday, Nov. 9, to Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.

Oglesby Elks Lodge #2360 members, after taking a tour of the new Illinois Valley Food Pantry facility in Peru, presented a check for $6,000 to Executive Director, Mary Jo Credi.

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Visitors got a jump start to their holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, with a visit to Spring Valley's annual Christmas in the Valley celebration. Check out these photos by MaKade Rios.

NCI ARTworks and Heritage Corridor Destinations will exhibit the work of several artists in Utica and then in Peru.

The Oglesby American Legion will hold its monthly steak fry from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. 

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Local veterans were recognized at a ceremony at Serena High School on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, attended by community members.