5 things to do in La Salle, Bureau, Putnam counties: Lots of action this weekend across the area

There’s plenty of live action to catch this weekend in La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties from music to baseball, as well as a pair of fireworks shows.

1) Celebrate La Salle. The city’s four-day downtown festival is scheduled Thursday, June 24, through Sunday, June 27. The festivities include a carnival, live music each day, daily craft vendor fair, the Celebrate La Salle 5K Race on Friday, fireworks at dusk Saturday night and car show on Sunday.

2) Listen to live music. Singer-songwriter Jacob La Botz will perform 7 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Dockside Bar and Grille, 1001 E. Main St., Ottawa. Old friends and Ottawa-based Katie Belle and the Belle Rangers will be the opening act.

3) See some fireworks on the lake. The fireworks are scheduled to go off at about 9:30 p.m. at Lake Mendota Park in Mendota, but the gates open at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the gate. There will be a concession stand and glow merchandise for sale. The Lions Club also will be selling corn dogs.

4) Take a tour of history. Princeton’s historic Lovejoy Homestead is once again open for public tours. Built in 1838, it was home to Owen Lovejoy (1811-1864), an abolitionist and congressmen. The home is open for tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. To schedule a tour, or for more information, call tour guide Lois Peterson at 815-875-1508 or visit https://owenlovejoyhomestead.com/

5) Watch some baseball and show off your love for the 1980s. The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, collegiate summer league baseball team, will host Danville at 7 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Veterans Park in Peru for 80′s Big Hair Night sponsored by WLPO and WAJK.

5 Things To Do near me