April 25, 2024
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5 things to do in the Illinois Valley: Shows, drawdowns among the weekend’s events

Performances set in Princeton, Granville to entertain crowds

By Shaw Local News Network
The cast of Willy Wonka acts out a scene during a performance on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Putnam County High School.

The cast of "Willy Wonka" rehearses a scene ahead of its upcoming shows at Putnam County High School. (Scott Anderson)

1 - Prairie Arts Council’s “Her Majesty’s Radio Theatre presents: Sherlock Holmes in the Hound of the Baskervilles”: The show is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at 24 Park Ave. East in Princeton. The presentation is a live radio show that comes from “Britannia in the year of 1959.” The show is complete with sound effects, audience participation and humor. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at prairiearts.org, by emailing prairieartsprinceton@gmail.com or leaving a message at 815-875-2787. Tickets also will be available at the door.

2 - Putnam County students present “Willy Wonka”: The Putnam County High School Theatre Department will be presenting “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka,” based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, and Friday, March 24, as well as 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the PCHS auditorium, 402 E. Silverspoon Ave., Granville. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for students. PCHS students can attend one performance for free. Tickets are available by calling 815-882-2800, ext. 4, or by emailing hulstromn@pcschools535.org. Seating is assigned and tickets will be available at the door.

3 - Marseilles Spring Craft Show: The craft show will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Lions Club, 511 Commercial St. The Easter bunny will be there for photos and to hand out treats noon to 2 p.m. There will be 30 plus crafters, a gift basket raffle and food for sale by the Lions Club. The event is sponsored by Marseilles Tourism and Park Committee. Call 815-993-2408 for more information.

4 - Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Fun Night and Draw Down: The annual drawdown is scheduled to begin 5 p.m. Friday at Senica’s Oak Ridge, 658 U.S. 6, La Salle. A $50 covers a chicken and pasta dinner, plus drinks, and a chance at a $2,000 prize. Music will be performed by Tim and Wally and there will be casino-themed games for prizes. Call 815-223-0227 for tickets.

5 - Mendota FFA Alumni and Supporters drawdown: Music, games, beverages, prizes and an auction all part of the fun 6 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Elks Lodge, 707 Indiana Ave. Tickets are $50 for a couple. 5-B’s Catering Service will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Go to https://www.facebook.com/mendotaffaalumni for more information.

Would you like your event featured in this weekly feature? The first step is submitting your events to The Times, NewsTribune or Bureau County Republican’s community calendar at starvedrockcountry.com/local-events/ where they are then considered for inclusion in this feature.