5 things to do in the Illinois Valley: Some activities to beat the winter blues

1 - Catch a gospel show Sunday afternoon in LaMoille. The Blackwood Brothers Gospel Quartet is scheduled to perform a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at the Community United Methodist Church, 73 N. Main St., LaMoille. Offerings will be accepted. Call 815-638-2348 for more information.

2 - Take a guided winter hike Saturday at Starved Rock State Park. There’s a chance of spotting bald eagles, and experiencing frozen waterfalls. Dress appropriately for the weather, including proper footwear such as Yaktrax. Included is a snack, bottled water, Starved Rock backpack and voucher for a small hot chocolate or coffee in the cafe upon your return. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are required. Also try the ravine hike 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 22, at Dayton Bluffs Preserve in Ottawa, 2997 Route 71.

3 - Join a painting party Friday in Peru. “Love is...” is a BYOB painting event at the Fine Arts Factory in the Westclox building, 408 Fifth St., in time for Valentines Day. It is $34 with all materials included. Participants must be 21. Masks are required. Bring a bottle and BFFs. Call to prepay 815-223-4408. Limited space to respect social distancing.

4 - Spend some time at the Putnam County library this weekend. The McNabb library is hosting Bad Art Craft Day all morning Saturday. The Magnolia library is hosting Wii games beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.

5 - See Wreckin’ Dixie live Saturday night in Ottawa. The band will be performing 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Jan. 22, at Shakers, 121 W. Stevenson Road, Ottawa.

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.