Here are 5 things to do this weekend and later this month.

1. Utica Fireworks: For those who need an extra dose of fireworks or missed the Wednesday and Thursday displays across the region, Utica is hosting its family-friendly event at Carey Memorial Park. The fireworks show begins at dusk. There will be food and drinks while supplies last, face painting, bounce houses, an obstacle course and other activities starting at 5 p.m.

2. walnut Days: The Bureau County community will offer three full days of activities Friday through Sunday, culminating with a fireworks display at dusk on Sunday. The Chaddy Memorial Car Show will be Saturday morning. Wild Card will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Abbynormal will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday in the beer garden. The parade is set for 2 p.m. Saturday. There will be bingo, a poker tournament, bag tournaments, the Spike Out Cancer Volleyball (8 a.m. Saturday), three-on-three basketball, the ALS 5K Walk/Run (8 a.m. Saturday, registration 6:45 a.m.), a tractor run and farm show, a pedal car pull, bounce houses and live wrestling, among other activities. For more information, visit walnutdays.com.

3. Down on Main concert series: South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets in Princeton will be closed again on Friday, July 12, for a street performance by Mike and Joe, the Midwest's best cover band. The band starts at 6 p.m., but street vendors will be setting up their booths as early as 5 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be set up along the sidewalk. Shops will be open late to serve customers. “The Star Spangled Banner” will be performed by a local guest. For more information, visit princetontourism.org.

4. La Salle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair: The Ottawa Fairgrounds are a hive of activity with 4-Hers showcasing animals and projects. In addition to the exhibits, there is the Illini State Pullers Truck and Tractor Pulling on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m., the T&A Bucking Bulls Rodeo with Rugged Cross Cattle Co. on Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m., the Ramer Race Promotions Demolition Derby on Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m. and several other activities throughout the weekend. Food and beverages will also be sold. For more information, visit.

5. The taste of Marshall–Putnam Fair cooking competition: The event will be held again this year on Saturday, July 20, at the Marshall-Putnam Fair in the Commercial Building on the fairgrounds in Henry. There are four different categories. The Great Pumpkin category, sponsored by Hilly Lane Pumpkins, will feature dishes featuring pumpkins. The Apple-A-Fair category is sponsored by Tanners Orchard and must include apples. The third category, Viva Italia, is sponsored by Mona's and Capponi's. In this category, contestants must use Nildo's meat sauce or Alfredo sauce to prepare an Italian dish. The final category, Jr. Chef Roundup, is for aspiring chefs ages 12 and younger. Set-up begins at 9 a.m. and booths are open to the public from 10 a.m. to noon.

Would you like to have your event highlighted in this weekly feature? The first step is to submit your events to the Illinois Valley Community Calendar at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/local-events.