This week, Butler County has been celebrating its agricultural heritage with one of its longest-running and largest annual events — the Butler Farm Show.

Featuring everything from a massive livestock sale Thursday night and auctions to tractor pulls, live music, demonstrations and fun activities for children — including costume contests with chickens and goats — the farm show is a great source of county pride.

Launched in 1948 as a plowing contest and expanding to a three-day show the following year, the farm show has grown to become one of the largest in the state.

Annually, the farm show draws more than 100,000 people from across the state and beyond. On the show’s grounds, there are approximately 1,200 animal entries and about 6,000 arts, crafts and farm product entries.

Each year features new exhibits and events — such as this year’s debut of the Idaho Potato truck and some alpaca-related competitions. Activities at the farm show provide entertainment for children and parents alike.

For an event so large, the farm show still has a small-town feel to it. While roaming the farm show’s grounds, visitors can watch children leading their goats through obstacle courses or stop to talk to a local resident about their horses or chickens. Often, that resident will tell you the names of their animals and share information about how they raised them.

The event showcases some of the best traditions of the county: volunteerism, sportsmanship and a family- friendly atmosphere.

On Friday morning, the Butler Eagle will present The Eagle Bowl, which honors the family that has been most involved in the farm show this year.

Established in 1952, the Eagle Bowl pays tribute to a family that has gone above and beyond for the farm show in participation and found success during its six days.

But all of the families who have taken part in this year’s show deserve some recognition. Farm families are a part of the fabric of Butler County’s history. They have deep roots in the community and support a way of life that is integral to the region.

A trip to the farm show will provide you with a panorama of the county’s history and agricultural traditions as well as an opportunity to mix with your neighbors and take part in fun activities with your family.

Tomorrow will be the final day of the farm show. Anyone who hasn’t taken the time yet to drop by should do so.