We often advocate on this page for county residents to take advantage of the great attractions Butler County has to offer — from the Jeep Festival to boating on one of the county’s lakes or creeks, or enjoying the outdoors in one of its parks — during the summer.

But Jack Cohen, president of the county’s Tourism and Convention Bureau, pointed out in a story the Eagle ran Friday that Butler County’s winter attractions are also draws for tourists and great opportunities for county families to have a good time in their own backyard.

State parks — such as Moraine, McConnells Mill and Jennings Environmental Education Center — bring visitors to the county during the winter for everything from cross-country skiing or snowshoe hiking to ice fishing.

Jennings Environmental Education Center starts renting out snowshoes in early December, or after the first snowfall of at least 6 inches, and offers winter hikes.

While outdoor activity in the county might be more limited during the winter due to the weather, there are a number of great activities that can be enjoyed indoors, from the Butler County Symphony Orchestra to numerous restaurants and businesses where residents can shop for unique holiday gift items.

This past weekend, the popular Butler Spirit of Christmas Parade made its way down Main Street, and other popular holiday-themed attractions are ongoing through the holiday season.

This week, Zelienople’s Miracle on Main Street will offer everything from Christmas cookie decorating to horse-and-carriage rides.

In the coming weeks, the county will host light-up nights, a cookie tour, Slippery Rock’s Festival of Trees, a performance of a play based on an Alfred Hitchcock film at the Butler Little Theatre and a New Year’s Eve event that pays homage to Harmony’s German roots.

Cohen told the Eagle that the county’s hotel occupancy right now is up from last year’s, not only due to easing restrictions, but also because Butler County has a lot to offer.

“There are great opportunities all through winter,” he said of county attractions. “As we (the tourism bureau) continue to do our job, more people want to come visit.”

We’re glad to hear that people are taking an interest in the many attractions the county has to offer, and hope that its businesses, restaurants, cultural institutions and holiday events continue to draw visitors from the county and beyond.

— NCD