Shannon Adams, 4, of Chicora gets a close look at a rabbit on display at last year's farm show. Children are the main focus of the show, which starts on Monday.

CONNOQUENESSING TWP — The Butler Farm Show will be plowing up plenty of family fun this year.

"The main focus here is on 4-H, the kids and the arts and crafts," said Jim Lokhaiser, chairman of the advertising committee for the farm show, which runs from Monday to Aug. 12.

Lokhaiser said most of the events are the same as in the past, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"We're a family oriented event," he said. "That's what we're here for."

One of the most important events at the show, according to Lokhaiser, is the 4-H/Future Farmers of America livestock sale on the night of Aug. 10.

"That is (the kids') Super Bowl, their World Series," Lokhaiser said. "It highlights the whole week."

Lokhaiser said the 4-H and FFA members send out letters before the sale to invite people to come and bid on their animals.

Apparently, the strategy is working. Livestock sales increased from $89,000 in 2004 to $111,000 in 2005. All of that money goes into the pockets of the youths who raised and sold the animals.Other featured events at the farm show this year include truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, the figure-eight race and stock car football."We don't have 'big name' entertainment," Lokhaiser said. "That's why we can keep the price down."Admission for the farm show is $6 on Monday, with free arena admission, and $7 the rest of the week, with $3 arena admission. Admission prices include all-day rides.The arena has become a little more posh this year as well."We're finishing up an addition to the bleachers," Lokhaiser said. "Now, we'll have covered grandstands on both sides."The bleachers will now be able to seat up to 4,000 people and keep them dry in rainy weather to boot.Eating facilities also have been improved since last year, as the Meridian building was completely renovated.However, horse and livestock facilities may be a little cramped this year, as the number of entries increased."We may have to tent some horses," Lokhaiser said. "I mean, what other option do we have?"Lokhaiser plans on the arts and crafts and farm products buildings being packed this year.While most farm show entries must pre-register, arts and crafts and farm products entries all register between 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday before the show.Premium books are available at all farm-related businesses in the Butler area, or call the farm show office to receive a copy in the mail.Premium books can also be downloaded off the farm show Web site.Last year, Lokhaiser said, the Butler Farm Show was named the Outstanding Agricultural Fair in Western Pennsylvania at the state fair in Harrisburg.He intends to keep the title.For information, contact the farm show office at 724-482-4000 or visit the Web site, www.butlerfarmshow.com.