CONNOQUENESSINGTWP — The 60th annual Butler Farm Show, which runs Aug. 4 to 9, will feature live music, entertainment, arts and crafts and amusement rides in addition to an array of animals.

The 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and Sale is one of the biggest attractions, said Ken Metrick, board secretary and committee member. It begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in the livestock barn.

The people and businesses have been incredibly supportive of the youths over the years, Metrick said.

"People will pay three or four times the market value just to support the kids," he said. "Last year, our sale was almost $140,000."

Thousands of animals are shown each year, Metrick said. He estimates that this year's exhibitors will show more than 100 horses, nearly 200 sheep, 200 pigs, 300 dairy cows, 150 goats, between 600 and 700 rabbits and more than 1,000 chickens.

Participation in 4-Hseems to be on the increase, he said.

"The (number of) 4-H animals have been increasing a little bit every year," he said. "The poultry club has grown, practically tripled, in the past couple of years."

Raising animals and selling them at the livestock show means a lot to the children involved, Metrick said.

"It's a good learning experience for the kids," he said. "They've learned responsibility."

In addition to the livestock show, there will be daily music and entertainment at the auditorium pavilion and the arena.

"Our grandstand capacity is somewhere around 4,500 people," he said. "It's covered, so you're out of the sun and rain."

Some of the entertainment includes music by bands Slim Chance, the Tom Walker Family, the Wrangler Band, Remington Ryde and Diamonds in the Rough.

Spectators can also watch barrel racing, tractor pulls and a demolition derby in the area.

In preparation for the show, improvements were being made to the grounds, including replacing some roofs, painting, and paving areas in front of the dairy barns, lake and restrooms.

"Every year, we try to maintain what's already here," he said. "That's what we're doing this year."

During the next five years, the electrical system will be upgraded, Metrick said.

"Some of the electric wiring is 50 years old," he said. "Things have gotten bigger and better and require more power."

The arts and crafts building will display a variety of items, Metrick said. Exhibits will include photography, quilting, drawing and painting, needlework and woodcraft. Farm products also will be displayed.

"We're fortunate that the farm show is at the time of year when there are a lot of garden vegetables and canned goods," he said, adding that baked goods will also be shown and sold.

Metrick attributes the farm show's longevity to positive attitudes and what the show represents in the community.

"The farm show is family oriented and everything is family based," he said. "It's supported really well by the community."

<B>WHAT: </B>The 60th annual Butler Farm Show<B>WHEN:</B> Aug. 4 to 9; rides open at 4 p.m. Monday and 1 p.m. the rest of the week.<B>WHERE: </B>Butler Farm Show grounds, 627 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township<B>COST:</B> $6 on Monday and $7 for the rest of the week, with a $3 fee to enter the arena. Admission includes rides. Parking is free.