SAXONBURG — The borough is ready to showcase itself in several weeks when the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau has its annual dinner there.

Saxonburg has undergone a transformation in the past several years, according to Judy Ferree of the group Discover Saxonburg.

Ferree, along with several other business owners in the borough, banded together more than 18 months ago to encourage more economic activity and cooperation.

The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The tourism bureau’s annual dinner, called Toast to Tourism, will take place May 7 and will celebrate the changes.

“It used to be quiet in town,” she said. “Now, it’s lively with coffee shops and the bakery. There are always people walking up and down the street. It’s very lively and friendly now.”

While the Toast to Tourism is an invitation-only event, there will be plenty of other activities in Saxonburg on May 7.

“People don’t realize all the things there are to do and the good places to eat and what kind of town this is,” Ferree said. “When they see it, they’ll be impressed.”

Saxonburg Mayor Pamela Bauman said she can’t wait to show off the borough’s new look.

She said recent projects include widening the streets by 18 inches, installing brick sidewalks and installing new curbs.

The revitalization has given Main Street a new look, she said.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous. The town is stunning,” she said. “At night if you stand at one end of Main Street and look down the other, at all the lights and businesses, it melts your heart.”