Craig Beacom unloads wool for judging Friday before the sheep building is ready for the week as families and parents prep for the start of the Big Butler Fair.

FRANKLIN TWP — The Big Butler Fair kicked off Friday with the carnival, bike night and a free concert.

The annual event, located at the fairgrounds off Route 422, runs nine days, wrapping up next Saturday. Daily attractions include food, rides, games, a petting zoo, musical performances, chain saw carving demonstrations and a hypnotist.

The fair's schedule also includes monster trucks, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, more free concerts and a fireworks display on July 4th.

For youth involved in 4-H and other agricultural groups, the fair is the first of a couple local opportunities to compete and show off their animals among their peers.

Most of the livestock were weighed in Friday and the judging will start Saturday.

The Shuler family of Fenelton brought pigs and steer to show at the fair.

Chase, 11, and Christopher, 13, both members of the Butler Livestock Club were showing three pigs each.

Caring for the pigs throughout the week includes giving them water and food, changing their bedding and keeping them comfortable and happy, Chase said.

“It's a little hot. The pigs don't really sweat,” he said, adding that they came prepared with fans.

A full report will appear in the Sunday Butler Eagle.