The stage is set for the 70th annual Butler Farm Show, Monday through Aug. 11 at the farm show grounds on Route 68 in Connoquenessing Township.

What began as a plowing contest in 1947 has grown tremendously both in its offerings and in popularity in the seven decades since.

The event features carnival rides, music and comedy performances, games and, of course, fair food, in addition to the namesake animal shows.

A total of 1,331 animals are registered for exhibition this year, considerably more than the 1,092 animals exhibited at the 2017 farm show, according to Jim Lockhaiser, spokesman and farm show board member. He said there has been a considerable increase in horse registrations this year.

Before the actual farm show begins, the Little Miss 4-H Butler Farm Show and Little Miss Butler Farm Show contests will be Saturday, and the “come as you are” worship service will be Sunday. Both are scheduled for the auditorium pavilion.

New attractions

New this year is a special event — garden tractor races.

“I know that sounds funny, but these guys take their sport very seriously,” Lockhaiser said. “It’s competitive.”

The garden tractor races begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the farm show arena.

Other new events include:

4-H rabbit hopping contest

4-H robotics demonstration and judging

Dairy peewee showmanship competition

Supreme master livestock showman contest.

Midway acts

Throughout the week, talented entertainers will thrill fairgoers young and old alike with scheduled performances and impromptu strolls along the midway.

The Pork Chop Revue, a comedy animal act founded in 1956, goes whole-hog to prove that you really can teach a pig to sing.

The talented porkers will perform three acts daily on the midway near the tent gate. Times to be announced.

Uncle Ty-Rone (the kids’ comedian) comic ventriloquist and his entourage will entertain on the stage by the Dairy Barns.

Kevin Adair, a juggler, magician, illusionist, stilt-walker and fire dancer, and Doug Drewes and his oxen team will stroll the midway entertaining fairgoers.

Exhibitions

In addition to the animals, farm products and arts and crafts also will be exhibited.

Anyone who would like to enter products or arts and crafts can bring their entries to the farm show grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Animal registration has ended.

Hundreds of vendors will display their products throughout the grounds.

Baking contests

The baking contests are always a popular feature. Winners advance to the state competition at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

The categories include apple pie, angel food cake, chocolate cake and cookies.

Livestock sale

The livestock sale Thursday is the highlight of the six-day Farm Show.

Winners of the 4-H and FFA competition will sell their animals to the highest bidder.

Last year’s sale grossed $193,881.80, with the grand champion steer selling for $13,015.

Rules and information

All rules can be found in the Butler Farm Show premium book, which is available online at the farm show website, www.butlerfarmshow.com. Hard copies are available at the farm show office.

GENERAL

Gates are open daily 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

ADMISSION POLICY

The cost for adults and children age 3 and older is $7 on Monday and $8 Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission includes parking, unlimited midway rides (excluding boat rides), all exhibits and most entertainment.

Children younger than 3 are admitted free, unless they want to ride the rides.

Grandstand admission is an additional fee per person for special events.