A show Every night
FRANKLIN TWP — The Big Butler Fair hasn't even officially started yet, but its grounds already are buzzing with activity.
In addition to vendors setting up their sales booths in preparation for the Friday opening, several people went to the fairgrounds Tuesday to watch harness racing.
Brothers Aaron and Shawn Johnston have raced at the fair for years, and returned to the track for the first race of the season and their first race in a year.
“It was awesome to do it again, after not doing it for a year,” said Aaron Johnston, the elder of the brothers. “The best part about this one is we don't have to go far for the race. It's home.”
The 165th Big Butler Fair is scheduled to run from Friday until July 10. Each day has different entertainment scheduled, but the vendors, rides and some attractions will be constants throughout the fair.
Gavon Slater, vice president of the Big Butler Fair board of directors, said anticipation is high for this year's fair, since it was canceled last year.
“Overall everybody is just so excited,” Slater said. “There is actually something for everybody here.”
The fair has different attractions and entertainment each year, which, according to Slater, is meant to keep it fresh and fun.
Slater expects the Clarks concert Friday night to be a popular attraction. The multiple demolition derbies throughout the week draw crowds each year.
And of course, the Fourth of July fireworks are a sight to behold, according to Slater.
“They are a lot of fun,” Mike Roenigk, president of the fair board, said of the demolition derbies. “Every night there is some sort of show included with your admission prices.”
Additionally, there will be about 50 food vendors at the fair.
Windy Harigan is a root beer vendor from Atlanta who will be selling at the fair. She said it's a welcome return.“I'm happy to be here,” Harigan said. “I haven't worked in a year-and-a-half.”Slater said he has attended the fair since he was “in a stroller,” and is excited to have it back this year. He said no one is sure how large a crowd to expect at the fair this year, but he and Roenigk are hoping for the best.“Lifting the mask mandate is good, too,” Slater said. “It might convince more people to come. We're hoping our grandstands will be packed.”A schedule of the fair's events can be found at bigbutlerfair.com.The fairgrounds, at 1127 New Castle Road, Franklin Township, open at 9 a.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. on weekdays, and the carnival opens at 1 p.m. on weekends and at 3 p.m. on weekdays.Admission is $7 before 4 p.m., and $9 after 4 p.m. Children under 4 get in free, and parking also is free. More ticket options are available on the fair's website. The carnival offers all-day ride wristbands for $9.
