Miller Minutes
The cassette tape for movie musical “Grease” was a staple in my family’s car for years. My mom’s love of Olivia Newton-John was (and is) unmatched.
No one can watch a performance of “Grease” without thinking of her dancing through a fun house with John Travolta , or put on a pair of roller skates without singing “Xanadu.”
Seeing the global reaction to the death of the four-time Grammy award winning singer was surprisingly heartwarming. It felt like my house wasn’t the only one mourning the loss of a childhood hero.
Newton-John was an inspiration for musical little girls of all generations and backgrounds, myself included. Her fans will remain hopelessly devoted to her legacy as an actress, singer and activist.
Speaking of fun houses, if you’re looking to re-create the famous scene from “Grease,” there’s no better place than the Butler Farm Show. The carnival games, rides and events will be up and running until Saturday night. Don’t miss your chance to watch the demolition derby, experience the livestock auction or eat some fair food.
If you’re hoping to get your fix of ’80s music this weekend, look no further than Cranberry Township Community Park, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive, for its free outdoor concert series Thursday. The Totally ’80s band will play at 7 p.m., and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Rotary.
Also playing at 7 p.m. Thursday is the band This, That and Other Things in Harmony Square. The classic rock group will take requests from a list of 100 songs. The concert is free, but be sure to take a chair.
The Chicora Quality Life Services free concert also begins at 7 p.m. Thursday. This is the last of the summer series at 160 Medical Center Road, so if you’ve been meaning to go, make sure to catch it.
Can’t face the music Thursday? Butler County Symphony Association’s free summer concert series will feature men’s quartet Rock Bottom at noon Friday via Facebook or in person in the symphony building, 259 S. Main St.
The Parish Family Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, and is put on by St. Ferdinand, Holy Redeemer and St. Gregory churches. Fair games, entertainment, raffles and food will all be featured St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, all weekend.
The Freeport Theatre Festival opens its next show, “Massy Harbison,” at 7 p.m. Friday at 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg. The true story is set in the early days of Butler, Armstrong and surrounding counties. For more information, visit www.freeporttheatrefestival.org.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks this week, and the crew of the Preston Pearl is prepared to take you on Lake Arthur to witness it. The annual celestial light show experience costs $17, and the boat launches at 8:30 p.m. Friday from McDanel’s Launch Area, 118 N. Shore Drive, Portersville.
Have you bought your tickets to the gun show? That is, the Antique Gun Show that will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer St. Admission is only $5 to see firearms crafted in the 18th and 19th centuries.
American Legion Riders Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Drive, Lyndora, is holding a motorcycle ride to benefit veterans Saturday. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Legion, with opening ceremonies starting around 11 a.m. An after-party will take place at the Legion following a scenic ride.
The Family Food Truck Festival at Glade Run will have more than good eats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. You’ll find cornhole and a car cruise, music and more at 30 Glade Run Drive, Zelienople.
The Butler County Beer Mile challenge is not just for runners and walkers; it’s for beer lovers. Participation is free, it’s BYOB and top three finishers get a trophy! The event begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. For registration and race location, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BCMBeerMileChallenge.
Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Place, will be bumping bass this weekend. On Saturday, Music from the Mound and Brewfest will happen simultaneously from 4 to 10 p.m. Ten local acts and breweries will fill the stadium with lively activity.
Then at 4 p.m. Sunday, the Butler Backpack Fest will feature seven local bands in the park. The proceeds benefit Butler Area School District’s Kids’ Weekend Backpack Program. Organizers encourage folks to come out and enjoy a night in the stadium seats listening to great music.
The North Washington Rodeo rolls in Monday with a kickoff party, and officially begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 225 Oneida Valley Road, Petrolia. See broncing bucks and barrel races alike, and be sure to get your tickets at www.northwashingtonvfd.com/rodeo.
