On Wednesday, the Eagle reported that the Saxonburg Area Business Association is planning a festival of its own to coincide with Sprankle’s Octoberfest on the second weekend in September.

The event, planned to avoid the loss of exposure and sales connected with the cancellation of the Saxonburg Festival of the Arts that weekend, is relieving news to both Saxonburg citizens and businesses.

Sherry Rankin, a Main Street business owner, said many of her fellow entrepreneurs in the borough were disappointed that the lucrative arts festival was canceled for 2023.

She said her business saw more sales during the 2022 arts festival and Octoberfest than it normally does in a month.

We were also disappointed to learn of the annual borough staple being canceled, but the event, tentatively being called “Minglefest,” will be similar in nature to the Saxonburg’s monthly Mingle on Main events, with various food, craft and other vendors, with main events taking place at the South Butler Community Library.

Another event moving to the borough is the fourth annual Rumble Car Show from noon to 9 p.m. July 29 at the Saxonburg Fire Company Carnival Grounds.

It’s comforting to see new things coming in to alleviate the sting businesses may have felt without the arts festival. Small businesses are important to keeping money local and aiding your friends and neighbors in their passions and personal goals.

Though the event is in its preliminary stages, we hope to see it come to fruition and have the chance to report on it when it does.

We commend everyone involved for their efforts.

—CM