Miller Minutes
The Butler Farm Show is up and running this week, and there’s a chance a lot of people are going for the camaraderie, the fun and the family tradition.
Though I’m always impressed by the tractor pulls, animal shows, musical performances and abundance of games, I always leave most impressed by the food.
There’s a lot of interesting carnival food to be found, some you may not have knew existed. So I’m dedicating this column to sharing some favorites with you.
First of all, fresh-squeezed lemonade or sweet tea is a staple of any farm show experience. You’ll know you got a good cup if you can taste the sugar coating your tongue through the straw.
Anything loaded with cheese is a good bet too, and this is coming from someone who’s lactose intolerant. Pack a Lactaid and try a mac n’ cheese covered burger, loaded fries or nachos.
I’m no expert, but I’m convinced pizza or stromboli always taste better in the grandstands of the farm show grounds, so you may want to try that, too.
For dessert, you’re at no loss for options. My top recommendation is a deep-fried Pop Tart or Oreos, but you can’t go wrong with a funnel cake, elephant ear, cookie ice cream sandwich or kettle corn.
And while we’re talking dessert, you should probably take a caramel apple or a pound of fudge home with you. You know, to remember your experience!
This whole thing has made me hungry. I hope it did the same for you, because the Butler Farm Show continues through Saturday, Aug. 12.
When you’re done sampling everything the farm show has to offer, stop by one of these other events!
Hear a musical performance by Tres Lads at a concert hosted by Quality Life Services, 160 Medical Center Road, Chicora, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10. Bring a chair!
Freeport Theatre Festival will present the comedy “Baboon” Aug. 11 through 27 at the barn theater, 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg, near Freeport. Curtain is at 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Call 724-295-1934 or visit www.freeporttheatrefestival.org.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concert takes place at noon every Friday this summer. On Friday, Aug. 11, enjoy violin duets by Christie and Jennifer. Listen to music via Facebook livestream, stop by the symphony’s office on Main Street to see them in action, or listen from Diamond Park in Butler.
The Divine Grace Parish Family Festival starts at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road. The event lasts three days and is free to attend, featuring food, carnival games and fun.
Ride your motorcycle for a good cause this weekend when you meet at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Entry is $40 a bike, and all proceeds go toward St. Jude and Shriner’s hospitals.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, attend the End of Summer Fest in Callery borough at 179 Main St. Support small businesses, listen to music and grab a bite to eat during this final hurrah!
Food trucks and fancy, souped-up cars will take over Glade Run Lutheran Services from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Drive over to 30 Glade Run Drive and see the menu options, ranging from tacos to ice cream to barbecue.
Pay $10 to see live musical performances by local artists at the Secret Sounds Music Festival. Shows start at noon on Saturday, Aug. 12, in Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Square, Butler.
The RiverStone Estate Outdoor Concert will feature the band InTransit on Saturday, Aug. 12. The fun begins at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children age 6 and younger. Bring a chair, a picnic, and your best dancing skills!
