Miller Minutes
Cue “Autumn Leaves,” by Nat King Cole. Because it’s beginning to look a lot like … fall festivals!
They’re everywhere, and I can’t get enough.
With the fast-approaching Sprankle’s Octoberfest in Saxonburg, I fell down a rabbit hole of sorts, researching the origin of Oktoberfests.
Did you know the festival was first held in 1810 as a marriage celebration for the prince of Bavaria? It’s still celebrated in Munich, Germany, lasting two weeks and ending the first Sunday in October.
Even back then, it looked very similar to what you’ll experience in Saxonburg this weekend: food vendors, craftsman and live entertainment.
That being said, I believe most of your neighbors will be taking a trip there this weekend, and when you do, remember that your contributing to a lasting tradition.
Sprankle’s Octoberfest and the Saxonburg Minglefest Artisan Fair run from Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10. Admission is free.
But wait, there are more events where those came from!
See feats of strength at the Tough Mudder starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at Coopers Lake Campground, 205 Currie Road, Worth Township near Slippery Rock. For more information, visit toughmudder.com/events/pittsburgh.
Hear engines rev at the Field of Dreams Car Cruise at Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, 100 Pullman Park Place. From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, enjoy music, food and more.
Butler County Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a bang at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. The concert, “Take Me Back to Chicago,” features Danny Seraphine, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a founder of the iconic rock group Chicago. There also will be children’s activities, food trucks and a fireworks show as well. Admission is $40.
At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, in front of the Butler County Courthouse, hear Bill May’s walking presentation titled “Merchants, Murder and Movie Theaters on Main Street.” Admission is $15 through eventbrite.com.
The VNA Beyond Memories Celebration of Life and Butterfly Release on Sunday, Sept. 10, is for anyone who has lost a loved one or would like to honor someone. Butterfly distribution begins at 12:30 p.m., and there will be a memorial service as well. The event is free at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road.
The St. Francis of Assisi Fall Festival starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Cabot, 315 Stoney Hollow Road, Winfield Township. Admission is free, but there also will be dinners available for purchase, as well as children’s activities, bingo, a country store and more.
For $10, your pup could splash around in Alameda Park’s pool at the Doggie Pool Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Bring a copy of your pet's license and current vaccination records to gain entry.
In remembrance of 9/11, the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company will conduct a service at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, to honor those killed during the terrorist attacks in 2001.
