Growing our Community through Planting for the Future
Planting for the Future: Spring Agriculture Plant and Vendor Showcase offers a display of Butler County agriculture and gardening exhibits to prepare for this year's growing season.
This free two-day event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Connoquenessing Township.
A line dance with DJ Rocky from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday will bring everyone together to celebrate spring. In its second year, the showcase is hosted by the Butler County Farm Bureau, the Butler County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Butler County.
“Planting for The Future” is a concept that connects families with the Butler County farmers who grow their food. The Butler County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee seeks to promote the organization’s ongoing Buy Local mission by highlighting farmers and the businesses they own. This year’s event will allow visitors to learn about career paths in agriculture and connect with farms and 4-H youth.
The Master Gardener Plant Sale will feature a wide variety of native plants, perennials, herbs and vegetable plants. The sale will include opportunities to purchase gardening-themed apparel, gloves, garden décor and more.
Master Gardeners will help select the best plants for gardens and landscapes. They will answer questions about best gardening practices and hot topics such as the spotted lantern fly infestation.
Plant vendors will offer perennial and annual flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and even small trees to transform outdoor growing spaces into a beautiful habitat for people and pollinators. Take a break from plant shopping, dancing and learning to visit the food vendors offering an array of culinary choices, from light snacks and sweets to meals. Agriculture vendors will offer agricultural products, including meats, produce, and plants, while sharing their connection to the community. Vendors accept cash and electronic payments, so come prepared with both options. To make shopping easier, Butler County 4-H members will help to transport purchases to the plant pick-up area.
Families are also invited to visit the children’s area. The area will feature a children’s dress-up area, a learning passport and many other hands-on experiences. This event is sponsored by the Butler Eagle, Coopers Signs and Window Nation. Give children an up-close and personal encounter with goats, lambs and other farm-raised animals at the petting zoo.
Planting for the Future: Spring Agriculture, Plant and Vendor Showcase is a can’t miss event. Check the event on Facebook to see updates on scheduled activities and participating vendors, listed as “Planting for the Future: Spring Agriculture, Plant and Vendor Showcase.” It’s free and fun.
Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County are volunteers whose mission is to support Penn State Extension by utilizing research-based information to educate the public on best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/butler or call 724-287-4761, Ext. 7.
Diane Dallos is an Extension Educator with Penn State Extension, Butler County, serving as Master Gardener Coordinator. Mary Snow is a Butler County Farm Bureau volunteer, serving as communications and media chairwoman for the event.
