Miller Minutes: ‘Summer is in full swing’
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” is the famous quote by Dr. Seuss often used by theater people to explain away postshow depression. Having just finished up a show, I find myself going back to this mantra.
Performers work for hours upon hours to give you, the audience, some great piece of work, only to find themselves on the other side drained and sad to see it end. With the ending of this show, however, I can be happy that we reached a few milestones thanks to this community.
Butler Little Theatre’s “Exit Laughing” was the final show of the 83rd season, and I was proud to be a part of it. I am even more proud to report that our little show sold over 1,000 tickets. (Consequently, the second highest seller was our first show of the season, “The Star Spangled Girl”). While we can chalk this win up to marketing, I believe it is thanks to you, readers, and your ability to spread the news about good art all around town.
In general, you’re all fantastic at supporting the arts here in Butler County, but the fact that you have supported Butler Little Theatre for over 83 seasons is remarkable. Thank you! And I hope you’ll continue showing up to our performances in droves.
Not much theater going on this weekend, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Summer is in full swing here, so take advantage!
Starting Thursday, May 29, the Butler YMCA will be offering lifeguard certification and recertification courses at 339 N. Washington St. The classes last until Sunday, and attendance at all four is mandatory for those who sign up. Participants must be at least 15 years old. To see a complete list of the class times, the pre-swim test and swim test requirements and to sign up visit the event Facebook page.
The Lighthouse Foundation is holding a bingo night at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Highfield Hall, 229 Highfield Road in Butler Township. This is to raise needed funds for the many community services that the Lighthouse supports in the Butler area. Tickets cost $25 presale and $30 at the door. No children under 16 are permitted. For more information, call Erin at 724-903-0015 or ecioffi@thelighthousepa.org.
The Harmony-Evans City VFW Memorial Post 499 is hosting its third annual Family Freedom Festival from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 408 N. Washington St. in Evans City. There will be a children’s patriotic bike parade, games, vendors, food, live music, car cruise and more. Admission is free, but there will be plenty of opportunities to raise money for causes supporting veterans. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com/events/3rd-annual-family-freedom-festival.
Butler County Veterans in Need Fund is hosting a memorial ride for John P. Cyprian on Saturday, taking off from 150 Legion Memorial Lane in the Lyndora section of Butler Township. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. There will be several stops during the ride, which ultimately ends at the organization's warehouse, 1610 N. Main Street Ext. in Butler. There will be raffles, food and festivities at noon and live music starting at 2 p.m. at this location. Registration is $20 per rider, $10 per passenger. For more information, visit the event Facebook page to view the flyer.
VA Butler Healthcare will host a Veteran Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center located at 353 N. Duffy Road in Center Township. All veterans and service members and their families and caregivers are invited to attend. There will be a special “Welcome Home” for Vietnam veterans and their families.
Butler WingFest is back at the Beacon Hotel, 231 Beacon Road in Forward Township, this Sunday, June 1. The event is rain or shine. Cost of entry is $30 presale and $35 at the gate. Participants will get to vote on who has the best wings in town. For tickets and more information, visit gotothebeacon.com/wingfest.
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
