Miller Minutes: ‘Cars galore’ at Butler County events this weekend
This weekend is Father’s Day, so I’d like to take a moment to commemorate my own dad, who is the reason I’m the witty, rambunctious columnist you know and love.
My father knew he wanted to be a mechanic from a young age. He went from pretending to shift gears in parked cars to moving massive trucks (when he could barely reach the pedals) in the lot of his father’s place of work.
Coincidentally, his specialty is Jeeps, and the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival and Big Butler Parts-A-Rama are this weekend. Everywhere you look will be cars galore.
My dad and I bond over many things besides our Jeeps: 70s rock, maritime disasters and the outdoors. But nothing is as fun as walking the streets of Butler with him and other locals as we admire hundreds of models of the greatest car to ever hit the streets.
The festival is unlike any other community gathering you’ve ever seen before, as people from around the globe (yes, the globe) show up and show out to celebrate their love of Jeeps.
Your dad may not be interested in history, cars or car parts like my dad is, but you may be wondering how you’re going to show him some love this Father’s Day. I’m here to remind you there are plenty of events in Butler County this weekend that would be perfect bonding experiences. Check them out below.
The Big Butler Parts-A-Rama lasts from Thursday to Sunday at the Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road, Prospect. This event is the definition of a car-lover's treasure hunt. For more information, visit facebook.com/BigButlerPartsARama.
See “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical” this weekend at The Strand Theater, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople. Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $30 to $40 and can be purchased by visiting thestrandtheater.org.
Glade Run is holding a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday in its gymnasium, 30 Glade Run Drive, Zelienople. The $10 bag sale starts at 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
People can get a “Taste of the Symphony” from noon to 1 p.m. every Friday in Butler’s Diamond Park, where music from the Butler County Symphony Orchestra will be projected to the outdoors through speakers.
The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival kicks off Friday at Cooper’s Lake, 205 Currie Road, Worth Township, culminating in the Jeep Invasion on Butler’s Main Street at 6 p.m. Other events will take place at the campground throughout the weekend, including a Jeep Playground and trail rides. For a complete list of activities and events, visit bantamjeepfestival.com.
The Veterans Breakfast Club meeting, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, is open to veterans and non-veterans alike. This event is held at the American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane, Butler Township.
See demonstrations and shop local vendors at the Harmony Fiber Festival, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Ziegler Sheep Barn on Mercer Road, the Weaver’s Cabin and Stewart Hall in Harmony. This is a family-friendly event that brings you back to your roots. For more information, visit weaversofharmony.org/events/fiber-festival.
The Taste of the Symphony concert series is a free concert every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. this summer in Butler’s Diamond Park. This week’s performance is brought to you by the Kleeman Brothers. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.
Old Union Presbyterian Church is hosting a Strawberry Festival with food, drink, cake and ice cream. Show up at 200 Union Church Road, Mars, from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $13 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and younger. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Mars Brewfest is back for its 10th year on the borough’s Main Street this Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m., with admission set at $35 presale and $40 the day-of. Designated drivers enter for free and will have access to the other alcohol-free activities like live music and vendors. No pets or individuals under 21 are permitted to attend. For tickets and more information, visit marsnewyear.com/marsbrewfest.
Support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by attending a family-friendly improv show at Hobnob Theatre’s studio, 134 S. Main St., Butler, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. To attend, call 724-431-0069 or email info@namibutler.org and provide your name, number, and how many people will be in your party. Donations will be taken at the door. For more information, see the flyer on Hobnob’s Facebook page.
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.
