Gary Burk III performs to honor Corey Comperatore at the Big Butler Fair grandstand on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Concert honors Corey Comperatore
FRANKLIN TWP — The 169th Big Butler Fair opened its gates on Friday, June 27, but the crowd was thinner than usual due to the unpredictable weather.
Not only did sporadic, heavy rain — along with early afternoon heat — lead to light attendance, but carnival rides were paused temporarily as a safety precaution during a thunderstorm.
Lila Rockovich, 8, takes a spin on a zero gravity carnival ride during opening day of The Big Butler Fair on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Clint Cehily, vice president of the Butler Fair & Agricultural Association, said weather conditions were not a major concern for the fair, which goes on until July 5.
“It’s all coming together good,” Cehily said.
Not everybody was held back by the rain either — Sue Williams, an attendee who drove from Pittsburgh, said she appreciated the rain because it helped mitigate the effects of the heat.
“I’m glad it rained and cooled down,” Williams said. “It’s not as crowded as usual because it’s warm.”
Gary Burk III performs to honor Corey Comperatore at the Big Butler Fair grandstand on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
A particular highlight for attendees was a 7 p.m. “Let Freedom Ring” concert featuring Gary Burk III, a country artist who hails from Butler County, as the headliner.
The concert was held in honor of Corey Comperatore, a Butler County resident who was shot and killed at a rally for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Burk also planned to perform his song “Until We Meet Again,” which was written and produced in memory of Comperatore.
The show benefited first responders.
The events scheduled on opening day also largely went as planned despite the weather; and food stalls, games and petting zoos were all open to visitors.
“Overall, a good first day,” Cehily said.
Andrew Kirkpatrick and Sophia Brisendine take a spin on a carnival ride during opening day of The Big Butler Fair on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Ashley Conner and her son Weston Shaw enjoy the music during a Gary Burk III concert to honor Corey Comperatore at the Big Butler Fair grandstand on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Lila Rockovich, 8, takes a spin on a zero gravity carnival ride during opening day of The Big Butler Fair on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Gary Burk III performs to honor Corey Comperatore at the Big Butler Fair grandstand on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Fairgoers enjoy carnival rides during opening day at the Big Butler Fair on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Gary Burk III performs to honor Corey Comperatore at the Big Butler Fair grandstand on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
