Miller Minutes

For anyone in their 20s and 30s, this period of summer is known as “the wedding season.”

Whether you are in one, throwing one or attending one, weddings are a big production. Making one enjoyable is about as difficult as producing a Broadway show.

In breaking from older traditions, new ones have sprung up in their place: live wedding painters, caricature artists, bands instead of DJs, floral dresses instead of white, doughnuts instead of cake and food trucks for a midnight snack. I’ve seen it all, and I’m sure to see more as I attend my batch of weddings during the following weeks and months.

Seeing how people incorporate their unique personalities into their big day is to witness creativity on display. Event planners have become experts in this venture, seeking to ensure attendees are rewarded for spending their time outside the house.

If you find yourself witnessing a lot of weddings this summer, take note of the table decorations, the garb and even the lighting. So much attention, artistry and care is put into selecting these by wedding vendors and the betrothed couple.

If you haven’t been subjected to a mailbox full of wedding invites, don’t worry. Butler County provides plenty of opportunities to get up and get out this weekend and throughout the summer!

Portersville Summer Steam Show’s event kicks off at 9 a.m. on the show grounds, 1512 Perry Highway, Muddy Creek Township, and runs through Sunday. There will be antique equipment and vehicles, demonstrations, vendors and food galore. There is something for everyone. Find information at portersvillesteamshow.com/event/summer-show.

It’s Cranberry CUP weekend! Several hundred residents will gather for a full slate of activities starting with a Kickoff Party from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, 5601 Freshcorn Road, Cranberry Township. The Cranberry CUP opening ceremony, a highlight of the weekend, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Community Park’s Rotary Amphitheater, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive, Cranberry Township. Later, S’wearing Cups will perform a free concert at the amphitheater from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The two‑day Cathy Cortazzo Softball Tournament begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and culminates with the championship game at 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit cranberrycup.org for more information.

Attend the Shindig Charity Music Festival starting at 6 p.m. at Union Brothers Brewing, 270 Mercer St., Harmony. The event lasts until Sunday and features local bands, local brews, and more. Tickets are $10 for one day, $20 for a weekend, and $40 if you want early access all days. For tickets and details, visit theshindigmusicfestival.com.

Attend Hobnob Theatre’s First Fridays Improv and laugh your socks off! The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the studio, 134 S. Main St., Butler. Tickets cost $5, no matter if you watch or participate. Visit hobnobtheatre.com for more information.

What has boat and water-based activities, fireworks, food, drinks and other outdoor opportunities for everyone? It’s the annual Regatta at Moraine State Park, of course! This event runs Saturday into Sunday, and is sure to be educational and recreational. For a complete itinerary with times, visit morainestateparkregatta.org.

The Taste of the Symphony Summer Concert Series is for the enjoyment of all! Enjoy a free concert every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. this summer in Butler’s Diamond Park thanks to the Butler County Symphony Orchestra. This week’s performance is brought to you by guitarist Jacob Glath. Visit experiencebutler.com.

North Country Brewing Company’s Brewfest is back at 1 p.m. at 111 Arrowhead Drive, Slippery Rock Township. Local brewers come out in droves to let you taste test their creations — all for $50. Expect live music and food as well! You must be 21 and over to attend and must present an ID. For more information, visit northcountrybrewing.com/events.

Learn from historian Bill May during the “Historic Merchants, Murders and Movie Theaters” Main Street history tour at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $17. Attendees are expected to meet on Main Street in front of the Butler County Courthouse. For tickets, visit the event’s Facebook page.

If you’d like your event to be featured in Miller Minutes, email all pertinent information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.