Butler comes alive with Taste of McKean
Butler’s cultural district came alive on Friday night, Sept. 26, for the Taste of McKean event, a showcase of some of the City of Butler’s cultural landmarks, including the public library, the Maridon Museum and the city’s various musical theaters.
“This is an opportunity for people to enjoy he museum and the library and all of the offerings that we have there,” said county Commissioner Leslie Osche, who is also a project director for the Butler Rotary Club PM’s Cultural District.
Taste of McKean also served as an appetizer for those who were already attending either of the two musical theater shows held in downtown Butler Friday night: “Vino Veritas“ at the Butler Little Theatre or ”Dueling Pianos“ at the Penn Theater. Those who held tickets to either show received their wristband for the event free.
One of the hubs of activity was the Maridon Museum, which hosted a ceramics demonstration from Steve Harding of the Butler Arts Center. Outside the museum, cast members from the Butler Musical Theatre Guild performed selections from their upcoming show, “Tick, Tick... Boom,” which premieres on Friday, Oct. 10.
“Today we’re just going to sing a couple of songs from the show, and then ... each of us are going to do some of our personal favorite songs from musical theater,” said Jeremy Poynton, a member of the cast.
Butler Area Public Library also featured a woodturning demonstration by Ken Hertzog, along with a live improv performance by Hobnob Theatre performers.
Eight homes and businesses up and down McKean Street took part in a fall porch decorating contest, which was divided into two categories: fall-themed and Halloween-themed.
“Boy Scout Troop 6, along with a couple of our Rotarians, are judging the porch decorating contest,” Osche said. “They’re walking up and down the street doing the judging right now and we’ll announce those awards at the end of the evening.”
One of the more elaborate porch displays was at the corner of McKean and New Castle streets, home of both the Cingolani & Cingolani law firm and the Talk of the Town nail salon. Nancy Cingolani, owner of the nail salon, said she entered the contest as a way to introduce neighbors to both businesses.
“My husband’s law office has been here for 12 years and I just moved in,” Nancy said. “I thought, ‘Why don’t we have a party with all our friends? And I can introduce them to the law firm and my business.’”
