Miller Minutes: ‘Bakers are magicians’
What so many of us love about magicians is their ability to conceal the mechanics of a trick. It is this same mystery that compels people to admire art they are unable to make … which is why I’m dedicating this column installment to the bakers among us.
I have neither the knack nor patience for food. It takes time, dedication and care to make something really beautiful that is consumed within 15 minutes. The finite nature of culinary arts are part of what makes them so valuable and beloved.
Butler County is home to some incredible bakeries, each boasting some of the prettiest pastries you’ve ever seen. There are even several entrepreneurial spirits who decorate cakes to supplement their income, and believe me, I love supporting them. I’ve had the privilege of covering some food-related contests — they are my favorite stories to tell.
To put it sweetly: Bakers are magicians. Using a few tools and their imagination, they make a cake their canvas. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it may behoove you to take the world tour of sweet treats through the county. You know, for research for that special someone (or yourself … wink).
Butler County is not lacking in things to do this weekend. If you do venture out, don’t forget to pick up a sweet treat along the way!
Find classic toys from your childhood at the KRG Toy Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Clearview Mall, 101 Clearview Circle in Center Township. Admission is $5, or $10 if you want to get in an hour early, to see the Funko Pops, collectibles and other goodies. For more information, see the event Facebook page.
If you like ’90s country music, dust off your denim and head to Herman Volunteer Fire Company, 789 Herman Road in Summit Township, for a dance party! The fun lasts from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and costs $10 admission. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Support Butler Catholic School and win big at the Purse Bash at 6:30 Saturday in St Michael the Archangel Church, 130 Glenn Avenue, Butler. Partake in the raffle for 100 purses as well as others for only $40 a ticket. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Hear the horn-driven band Smokin’ Section at the Penn Theater, 151 N. Main St., Butler, at 7 p.m. Saturday. These are classic hits played by professionals. Tickets start at $40. For more information, visit thepenntheater.org.
Square dance with a live band and caller at Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company, 313 E. Mercer St., from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday. It’s only $8 to enter — cash only — and food will also be available for purchase. See the event Facebook page for more information.
Audition for “Disaster!” the musical, which pays tribute to ’70s disaster movies, at 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Musical Theater Guild, 100 Memorial Drive, Butler. Sign up for an audition by visiting mtgbutler.org/audition-notice-disaster. Prepare a 32-bar selection in the style of the show. For character breakdowns and a plot synopsis, visit mtgbutler.org.
See “The Wizard of OZ” during the Penn Theater’s Jammies in January series at 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $15. This event is for those 15 and up. Attendees ages 15 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit thepenntheater.org.
By shopping in downtown Zelienople from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, you could help Jackson “Jax” Ramirez, a local child fighting a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease called IPEX. The “Hearts for Jax” event will also have raffles, live music and other experiences. For more information about the event, visit the Facebook page, and learn more about Jax at matchforjax.org.
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.
