At Readers’ Choice Awards event, Butler County businesses shine
At the Butler Eagle Readers’ Choice Awards Red Carpet Event on Thursday, March 12, businesses representing the dining, shopping, people, entertainment and more in the area shined bright.
The Penn Theater was filled to the brim and the red carpet was out for the community to come together and recognize the best of Butler County.
“We know as small businesses owners you have faced challenges, worked long hours and made sacrifices that, maybe, left you wondering if you were appreciated. Tonight is the confirmation that our community recognizes those efforts. Forty-seven thousand votes and they picked you,” Tammy Schuey, publisher and general manager of the Butler Eagle, said.
The Butler Eagle has been celebrating the Readers’ Choice Awards for 16 years, lifting up businesses and organizations that add to the quality of life for Butler County residents.
The Eagle typically gets input from tens of thousands of voters on the best of Butler County. With the ballots out since January, the Eagle has gotten feedback from across the county’s communities.
Butler Eagle leadership said they’ve wanted to do this event for years because of how important it is to recognize the incredible efforts businesses and organizations go to make our community great.
“Everybody here’s been good to us. Butler really is a special place,” Jimmy Chiprean, of Miller’s Shoes, said.
With live music and original songs from Skye Burkett, as well as ‘80s music from local band The Pulse, community members were treated to award-winning food and treats from businesses like The Beacon, Fairground Market, Pennie’s Bake Shop and Tani’s Pizza.
“This is awesome, being here at a big event in front of all these people here from the community, having a great time. It’s great,” said Mike Andres, bassist for The Pulse. “Being recognized, it makes you feel special. It makes you feel like we’re somebody here.”
Businesses and business people recognized won under categories including food and drinks, dining experience and variety, store options, organizations that serve residents in a number of ways, places, events and more.
“We did Butler Italian Days last year for the very first time and the support we got was just unbelievable, outstanding. To see the people, the community, welcome it and accept it and support it, that’s what Butler’s all about. It’s a really great place,” Charmaine Fetterman, of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, said.
With Butler County’s growth in recent years, reaching a population of just under 200,000, the Readers’ Choice Awards celebrated the solid footing the local business, entertainment and culture scenes find themselves on.
“There’s a lot that I can say,” Jordan Grady, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Great tax structure. Great schools. Great employment opportunities.
“It’s a great place for family members across the board. From Cranberry up to Slippery Rock, Chicora, Saxonburg — it’s a great place to live.”
With hundreds at the Penn Theater on Thursday night, residents could also celebrate the hard work the community has accomplished as individuals and working together.
“Here’s to all the businesses who make our community great with all the hard work, collaboration and support we give each other,” Schuey said. “The Butler way.”
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Fairground Market serves sliders at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendees listen to live music at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Tani's Pizza offers pizza at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle’s Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendee watch and record The Pulse's performance at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel attends the Butler Eagle’s Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Musician Skye Burkett performs during the Butler Eagle’s Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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The Butler Eagle’s Laura Crago speaks at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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The Butler Eagle’s Laura Crago speaks at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle’s Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Attendees listen to live music at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Musician Skye Burkett performs during the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler Eagle vice president of advertising Keith Graham speaks at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Jeanna Sybert, right, interviews Cecilia Tomko as part of a Pittsburgh Media Partnership project during the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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The Pulse's Jack Stevenson performs with the rest of his band at the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler County residents and other guests attend the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Jeanna Sybert interviews Amy Pack with Experience Butler County as part of a Pittsburgh Media Partnership project during the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Penn Theater Executive Director Jaloyn Fockler participates in an interview as part of a Pittsburgh Media Partnership project during the Butler Eagle's Best of Butler County event on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
