Miller Minutes: ‘A community that supports each other is sure to stand stronger’
Most artistic and entertaining endeavors involve embracing chaos. As I wrote this week’s column, I felt compelled to explore this idea within the context of a long-standing event in the community — the Butler Road Race.
I love any event where the city streets are closed and people overtake them. While not much of a runner myself, I admire those who take time to stay fit and sprint without the threat of an emergency.
Every good endeavor, whether artistic or athletic, takes hard work in the midst of uncertainty. Anything can happen during a race — or a play, a dance — that wasn’t planned. That’s part of what makes it fun. That sort of uncertain work deserves to be rewarded by an audience in the stands, the gallery, the theater house or wherever the event may be.
I’m sure a lot of you are looking for something to do this weekend, but aren’t excited to run a race. If that’s the case, why not just show up with a fun, funky sign to cheer on the runners? They are sure to appreciate it, because a community that supports each other is sure to stand stronger.
Can’t make the race? Don’t worry. There are events going on all week long that will cater to every interest:
The Saxonburg Carnival is in full swing from now until Saturday, opening at 6 p.m. every day at the Saxonburg Fireman’s Grounds, 210 Horne Ave. Stop by for rides, games and carnival treats! Visit svfc.com for details.
Shop the St. Luke Lutheran Church yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Centennial Hall, 110 State St., Saxonburg. This event is held in support of the church’s sewing ministry. Visit experiencebutler.com/events for details.
Family Fishing at Moraine State Park means family fun. This outing runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Point shoreline, just past Pleasant Valley Beach. No fishing license or equipment required, but registration is. Visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
Celebrate our country with music by Simon & Garfunkel, Toby Keith, America and more at the American Made Music Fest in The Strand Theater, 119 N. Main St., Zelienople. Performances run at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $25 to $35 and can be purchased at thestrandtheater.ludus.com/200520764.
See “Ruthless!” at Musical Theatre Guild this weekend and laugh your socks off! Find out what happens when an 8-year-old girl will do anything for a role. Shows run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 at mtgbutler.org.
Play 18 holes at the Glow in the Dark Disc Golf event at Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township, at 8 p.m. Friday. The course is set up next to Purple Park toward the Odd Fellows Gazebo. It’s $12 to preregister and $15 to register day-of. Bring your own discs and visit bcpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program for more information.
Run the famous Butler Road Race at 9 a.m. Saturday, starting at Diamond Park in Downtown Butler. This can be run as a 2K or 5-mile race. You can preregister until Friday or sign up in-person on the day of at 7:30 a.m. in the park. Admission is $30 to $35 and sign-ups can be found at runsignup.com.
Take the Southern Butler County Garden Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, beginning at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road. You will receive a wristband and driving directions to all the prettiest spots. Visit southernbutlercountygardenclub.org/events for ticket information.
Party in the Park is a way for you to give back, and donate to the construction of a new skate park. The fun begins at 11 a.m. Saturday in Father Marinaro Park, 234 Kaufmann Drive, Butler. There will be skate competitions, live music, henna tattoos, mini golf, prizes and more. Visit the event Facebook page for details.
Butler County Symphony’s free concert series is back at noon Saturday in its building near Diamond Park. This week’s performance is brought to you by The Helsels. Be sure to stick around for free tickets and prizes. Visit butlersymphony.org for details.
Cruise-A-Palooza is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on Butler’s Main Street. The Rodfathers of Butler always put on quite a show, with cool cars, vendors, food and more. Visit therodfathers.com for details.
The American Legion Riders Chapter 778 is hosting its fifth annual motorcycle show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Butler Walmart, 400 Butler Commons in Butler Township. It’s $20 for each bike, and all proceeds go to Children’s Hospital. There will be food and drink available for purchase. Visit legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/american-legion-riders for information.
Tour the Foltz Schoolhouse near Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday. Docents will be present to provide information about school days in 1880. Visit experiencebutler.com for more.
Audition for Hobnob Theatre’s fall production, “Looped,” at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday in the studio, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Roles are available for two men. Find more information and sign-ups at hobnobtheatre.com.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a Butler County History week calendar of events. Continuing through July 4, special events will be held at different local historical sites. For a complete list of events and admission information, visit experiencebutler.com/history-week.
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.
