The Butler Farm Show's board of directors got a welcome surprise at its recent meeting — an unsolicited $20,000 donation.

The donor, reached by phone, declined to be identified, but said the money was meant to further the farm show's efforts to promote young people's interest in a career in dairy farming.

The board had a project on its to-do list that was the perfect fit, said Jim Lokhaiser, board member.

The board will move forward soon with getting bids for a new 40-by-80-foot pole building. The building will be constructed near the dairy barns and will be used for cows and other animals during the farm show. In the past, a rented tent has served that purpose, Lokhaiser said.

The board doesn't have much spare money for improvements and has already spent $24,000 on a new tractor this year, he said.

Board members knew they would have a guest at their Thursday meeting — but the donation, and the amount, were unexpected, Lokhaiser said.

“This was really something. It was a complete surprise to us,” he said.

The farm show will celebrate its 70th year this summer. Held every summer in Connoquenessing Township, this year's farm show will be Aug. 6 through 11.