More animals, new rides more fun at farm show
The stage is set for the 68th annual Butler Farm Show, which is scheduled for Aug. 8 to 13.
A total of 1,365 animals have been registered this year, the highest count since 2010, according to show organizers.
Pre-registration is not required for farm products of arts and crafts. Anyone who would like to enter can bring their entries to the farm show grounds from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 7.
All rules can be found in the Butler Farm Show premium book. Log onto the farm show Website, www.butlerfarmshow.com, and click on the Premium Book icon. Hard copies are available at the farm show office.
The special baking contests are very popular with Butler County residents, according to show organizers. The winners will advance to the state competition at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. The categories include apple pie, angel food cake, chocolate cake and cookies contests.
The annual state sponsored poster contest is open to children from preschool to age 18.
This year's theme is “Know Your Farmer.” Rules can be found on page 145 of the premium book. Posters can be entered from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 7. The winners of the six categories will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture for state competition at the State Farm Show.
The livestock sale on Aug. 11 is the highlight of the six-day farm show. Winners of the 4-H and FFA competition will sell their animals to the highest bidder. Last year's sale grossed more than $214,000, with the grand champion steer selling for $21,000.
The show arena will feature the popular demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, figure 8 races, and the monster truck show and rollover contest Aug. 8.
Hundreds of vendors will display their wares and products throughout the grounds and in the large exhibit buildings. There also will be food vendors.
Admission is $8, which includes all the rides. Parking is free.
The farm show board of directors recently announced the change in the ride provider for 2016 — Bates Brothers Amusement will provide the carnival rides for this year's show. Bates replaces J&J Amusement, which had contracted with the Butler Farm Show for 40 years.
