It is a wonderful thing to welcome back all of the events that were canceled during the 18 months of seclusion we were forced to endure because of the pandemic.

It is so positive for the nonprofits and other organizations that count on the events for fundraising to support the bottom lines of their annual budgets.

It was great to have the Big Butler Fair, which non-county residents probably recognize more than any other as the premium Butler County event for them each year. But it truly is an event that thrives on attracting a fan base from outside the county to come in and give the local economy a needed shot in the arm, if for only a one-night visit. It should not be overlooked; nor should the Moraine State Park Regatta or other events. But no other singular event is as tried and true “Butler County” as the annual Butler Farm Show coming up in August.

We believe this because the farm show speaks so well toward the values and work ethic that Butler County is known for instilling in our families. The farm show truly throws the spotlight onto farming across the region, but also very much on the future generations of farmers and farm families.

Nowhere is that more obvious than the annual livestock auction, where the newest generation of future farmers bring the animals, which they have raised during the past year, to be sold to the public. It is a tremendous opportunity for the young people to see hard work being rewarded but also for them to see the community giving back in an amazing display of financial support and recognition.

Civic leaders attend this event with cash in hand but are certainly not looking for bargains. It seems every animal going up for auction commands a price well above market values, and often the grand champions of each classification sell for staggering amounts, as the crowd becomes enthusiastic in their chance to put a permanent grin on the face of these young people as they strut the product of their prized animals around the ring.

To a novice participant at the farm show, it can be almost unbelievable, but to the business leaders and future employers of these young sellers, it is a great opportunity to not just pat them on the back but also to begin the early lesson of how to give back to encourage the Butler County work ethic and spirit of generosity to continue. Many buyers will immediately donate back the purchases they make to be used to generate scholarships for the 4-H kids. Others will donate the animals to be used in fundraisers for nonprofits or as future entrees at community dinners for the less fortunate in our community.

So now that we are back to living life as we did in 2019, let us encourage you, young and older, businesspeople or nonprofit representatives, to turn out for the Butler Farm Show and to bring your checkbook. Chances are it has collected a little dust over the past year, and this is an opportunity to shake out those cobwebs and do the community, and your heart, some good. You can even throw on your jeans and cowboy boots to get that special farm feeling for the evening. Hope to see you there.

— RV