If you’re feeling comfortable enough to step out and mingle with others now that rules that have been in place for the past year — such as mask mandates and event capacities — are being relaxed, this is the time to support events in your community. Many events couldn’t be held last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result money wasn’t made and tourism opportunities were lost in the county. For some of the organizations that host the county’s top events, these losses were a blow.

The good news is that a majority of Butler County’s top summer events are back on this year — and if you’re ready to get back to some sense of pre-pandemic normalcy, they could use your support.

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted mask restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer requiring mask wearing in crowds and indoor settings, but still calling for their use in buses, planes, hospitals and prisons. Naturally, it’s still recommended that vaccinated people continue to wear masks around those who are not vaccinated.

Also, various mitigation orders relating to the pandemic — such as capacity limits at restaurants and events — will be lifted by Gov. Tom Wolf on Memorial Day.

As a result of the pandemic winding down and rules being relaxed, most of the county’s popular summer attractions are returning over the next few months.

These include the Butler Memorial Day Parade (May 25), Butler Rib and Music Fest (May 28-31), the 10th annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival (June 11-13), the Big Butler Fair (July 2-10), Butler Bikes & BBQ (July 22-25), Moraine State Park Regatta (Aug. 6-8), Butler Farm Show (Aug. 9-14), North Washington Rodeo (Aug. 17-21), Mars Exploration Celebration Days (Aug. 27-28) and Butler Italian Festival (Aug. 27-29).

These are all great events that will give visitors a sense of what Butler County is all about, so show up and partake in the area’s top offerings — and bring your fully vaccinated friends and family members with you. Throughout the pandemic, the Eagle has reported a number of stories about people looking out for each other in Butler County and coming to the aid of those in need. This summer, let’s also give support to the county’s festivals and events to ensure that they’ll be around for years to come.

— NCD