Miller Minutes
With air quality fluctuating every day, it’s become a challenge to take a daily walk or participate in outdoor summer activities.
I feel like Mary Poppins would have a lot to say about that.
Think about it: The flying nanny was working in a time when London smog was a daily occurrence. She probably had to come up with lots of indoor activities to keep Michael and Jane entertained.
Most of us don’t have magic up our sleeve like Mary, but there are still ways to have fun when you’re bored inside, or on a budget.
Board games are always a good idea, but what about painting? Or visiting a local art gallery or museum?
Despite all that’s going on outside in Butler County, let’s not forget the endless amounts of art to be found indoors as well. Historical displays, musical performances, shows and more can await you on a day with less-than-ideal air quality or weather.
You can use this column for future reference (for a rainy day, if you will), because this weekend seems to be a great one for outdoor activities. Take a look at the following events.
The Big Butler Fair continues through Saturday, July 8.
Learn about hummingbirds and how to attract them at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Moraine State Park. The program is $20, cash only at the event, and preregistration is required at eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov. Meet at pavilion 7 at McDanel’s Boat Launch area.
Watch people chase their dreams in the Zelienople Bed Race at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at the intersection of Spring and High streets. All benefits from the race go to Zelienople Area Public Library.
Harmony’s concert series takes place in the town square at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6. This performance by the Allegheny Brass Band will be followed by fireworks. Take a lawn chair.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concert takes place at noon every Friday this summer. On July 7, the featured musical guests are Lynea and Bryan. Listen to music via Facebook livestream, stop by the symphony’s office on Main Street to see them in action, or listen from Diamond Park in Butler.
At the corner of Main and New Castle Streets in Slippery Rock, Bands on Bricks is back at the First Fridays event at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 7. See Hot Rod Willie in the gazebo shop the local artisans set up at the same time.
The Mars Reptile Expo lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Mars’ Veterans of Foreign Wars, 331 Mars-Valencia Road.
See a historical demonstration of the Muddy Creek Oil Well from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the State Parks Region Two office, 95 Park Road, Prospect.
Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department’s car cruise at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport, 473 Airport Road in Penn Township, will run from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 8.
Foltz School will be open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 9. You can access the school via the intersection of Weeks Road and Route 8. Parking is limited, with additional parking at Jennings Environmental Education Center. All those who park at Jennings will have to cross Route 8 on foot, which is not recommended for young children.
Children in grades one to five can read to cats at the Butler County Humane Society’s Shelter Buddies event Sunday, July 9. Call 724-789-1150 to schedule a time.
Cranberry Artists Network’s show Martinis with Monet runs from Wednesday, July 12, to Aug. 24. An opening reception will be held at 7 p.m. July 12 in the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road, to celebrate the opening.
