Miller Minutes: ‘If you’re bored, it’s your fault’
With rainy, gloomy weather reigning over Butler recently, I can’t help but feel like we’re closer to Halloween than we are to Independence Day.
You may know Butler County is home to plenty of spooky stories and famous dead people, and for being the filming location of the classic zombie film “Night of the Living Dead.” But, you may not know this weekend is the perfect opportunity to learn about our county’s scary and jovial history alike at Butler County History Day.
Not only have our woods hosted the likes of George Washington, but this county is home to several restored historic schoolhouses, lofty family estates and famous former religious societies, like the Harmonists. You can visit the four corners of Butler this weekend and get free admission to museums and access to local historical societies and historic sites if you participate on Saturday.
Having attended one of these History Day events in the past, I can promise you each site is entertaining and exciting, offering new information about places you probably drive past without taking a second glance.
If history isn’t your thing, or you can’t spare a moment Saturday, there are plenty of events going on Thursday through Sunday. If you’re bored, it’s your fault!
See Hobnob Theatre’s Improv Troupe perform at Tannin and Tonic, 126 N. Main St., Butler, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19. The show is for audiences 21 and older, but will include lots of silliness and laughter. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.
It’s the Dog Days of Summer at Foodie Friday and Moon Markets on Friday in Butler. Craft vendors will be set up starting at 5 p.m. and food trucks will be set up at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of 205 N. Main St. Pets are welcome as this is an outdoor event. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Experience the Old West at Sprankle Woods this Friday and Saturday for West Fest. There will be old-timey music, demonstrations, magic shows, vendors, food and more to enjoy beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday at 340 Riemer Road in Winfield Township. Tickets are $5 for general admission, and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit spranklewoods.com.
If you like the musicals “Company,” “Follies” or “A Little Night Music,” you should definitely be at the opening of Musical Theatre Guild’s next show, “Side by Side by Sondheim.” The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday in the performance center in Butler Memorial Park, 100 Memorial Drive. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at mtgbutler.org.
Butler County History Day gives you the chance to explore historic sites in your own backyard. Several local museums and historical sites — like the Little Red Schoolhouse, Harmony Museum and Saxonburg Museum — will be offering free admission and talks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For a complete list of participating historic sites, visit experiencebutler.com/history-day.
Celebrate the life of Tyler Coon and benefit the Wounded Warrior Project by attending a memorial car show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Country Brewing Company, 111 Arrowhead Drive, Slippery Rock. Admission to enter a car or bike into the show is $5. There will be raffles, food, drinks and music. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
The Taste of the Symphony concert series is for the enjoyment of all. Enjoy a free concert every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. this summer in Butler’s Diamond Park thanks to the Butler County Symphony Orchestra. This week’s performance is by vocalist Sarah Bishop. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.
Cruise-A-Palooza will be taking over Butler’s Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Come on out to see the cars, Elvis impersonator, bands, vendors and more. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
