Miller Minutes

Independence Day always brings a few core patriotic figures to mind.

The first is George Washington. I would argue he was the coolest president: a war hero who could never tell a lie, standing at 6 feet, 2 inches, with red hair and a mouthful of fake teeth. Not to mention he has the greatest song in the musical “Hamilton” (if you haven’t heard the song “One Last Time,” go take a listen).

The other person that comes to my mind every Fourth of July is a tad unconventional: Martina McBride. Mainly because of her song “Independence Day.” With the lyrics of the chorus starting with “Let freedom ring … let the white dove sing … ” you can’t help but feel a rush of patriotism.

Isn’t that what we should all be feeling at this time? We, as Americans, can at least be proud that we broke free of British rule all those years ago.

So, to celebrate Independence Day, I’ve created a little playlist for your pool party, cookout or campfire this weekend. Hopefully it will help you reflect on the importance of this day in history.

This could also serve as the soundtrack to whatever event you decide to attend this weekend in Butler County. See what’s going on below.

Saxonburg’s Independence Day festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company carnival grounds. Buses will shuttle attendees between the grounds and parking at New Life Christian Ministries church, 139 Knoch Road, until 11 p.m. Fireworks will be set off from the grounds starting at 9 p.m.

The North Country Trail Association is holding a short hike at 7:30 p.m. to see West Sunbury’s fireworks display. Meet at the Route 308 Trailhead, 1347 West Sunbury Road in West Sunbury. Hikers should bring a flashlight or headlight and a camp chair or blanket, as well as any snacks they would like to have during the event. Register for the hike by emailing but@northcountrytrail.org, and provide your name, phone number and your interest in the fireworks hike.

Zelienople’s Community Day is an all-day affair. Start off strong by watching or participating in the Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m. in the park, 402 E. Beaver St., then head over to Main Street for the 11 a.m. parade. There’s free swimming in the park pool, live music, food trucks, a performance by the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, and fireworks at dusk. For a complete itinerary, visit the event Facebook page.

Celebrate Independence Day in Mars from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be vendors, live music, food and beverages galore. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Slippery Rock is celebrating Independence Day from 4 to 10 p.m. on Main Street. This event will feature vendors, live music and a fireworks display (of course). For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

The Big Butler Fair is still going strong. If you’re looking for a place to play, eat and spectate all day, this event is for you. It has concerts, derbies, contests and entertainment galore at 1127 New Castle Road, Franklin Township. Tickets are $9 online, and children 6 and younger enter free. Ride passes are $30 each. Independence Day fireworks will be set off at 9 p.m. For more information, bigbutlerfair.com/tickets.

The City of Butler’s fireworks display starts at dusk from Historic Pullman Park. You should be able to see them from almost anywhere in the city.

Old-fashioned American fun will be abundant at Harrisville’s Community Day. Main Street will host a parade at 11 a.m., with opening remarks taking place at 2:30 p.m. There also will be a tug-of-war, potato sack race, bounce house, face painting, food and more at Harrisville Community Park on Wick Avenue. Fireworks go off at dusk. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

The free Taste of the Symphony concert series is 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 Majestic Brass. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

Evans City’s EDCO Park is the place to be for Red, White and Pool Night at 9 p.m. Fireworks will be set off at dusk, so be sure to be splashing around the pool at 154 W. Main St. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

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.