Miller Minutes: Farm Show and other fun in Butler County this weekend
Moo! Cluck! Baa! Vroom! Ding! Those are just some of the sounds you will hear if you show up to the Butler Farm Show this week.
Most residents consider this event a local staple and a family tradition. In some ways, it defines us. It represents what makes our county great and its greatest assets: agriculture, industry, livestock and family. These are the foundation for a thriving community, and we proudly show them off during a week of events sheltered among barns and dirt paths.
You’ll consume delightful fried fair food, from funnel cakes to fries, and then walk it off admiring the various exhibits decorated with ribbons. You’ll pet bunnies and goats, you’ll win goldfish and pocketknives, you’ll enjoy rides and carnival games, and even watch cars crash into each other at the demolition derby.
This is good, old-fashioned family fun at its finest. I would consider it the greatest event the county hosts all year. It supports the fields that feed us and the hands that work them. It shows that Butler, at its core, is a place where tradition is valued and celebrated.
So, put on your cowboy boots and drive on over to the Butler Farm Show grounds if you want a family fun-filled time.
And if none of that interests you, check out what else is going on in the list below.
Thursday
The Butler Farm Show has already begun on the grounds of 625 Evans City Road in Connoquenessing Township, and will continue until Saturday. See the hard work of farmers across our county, attend the concerts, figure-8 races and more. A daily pass, which includes rides, costs $10. For more information, visit butlerfarmshow.com. Admission to the figure-8 races comes at an additional cost.
Friday
The Butler Farm Show will feature a demolition derby Friday evening.
The Mars Shortline Railroad is turning 12. Celebrate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at 1 Brickyard Road with a train ride, games, sweet treats and more. A $5 donation per family is requested. The rain date is Aug. 15. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Divine Grace Parish’s White Elephant Sale, part of its annual Family Festival, starts at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road in Cranberry Township. Explore 15,000 square feet of steals and deals. For more information, visit divinegracepgh.org/white-elephant-sale.
Don’t miss your chance to try glow-in-the-dark stand-up paddleboarding at Moraine State Park, 229 Howes Run Road in Buffalo Township. The tour sets sail at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, for $79 per person. This tour is only for those 12 and older. For tickets and more information, visit surfsupadventures.com/glowsup.
Saturday
The Butler Farm Show continues through Saturday evening with fiddle playing, truck pulls and a performance by Z-Town Street Band.
Elliott Acres Therapy Riding is hosting its annual horse show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at 168 Headland Road, Summit Township. Attendance at the event is free. More information regarding the event, program and therapeutic riding is available at elliottacrestherapyriding.org.
Walk a mile to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 10 a.m. Saturday in Saxonburg. The fun starts at Magnolia Place of Saxonburg, 100 Bella Court, and will include access to vendors and education. Admission is suggested at $25 per person. To donate and register, visit finest.cff.org/pittsburghfinest/kellywaldman.
The annual food truck festival at Glade Run, 30 Glade Run Drive, Zelienople, lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be a car cruise, mini golf, drink tent, live music, kids zone, bake sale and more. See what it’s all about on the Facebook page.
Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s A Taste of the Symphony concert series offers a free concert every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. in Butler’s Diamond Park. This week’s performance features symphony performers Dennis Emert, Christie Kesckemethy and Bryan Helsel. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.
Pull into the car cruise at Sunnyview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 107 Sunnyview Circle in Butler Township, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There will be food, music, crafters and cool cars. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Evan City’s EDCO Pool is haunted! From 6 to 10 p.m., families can enjoy a spooky swimming experience, as well as games, food and music. Float over to 154 W. Main St. in Evans City, if you dare, and visit the event Facebook page for more information.
Support Butler’s Youth Football program by playing bingo at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge, 338 S. Main St., Butler. Tickets are $25 presale and $30 at the door. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
Sunday
Learn about the early days of education in Butler County during a tour of Foltz School, which sits across Route 8, near Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road in Brady township. A knowledgeable volunteer will be on site to walk you through from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.
Looking ahead
Adams Township is holding a community event featuring interactive CPR and defibrillator demonstrations by Quality EMS, as well as a touch-a-truck for children, is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 16 in partnership with Quality EMS, Adams Area Fire District and the Callery Fire Department.
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.
