Festival helps Butler welcome fall
Signs of autumn include leaves falling, temperatures cooling and football on televisions. In Butler, those signs also include residents coming together to enjoy food, music and what Main Street and vendors from the area have to offer.
The city’s annual Fall Festival took place on Main Street between Wayne and Jefferson streets on Saturday, Sept. 27. It saw thousands of people basking in the community’s atmosphere, which included more than 140 craft, retail and food vendors; live music; a “car cruise” showing off vintage vehicles; and a children’s market giving children the opportunity to sell their own handmade products.
People could check out and buy artwork, homemade jewelry and crafts. Attendees could grab a lemonade or adult beverage and sit and enjoy live music at Diamond Park. Country musician Angie DeRose, acoustic string duo Jive Daisy and rock band the Snowbirds played to crowds enjoying the sunny but not-too-warm autumn day.
Among the vendors were local businesses and organizations, showing off what they had to offer.
“Things like this help promote businesses. We’re trying to pick up people who are interested in what we do,” Daniel Burns, president of Nevin’s Hunting Friends, said.
Melissa Weaver, who helps run a business called “Scentsy,” which sells fragrance and home decor products, said events like the Fall Festival benefit businesses in multiple ways. Connecting with others in such an environment, she said, is beneficial.
“The big thing about events is not necessarily just selling stuff. Yes I like to sell what I have, but it’s making connections. It is talking to people one-on-one. It is getting people interested. Now they know where to find you,” Weaver said. “It’s really about connecting.”
At the children’s entrepreneur market, children ages 5 to 17 were selling homemade cookies and brownies, bracelets, necklaces and other products.
“It’s been really good for the children. Everywhere we go, people seem to love it. It’s especially nice for the children to get out there in the community,” said Karen Page, whose son, Braden, was selling pins, magnets and stickers made with a 3D printer.
Temperatures haven’t entirely cooled down yet — it was around 70 degrees during the festival Saturday afternoon. But those in attendance were still glad to see fall has arrived.
“You see all of these people, even with their dogs coming out. You have all of these artistic people showing what they have to offer,” attendee Farrah Scott said. “It’s not too hot. It’s not rainy out. It’s nice.”
