Butler Farm Show off to a strong start
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — Overcast skies and some sprinkles didn’t dampen the opening day spirit of the 69th annual Butler Farm Show on Monday.
Vendors were in the process of setting up their tents, and 4-H student exhibits were just getting started, said Kevin Loomis, president of the Farm Show’s board of directors.
“This is your typical Monday,” he said. “People are coming in, exhibitors are showing up, and we have some shows going on already.”
Loomis said nearly 1,100 entries were made for 4-H shows throughout the week — including dairy cattle, beef cattle, steers, lambs, pigs, chickens and goats.
Students in 4-H will show their animals in several categories — including a showmanship award — which Loomis said combines not only the animal’s appearance, but also how the students handle the animals.
“The judge will have a list of questions to ask each student, so they have to be very familiar and knowledgeable about their animal,” Loomis said.
More than 300 commercial exhibitors were also set to showcase their wares in both outside and indoors venues — everything from Tupperware to outdoor metal buildings, water companies, tractors, sheds, equipment, automobiles, spas and pools — Loomis said.
“We are full,” he said. “We have a waiting list as far as space, which is great. Everyone is always wanting to get in here and we are very blessed that we have enough to fill the place.”
While Monday was opening day for the public, the show kicked off on Saturday with the annual Little Miss 4-H Butler Farm Show and Little Miss Butler Farm Show contest.
Judy Kennedy, coordinator for the contest, said seven girls, between the ages of 8 and 10, were judged by several former Farm Show, Butler Fair and other fair queens in several categories, including stage presence, an interview by the pageant director and discussion of a poster that was created as part of the contest on the topic “What I Like Most About the Butler Farm Show.”
Loomis said some new additions — and returning favorites — were in store for visitors throughout the week, including the second year of the oxen demonstration, the second year of the monster truck rollover contest event that was held on Monday, the first celebrity rabbit hopping contest, and the power wheel demolition derby.
“We have rides, carnival food stands, arena events, the demo derby,” he said. “It’s not just a farm show, agriculture is our No. 1 thing, but we have something for everybody.”
Loomis said the weather report is looking favorable for the week, and he expects between 48,000 and 50,000 people to attend throughout the six-day event.
A full story will appear in the Butler Eagle.
