Butler Farm Show logo (from BFS website)

With the annual Butler Farm Show just around the corner, there is a lot of excitement on the grounds, and soon there will be more space to increase the fun.

The Butler Farm Show Junior Board of Directors is taking lead on a new project to expand the camping area and antique show on three acres of purchased land.

The Farm Show bought the land three years ago, but the construction and design of the area are finally picking up.

“Last week we started clearing and hauling the dead trees we had to get out of there for safety reasons,” Ken Laughlin, Board of Directors President, said.

According to Ken Metrick, Board of Directors Secretary and adviser for the Junior Board, 26 trees were removed from the property to prepare for project progress after the Farm Show.

Once the Farm Show activities subside, the Junior Board will design and build a large picnic pavilion for public use and begin the design process for the campsite and antique show expansion.

“It’ll be a nice place to sit down in the shade,” Laughlin said. “And from there we’ll start laying out the most efficient way to get the most amount of campers in that area as we can.”

According to Laughlin, the project’s initial steps, getting permits and contracts lined up, have run without problems, and Metrick agrees.

“It’s just been no problem at all. It’s run very smooth,” Laughlin said.

“Everything you do, you have to jump through all the hoops,” Metrick said. “But we’re right on schedule. We’re right where we want to be.”

Even though the new land won’t be operational for this year’s Farm Show, Metrick expects to make progress this fall and next spring. He said the Junior Board will work with the goal to have the space open for use by the 2023 Farm Show.

“When we do things, we want to do them right, so we’re taking our time,” Metrick said.

Overall, Laughlin and everyone involved is excited about the new project. Laughlin said it is a positive addition to the grounds.

“It’s nice to have a little more freedom to make some changes on the grounds,” Laughlin said. “We’re always wanting to do something new.”