Natalie Beilstein and Iverson Beilstein, 7, of Butler, get some fresh lemonade Friday evening at Foodie Friday in downtown Butler. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Clouds did not deter crowds from this year’s first Foodie Friday on Main Street, bringing people from around Butler County and Pittsburgh to sample local foods, international eats and carnival staples for the lively kickoff of the summer season.

Seasoned visitors and first-timers alike formed queues outside familiar favorites like Rescue Dogs and Haitian food truck Sak Pasé.

Outside the Butler Area Public Library, a “kid zone” was organized, with activities like a bean bag toss and a spinning wheel of creative “would-you-rather” questions for older children to participate in. This is the first year that the library has tied its community outreach to Foodie Fridays, and the focal point is engaging children.

“Each week or each month we’re going to have a gaming area,” said Lori Hinderliter, Butler library executive director.

Emma Davanzati, 17, and Miranda Brandon, 21, work on Main Street. They frequent Foodie Fridays each year, drawn to the atmosphere of people walking together in downtown.

“People have such good community vibes,” Brandon said.