Miller Minutes with Butler Eagle reporter, Molly Miller

Though Butler County is land locked, this weekend will be spent on the high seas, with two ocean-inspired theater productions coming to venues near you.

Most people have a soft spot in their heart for Disney, and the Summer Dramatics Project’s triumphant return show “The Little Mermaid” may be just the ticket to cool you off in the heat.

Summer Dramatics Project has been on hiatus since the height of the pandemic. As someone who got their theatrical start in the program, I can tell you their absence was felt by younger performers.

They’ve been working hard to give you a good show. What a nice “welcome back” it’d be to support the next generation of stars at their shows.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. July 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. July 30 at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater. See what hard work the children have put in “under the sea!” Tickets are available at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com.

If you can’t get enough of characters named Ariel, you can head to Preston Park for Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” performed by Hobnob Theatre Company.

The term “tempest” refers to a storm, which takes center stage in this dramatic rendition of what some consider The Bard’s last work.

You may ask yourself, “how is it possible to create a storm on stage?” Well, you’ll just have to bring your foldout chair to the park and find out. (If you do, you may see a familiar face).

Purchase tickets for “The Tempest” on hobnobtheatre.com. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. July 28 to 30 in Preston Park and Aug. 4 to 6 in Zelienople’s Community Park.

If theater isn’t really your thing, you can check out other events in and around the county below.

√ The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is making an appearance at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 27 in the Zelienople Community Park, 402 E. Beaver St. Reserve a spot for you and your family using this link: forms.gle/X9HosaZ6RikCAU5T8.

√ Experience Bike Night at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 107 Sunnyview Center, Butler Township, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. The event is free and open to the public.

√ Dutilh Church’s flea market starts at noon on Friday, July 28, and at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29. Visit 1270 Dutilh Road, Cranberry Township, for deals on housewares, plants, clothes, toys and even homemade baked goods.

√ The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concert takes place at noon every Friday this summer. On Friday, July 28, enjoy the Northwest Passage Trumpet Trio. Listen to music via Facebook livestream, stop by the symphony’s office on Main Street to see them in action, or listen from Diamond Park in Butler.

√ From 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 28, visit Cranberry Township’s farmer’s market at the municipal center, 2525 Rochester Road. They operate every Friday until Sept. 29.

√ Mars Maker Market is a monthly event in Mars, featuring artisans, craft and food vendors. The event starts at 4 p.m. Friday, July 28.

√ Butler City Farmers Market operates from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 29 — and every Saturday until Oct. 28 — at 205 S. Chestnut St.

√ Celebrate the Bloom is located in the state’s only prairie, Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township. The event begins around 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29.

√ Petrolia is celebrating it’s 150th Birthday, and they’re inviting everyone to their party in the park on Cross Street from noon to 10 p.m. Walk the car show, watch the time capsule be opened, eat yummy food and listen to music. Bring a lawn chair.

√ The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, which offers children and adults with physical and mental disabilities a chance to play ball, is celebrating its 15th season Saturday with an All-Star Baseball Game at the Pirates Charities Miracle League Field at the UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park in Cranberry Township. Game begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by a concert.

√ The 12th annual Riding For The Cure kicks off Saturday morning at the 11th Frame Bar and Grille, 540 Fairground Hill Road, Butler Township. Motorcycles are optional. People are encouraged to stop by for a meal that will support the cause.

√ Jeff Harlan, founder and owner of Harlan's Elite Fitness will speak at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Tanglewood Center, 10 Austin Drive, Butler Township as part of a series of presentations by business people, presented by the Butler Art Center & Gallery, in collaboration with Butler Coffee Lab. Tickets are $15 and include refreshment. Learn more at butlerartcenter.org/upcoming-events.html.

√ From 12 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 29, the annual Rumble Car Show and BBQ will be held at the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s grounds at 210 Horne Ave. Join them for live music, food and entertainment.

√ Can’t get enough flowers? The Wildflower Festival at Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia announced their second weekend, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29 and continuing on Sunday, July 30. Admission is $10.

√ Concordia Lutheran Care Center, 134 Marwood Road, Jefferson Township, is once again holding it’s annual summer festival from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30. There will be a doo wop band, a car cruise, a traditional worship service at 4 p.m. and children’s activities like the Fishing Derby, games and more! For more information, visit concordialm.org/events.