Miller Minutes
It’s August.
The final push for summer fun. The last taste of freedom from worries and cares and cold weather.
This month has always been a long-anticipated one in Butler County, as big-ticket events make their presence known.
If you plan to attend everything this weekend, I commend you. You’re most likely an ambitious, industrious supporter of all-things local.
You’re also probably an expert on eventful weekend preparation, but I’d make sure you have a few important items.
First of all, an empty stomach. Most events have good eats to offer. Next, a good pair of walking shoes, maybe even waterproof ones (and maybe a swimsuit!). Third, a thirst for knowledge; you could learn a lot from someone at each of these events.
Finally, you better have a propensity for fun, because these events are jam-packed with something for everyone.
Also, pack an umbrella. Because if you pack one, it won’t rain, right?
Below are the events. Dare to try new things and also support some of the county’s longest-standing traditions!
The Portersville Steam Show revs up Thursday, Aug. 3, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 6. See portersvillesteamshow.com/events for a full weekend schedule.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concert takes place at noon every Friday this summer. On Friday, Aug. 4, enjoy the Sanzotti Family performance. 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.
The Butler Rib and Music Festival will take place at Pullman Park this year. From Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6, enjoy bands, food, children’s activities and more. For more information, visit butlerribandmusicfest.com. Admission is $7; parking is $5.
See Hobnob Theatre Company’s rendition of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at the amphitheater in Zelienople Community Park at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6. Tickets are available at hobnobtheatre.com.
Bands on Bricks in Slippery Rock will feature a local band and an artisan market starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at the corner of Main and New Castle streets.
The final Moonlight Swim and Dive-in Movie at Alameda Park will feature “Indiana Jones,” starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Admission is free for waterpark members and $5 for non-waterpark members.
The Moraine State Park Regatta features races, local vendors, a car cruise, fireworks and children’s activities on Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6. For more information, visit morainestateparkregatta.org.
Children in grades 1 through 8 can read to shelter cats at the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. To schedule a time, call 724-789-1150.
And last, but certainly not least, the Butler Farm Show kicks off with a 7 p.m. ceremony Sunday, Aug. 6. The event will be followed by fireworks. The Butler County family favorite then continues from Monday, Aug. 7, to Saturday, Aug. 12. See tractors pulls, demolition derbies and some of the best livestock around. Enjoy good, old-fashioned carnival food and games as well!
