Log pulling part of Butler Farm Show fun
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — As people stood in line waiting to buy a cup of lemonade and others screamed on spinning rides at the Butler Farm Show on Monday, Aug. 7, sisters Cheyenne and Jocelyn Simpson, both of East Brady, were slowly leading their horses around cones in a circle.
The log pull competition takes place annually at the farm show, and sees people lead horses through an obstacle course as they tug a block of wood behind them.
Ken Metrick, secretary of the Butler Farm Show board of directors, said many farmers and farm animal trainers work throughout the year to prepare for contests at the show, so some competitions this year will likely be hotly contested.
“It’s the roundup for 4-H and Future Farmers of America in Butler County,” Metrick said. “Thursday we have the big livestock auction, Friday night we have the Eagle Bowl winner.”
The farm show officially opened Monday, with the carnival firing up as well as the numerous vendors opening to sell to visitors. The show also hosts a number of live entertainment events and 4-H activities throughout the week, including competitions such as the horse log pull.
Metrick said much of the 75th annual Butler Farm Show has been planned for more than a year.
“I work year-round at it, I never put my books away,” Metrick said. “We’re actually planning two years out for things.”
Metrick also said many vendors return year after year to sell their wares at the Butler Farm Show, but it also rotates a few every time for various reasons.
“You always have a little percentage of change,” Metrick said. “There’s a lot of old-timers, but there is always new things.”
According to Metrick, the farm show has been able to continue for 75 years thanks to the constant interest of volunteers, from local area farmers and vendors to 4-H members and educators. He said the Junior Board of Directors is celebrating its own milestone this year — the 10th anniversary of its institution — a group of people ages 16 to 28 who will help make sure the farm show keeps going after its 75th anniversary.
“It’s just going to be an ongoing transition,” Metrick said. “We’re excited about the junior board — good bunch of people.”
The farm show continues through Saturday, Aug. 12.
