Butler Fall Festival fills Main Street with handcrafted items, food, fun
The coordinators of the 2023 Butler Fall Fest couldn’t have received better weather for their event even if they could order it.
The bright and sunny — but not swelter — weather on Saturday provided the perfect atmosphere for shoppers perusing the dozens of tents set up on Main Street from the county courthouse to Penn Street.
Everything from unique clothing to handmade wooden signs to clay jewelry to professional caricatures, plus an array of tempting foods, greeted those who attended the festival between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
A Kids Zone and live music rounded out the popular festival.
Johnny Hays, of Butler, brought his 1999 Chevy Tahoe to the festival’s car cruise, as he drives the rig in figure 8 races at Lernerville, the Big Butler Fairgrounds and the Butler Farm Show.
A waist-up skeleton named Fred is wired to the vehicle’s push bar, and a stuffed Harley Queen sits in the driver’s seat.
But it’s Hays’ own costume that turned heads at the festival, as he dressed in a the bright purple suit and makeup of The Joker.
“My figure 8 car is called The Joker, so I figured I might as well dress the part,” Hays said. “I’m just here to have some fun.”
Al and Ann Miller, of Jackson Township, brought their Pomeranian, Muffin, to the festival.
Al, whose ball cap identified him as a Vietnam veteran, appreciates the classic cars at the festival, while Ann, who is a crafter, likes to look at the handmade items for sale.
“She likes to compare,” Al said.
Ann said the couple attends the festival with their pooch most years.
“It’s a nice day out and it’s not something you’re going to see every weekend,” she said.
Carter Tosadori, 9, of Butler Township, perused the dragons and colorful “dragon eggs” at a unique booth.
“If you put something in front of me that is very shiny, I would try to take it,” Carter said.
Diane Winterhalter, of Pittsburgh, attended the festival before the coronavirus pandemic, and returned with her husband and two adult daughters on Saturday.
“It’s just a great way to get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and people before winter sets in,” she said.
Rachel Huyler, of East Butler, attended in a T-shirt reading “Flannels, pumpkins and bonfires.”
Huyler said she loves wearing hoodies and keeping the evening chill away at a bonfire in the fall.
“I decorated for fall on Sept. 1st,” she said.
Huyler attends the Butler Fall Festival every year, and gravitates toward handmade items, like the fall hoodie she bought at the festival that displays horror movie legend Michael Myers.
She said festivals are important because mom-and-pop vendors who handcraft their items have a chance to put their talent on display.
“I love fall festivals and craft shows,” she said.
Simeon Rhodaberger, 11, worked at the St. Paul Catholic School booth on Saturday, which sold various food items and soft drinks.
He explained, with his mom’s help, that the booth was a fundraiser for his school.
Simeon marked down orders as they came in and picked up some retail experience by working the cash box.
He also helped set up the booth and planned to assist in tearing down when the festival ended.
“I’m meeting lots of nice people and having fun,” Simeon said.
