Miller Minutes
That eclipse was sure something, huh?
I know you’re probably all sick of hearing about it, but as someone who went to Erie to watch it, I feel it is my duty to describe it to you.
The morning was bleak. As rain pelted down on the lines of cars entering Erie County, a lot of people were afraid they wouldn’t get to see the eclipse. The clouds thankfully parted just before 2 p.m., leaving it warm and windy.
When the world went dark, it became significantly colder on the beach of Presque Isle. The lack of sunlight warped the colors on your clothes; the sand looked like part of a black and white photo.
But out across the lake, it looked like the horizon was on fire. Pinks, yellows and orange seemed to be bursting out of where Canada should be. Those on the beach were hooting and hollering, pulling out their cameras. And then in what seemed like a second, it was all over.
My experience in Erie definitely offered some artistic inspiration. I’m not a painter, a photographer or even a songwriter, so the best I could do was describe it to you loyal readers here in this column.
I know it seems like the “big event” of the week already happened, but Butler County is cooking up some events that last longer than a few seconds, and so, rival the great Solar Eclipse of Monday.
In fact, with how much is taking place this weekend, I’d say we have officially outrun the winter blues.
Prospect Community Library’s book and bake sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 11 to 13. Browse books, records, CDs, game cartridges and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. over the course of the sale at 357 Main St., Prospect.
Slippery Rock Area High School’s production of “Newsies” is taking the stage at 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. Purchase tickets at showtix4u.com.
In honor of National Poetry Month, the Pump House in Munhall, 880 East Waterfront Drive, is hosting An Evening of Working Class Poetry from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Program is free with registration at tinyurl.com/3p8esknu.
See an earthenware clay sculpture demonstration by Gadi Leshem, a Mars-area artist, at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 Fifth Ave., New Brighton.
Attend CranFest, a celebration of cultural diversity, in the Cranberry Township Municipal Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event is free and open to the public.
See the Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s concert “The Music of John Williams” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium. Purchase tickets via butlersymphony.org.
Interested in participating in Freeport Theatre Festival’s summer season? Attend their call for talent from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg. For more information, visit freeporttheatrefestival.org.
See the latest Keystone Opry concert featuring Echo Valley and The Next Paige on Saturday. There are performances at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at keystoneopry.com.
Boy Scout Troop 19 is having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at 121 Sparks Ave. Dine in or take out for $10.
Auditions for Butler Little Theatre’s final show of the season, “Ripcord,” will be at 6 p.m. Sunday or 7 p.m. Monday. There is no need to prepare anything, as auditioners will be reading from the script. For more information on the comedy show and the available roles, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.
Bachelor of fine arts students at Slippery Rock University are exhibiting their work in the Martha Gault Art Gallery on campus, 108 Maltby Ave., throughout April. For more information on showtimes, visit sru.edu and click on the “Life at SRU” and “Arts and Culture” tabs.
Purchase tickets for the Dinner Dancing & Diamonds, the Butler Symphony’s 75th Gala Celebration to be held April 21 at the Butler Country Club. To reserve your spot or find more information, visit butlersymphony.org.
