Butler fair back in town, fun begins Friday
PROSPECT — The Big Butler Fair board of directors doubled premiums for this year’s competitions, which has led to more entrees and potentially a bigger crowd at the fair, which begins Friday, June 28 and runs through July 6.
Harold Dunn, secretary of the Butler Fair and Agricultural Association, said although it will cost the association a little more than the average year, the board considers it an investment into the future of the now 168-year-old event.
“We know how much it costs to bring families and animals and entrees and everything to the fair, so the board increased premiums significantly, and our exhibitors have responded,” Dunn said. “It’s about a 50% increase, but the board sees that as being an investment with our exhibitors, because they are a big part of the fair, and a big reason people come.”
Entering its 168th year, Dunn said the Big Butler Fair remains a popular yearly attraction for many people in Butler County and beyond. He said many of the same activities return year after year — with events such as the demolition derbies and hypnotist shows being continually popular — but those activities are a big reason people visit the fair each year.
The Powers & Thomas Carnival is returning to the fair for its 38th season, and Dunn said the company introduces a new ride or game on certain years. There will be numerous food and merchandise booths at the fair once again, plus entertainment like live music and performers.
Involved in the fair once again are Butler County 4-H groups, which stock and staff the petting zoo each year. Amy Metrick, Butler County 4-H educator, said children with 4-H clubs bring animals like rabbits, goats, sheep and alpacas, and the petting zoo helps raise money for the group.
“The petting zoo is actually our second biggest fundraiser we do for the county,” Metrick said. “It’s donations and then also the fair does give us a donation for having it as well.”
Animals and livestock are among the biggest draws for the fair, with many people and their animals traveling from across the state to compete.
Rich Gillock, of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, said the Big Butler Fair has become a must-attend event for harness racers across the state. The races take place Wednesday and Thursday before the fair fully opens, and Gillock said participation has grown because of increased prize money. Additionally, the fair boards horses, making the course on the fairgrounds popular year-round.
“This fair is getting to be one of the top in Pennsylvania,” Gillock said. “(Racers) do get points for exhibiting, so they can move on to different fairs throughout the summer. A lot of them will race every week in the Pittsburgh area.”
Aside from the fun and fellowship offered by the fair every year, Dunn said education remains at the forefront of the board’s mission. He said agricultural and farming education has always been part of the fair, and the board makes sure to shine a spotlight on farming activities each year to continue that mission.
“We want the public to see cows getting milked every day,” Dunn said. “That’s part of our mission, is to educate the public. We have more milking cows coming in, and people come in that main gate, that’s what they’re going to see.”
For more information on the Big Butler Fair, and for a full schedule of events, visit bigbutlerfair.com.
