Miller Minutes: Weekend events galore
What has 36 smiles, 72 high-kicking legs and shimmering pompoms?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Since the release of the Netflix documentary series last month called “America’s Sweethearts,” the good, bad and ugly realities of the dance world have been thrust into the spotlight.
The teased hair, bold makeup, rigorous training exercises, diets and tears were not new to me as a performer, but those who were not exposed to that culture may walk away with negative opinions.
Criticisms about the methods of the cheerleaders for achieving perfection have flown about left and right since the documentary’s release. Memes of folks with little to no dance experience attempting to perform the famous “Thunderstruck” routine have graced social media as well. Both groups have something in common: Whether you loved it or you hated it, the show is a unique glimpse into the creation of an iconic brand, legendary routines and a historic pair of boots.
Through the use of personal stories from rookie dancers and clips depicting the difficult journey toward the uniform, the documentary is an example of how much hard work goes into the makings of something memorable, and the impact art can have on the world.
Striving for excellent art is to be commended, especially when it makes the group so admired (or often imitated but never equaled).
So, if you haven’t seen “America’s Sweethearts” yet, you totally should. But there are enough events going on this weekend to keep you busy as it is. Check them out here.
Thursday
Community Days in Cranberry Township start at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 11 and 12, and at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Experience carnival rides, food, vendors, fireworks and more at the community park, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive. Various events will take place in conjunction with Community Days. For a full schedule and more information, visit yourctcc.org/attend.
The Martinis with Monet art show officially opened with a reception Wednesday, July 10, at the Cranberry Artists Network gallery in the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road. The show will run through Aug. 22. For more information, visit the network’s website, cranberryartistsnetwork.com.
Friday
See Freeport Theatre Festival’s performance of the show “Tusks & Tails” at 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 12 to 14, at the venue, 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg, near Freeport. Shows will continue over the following two weekends. Tickets cost $15 for general admission, $12 for veterans and seniors, and $10 for students and are available at freeporttheatrefestival.org. Active military personnel receive free admission.
The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh group is hosting a Star Party at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park, 1090 Baileys Run Road, Tarentum. The event is weather dependent. Visitors will have an opportunity to view the First Quarter Moon, star clusters and more. For more information or questions, call 724-224-2510.
Saturday
Join in the Community Chase 5K and Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Cranberry Township’s community park, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive. Registration will be available an hour before the race. For more information, visit yourctcc.org.
The Butler VA is holding its first Veteran Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center, 353 N. Duffy Road, Butler. All veterans, service members and their families and caregivers are invited to attend. The event will feature a vehicle cruise, resource fair and lawn games.
Children can try their hand at nature photography alongside their parents or guardians through a program starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township. The event includes hands-on activities for participants and helpful tips. Make sure to bring a digital or phone camera of your own! The event will be canceled in the event of severe rain. Registration is required through the Butler County Parks and Recreation website.
Allison Park Church’s Butler Campus intends to spread love, acceptance and especially hope at its Day of Hope from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane, Butler Township.
The Wild Flower Festival is back at Freedom Farms at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia, Middlesex Township. Admission is $10 and includes access to the flower fields, children’s activities and more. For more information, visit freedomfarmspa.com/wildflowerfestival.
A Taste of the Symphony, a summer music series hosted by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, kicks off at noon in Diamond Park, 108 S. Main St., Butler. The Swing Syndicate will be performing. Admission to the concert is free, and there will be vendors set up at the park. For more information, visit the symphony’s website.
The 23rd annual Mega Car Cruise is happening from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport, 475 West Airport Road, Penn Township. There is a $2 entry donation requested to access the food, karaoke, auctions and fireworks, which will be at 9:50 p.m. For more information, visit the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department’s page on Facebook.
The Seven Fields Beer, Wine & Music Festival starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, in the Town Park, 380 Castle Creek Drive. The event is only for those age 21 and older, and pets are not permitted. Hear live music and taste good spirits. Purchase tickets in advance for $10 until 4 p.m. Friday at sevenfields.org, or pay $15 cash at the door.
Sunday
Step back in time when you visit the historic Foltz School. The one-room school house just off Route 8 near Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, will be open for touring from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tours are free. For more information, visit Jennings’ page at dcnr.pa.gov.
A cruise of classic cars is taking place from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at St. Conrad’s Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler Township. There will be a DJ, food, raffles and more. All proceeds benefit the All Saints Parish. For more information, visit the parish page on Facebook.
Purchase tickets for the Summer Dramatics Project’s production of the musical “Oklahoma,” which premieres the weekend of July 26 at the Succop Theater on the Butler County Community College campus. Tickets cost $18 for premium seating and $15 for general reserved seating. Tickets are available at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com.
The week ahead
Looking ahead to next week, residents may take interest in spectating at the Can-Am Police-Fire Games, a multisport Olympic-style event featuring more than 500 first responders from Canada and the United States. The event makes its Butler County debut Monday, July 15, and continues through Sunday, July 21.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
