Can-Am athletes enjoy Butler County
SLIPPERY ROCK — “I haven’t seen this many hills in my life.”
So said Jack Rush, 32, of Fort Robinson, Ontario, after completing a 5K race as part of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games on Saturday.
But in terms of Butler County, he likes what he sees overall.
“This is an absolutely beautiful area,” Rush said. “I love the greenness of everything, that lake over at Moraine (State Park) … everything seems so peaceful here, the people so friendly and welcoming.”
John McKenna, 64, of Illinois, described Butler County’s setting as “unique” in that “everything is so spread out, yet there’s so much to do and enjoy here. Coming from Chicago, it’s nice just to see so much grass and so many trees.
“We ate at the Apple Butter Inn and were very impressed. This is a great place to unwind.”
McKenna’s wife, Kathy, agreed.
“It’s so quiet and quaint, nothing like Chicago,” she said.
Christopher Harper, of Indianapolis, took his family to the Keystone Safari, saying: “We all loved it.”
He loved Slippery Rock University as well.
“I’m impressed by this school and the facilities here,” Harper said. “I wish I knew about Slippery Rock years ago. I’d have loved to come and play football here.”
Alex Daigle, of Ontario had only been in town for 12 hours, but quickly formed an opinion on his surroundings.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “What a getaway trip this is. I can’t wait to see more of it.”
Laura Neil, wife of competitor Dale Neil, of Ontario, said her husband has competed all over the United States ad Canada.
As for Butler County?
“We love it here,” she said. “The hills, the trees, the easy access to everything, it’s beautiful. These games have been so well organized and the area is simply gorgeous.”
Kate Galamiyeva, of Ontario, hails from the Toronto area and referred to her trip to Butler County as a welcome change.
“Toronto is a nice city, but it’s very busy,” she said. “So many cars and buildings … I like being able to go up against top competition while surrounded by green. When you live in a rural community, maybe that’s not appreciated as much because you’re used to it.
“For me, the people and this area have been wonderful.”
