Miller Minutes with Eagle correspondent, Molly Miller

For more than a month, a group of Butler County students have been tirelessly running lines, blocking scenes, learning choreography and singing “Oklahoma!” at the top of their lungs.

Their hard work pays off this weekend as Summer Dramatics presents the golden age musical “Oklahoma!” for one weekend only at the Butler County Community College.

But it’s not only the students in the cast that put a great deal into these performances. There are many unsung heroes that contribute to what you’re about to see. There are parents who drive their children back and forth to practices, help acquire costumes, and maybe even work backstage telling the cast to be quiet during scenes. There are the volunteers who provide makeup, sit in the orchestra pit, run the lights and sound, and stage crews. There are folks selling flowers, passing out programs and helping you find your seat.

The work of each of these individuals is usually forgotten once the lights go down.

If my years in Butler Summer Dramatics shows taught me anything, it is that no part is too small and no person unimportant within the theater. Many people encourage the students to be the best they can and work hard to give them a show they can be proud of at the end of the summer.

I want you to see the musical with this in mind: As a supporter of performance art students and the existence of local theaters at large, I can tell you organizations like Summer Dramatics do not exist everywhere, even though they should. So you should take some time out of your weekend to see “Oklahoma!,” and even give a standing ovation if you feel led to it.

And remember: When you clap, you are giving these students a thrill that will carry them throughout the rest of their musical careers and maybe spur them on to larger stages beyond Succop Theater. Furthermore, you’re not only clapping for them, but everyone behind the scenes.

See the event options following here for more ways to fill your time this weekend in Butler County.

West Fest at Sprankle’s Woods, 340 Riemer Road, Jefferson Township, starts at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, and continues through Sunday, July 28. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Watch trick ropers and horse riders, shop vendors and food, and see how the West was won during this rootin’-tootin’ occasion. Tickets cost $5; children age 12 and younger enter free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook.

Laurey, played by Mia McGrady, left, and Curly, played by Jack Iole, take the stage in the Summer Dramatics Project production of “Oklahoma!” Michael Dittman/Submitted Photo

Purchase tickets for the Summer Dramatics Project’s production of the musical “Oklahoma!” which premieres Friday, July 26, and continues through Sunday, July 28 at the Succop Theater on Butler County Community College campus. Tickets cost $18 for premium seating and $15 for general reserved seating. These can be purchased at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com.

Hobnob Theatre’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues its performances at 6:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to 415 S. Eberhart Road in Butler Township and purchase tickets at hobnobtheatre.com/events.

Saturday

Riding for the Cure is scheduled to take off from the Lyndora American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Lane in Butler Township, on Saturday, July 27. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and kickstands go up at 11 a.m. to begin the roughly 100 mile journey with four stops along the way.

Bill Best and Rose Brunner, of Prospect, pull into the staging area for Riding for the Cure event at the 11th Frame Bar and Grille in 2023. Butler Eagle File Photo

Celebrate the Bloom is your chance to experience the state’s only prairie at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, at its fullest. The event includes access to workshops, artists, food vendors, tours and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27. See the beautiful blazing star flower and even take the opportunity to tour the historic Foltz School House, which sits across Route 8 from the center. Visit celebratethebloom.com for more information.

Start your holiday shopping early at the Christmas in July craft and vendor show in Preston Park, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 415 S. Eberhart Road, Butler Township. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

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. Jacob Glath and Quin Coltman will be performing on jazz guitar and saxophone. Admission to the concert is free, and there will be vendors set up at the park. For more information, visit the symphony’s website.

Car enthusiasts of all ages had the opportunity to see a variety of custom cars, trucks, motorcycles, street rods and hot rods at a previous Mars Rumble car show. Butler Eagle File Photo

The fifth annual Mars Rumble car show lasts from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday on Grand Avenue in the borough. There will be sweet rides, live music, good food and good times to be had. For more information, check out the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.

EDCO Park in Evans City is hosting a Christmas in July themed night swim from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the pool, 154 W. Main St.

Children and parents can register for the “Oh Deer!” event at Alameda Park in Butler Township, which includes a night hike, discussion about deer habits and favorite foods, survival strategies and more. The program begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jaycee’s Shelter in the park, 184 Alameda Park Road. Bring water and appropriate footwear! Register for the free event at bcpr.recdesk.com.

If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.