Butler Farm Show kicks off Aug. 5, offering hot air balloon rides
There is always a desire to keep things fresh, particularly as the Butler Farm Show prepares for its 76th year. Ken Laughlin, president of the farm show board, said looking for new ideas and events is a combined effort among board members.
“We always try to be creative to bring in new things,” Laughlin said.
One of the additions this year is partnering with Butler Ballooning to offer hot air balloon rides.
“People will be able to see what it is like for balloons to go up and down and the science of how it works,” Laughlin said. “It will be weather dependent.”
The Butler Farm Show runs Aug. 5 through 10. Gates open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The tent gate opens Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at noon.
Anyone buying advance tickets can purchase six tickets for $50 at the Farm Show office until Aug. 4.
Butler Ballooning owner Dan Claudon was happy to help out when the farm show board approached him with the idea. He said the balloon rides will be tethered rides, where the balloons are attached to vehicles by ropes.
The balloons will go 50 to 75 feet in the air depending on wind conditions.
“People tend to love it,” Claudon said. “Especially as it gets dark. The balloons glow as it gets closer to darkness.”
Festivities start Aug. 3 with a Little Miss 4-H Butler Farm Show & Little Miss Butler Farm Show Contest at Armstrong Auditorium.
Throughout the week, the farm show features performances by the Moogician, a banjo-playing funny man; the World of Animals show; Mike Klee, a balloon artist/magician; and Doug Ox Dynasty, a team of full-grown working oxen.
On Aug. 5 is a watermelon eating contest at 6:30 p.m.
Laughlin anticipates nearly 50,000 spectators to attend the farm show throughout the week. In addition to balloon rides, there will be longtime staples such as 4-H demonstrations, live music, a demolition derby and figure eight races.
Wristbands for the demolition derby have to be purchased separately. The arena where the derby is held holds 4,000 people, and demand always exceeds the amount of space available.
“Our biggest event is the demo derby and the big tractor pull,” Laughlin said. “We also have the figure eight race on Thursday, which is another devotional derby event.”
Laughlin estimates there will be 1,000 animals on the grounds during the farm show.
“I’m looking forward to the show overall, there isn’t one event that stands out above everything else,” Laughlin said. “I’m most anxious to hear about the 4-H projects and to see the kids show off their 4-H projects. It’s exciting to see people talk about their projects and show off their work.”
For more information, including a full schedule of events and details on how to buy tickets, visit butlerfarmshow.com.
