History of the Butler Farm Show
In 1947, a plowing contest was held on the Jack Roe property in Meridian.
This was the birth of an idea to get the city folk, business owners and farmers together to better understand one another. Some farm organizations sponsored the educational program.
The idea was so well received that it was decided to form an organization to keep the event alive. The organization became the Butler Farm Show Inc., in 1948.
A constitution and bylaws were written with the aid of the Butler County Extension Service, interested in the county youth through the 4-H clubs and the Vocational Agricultural Division of the Future Farmers Association. Several lawyers were interested enough to donate their services.
The bylaws were designed in such a way to ensure that no one person or group could ever gain complete control or benefit financially from the farm show.
All income is returned for payment of debts or improvements. All directors are unpaid and volunteer their services in many capacities.
The board is a diverse group coming from agriculture, agribusiness, retail business, banking, finance and industry. They work hard all year to plan and implement the farm show exhibits and entertainment.
As acreage became available, several tracts were purchased, and, at present, over 100 acres are owned by the Butler Farm Show.
About 12 years after the founding of the farm show, the grass airstrip on the grounds was replaced with a 2,200-foot blacktopped airstrip, which was named in honor of W.L. Roe, who contributed a great deal to the show. The Meridian Fire Company food stand was built the same year.
The farm show has steadily grown through the years. In 1956 the land was cleared for a 3½ acre lake; this was in the long-range plans to make the farm show grounds a year-round recreational area.
The Agricultural Building was constructed the same year, adding 12,000 square feet of indoor space for exhibits.
In 1958, three permanent barns were added, providing 15,000 square feet to be used year-round.
In 1977-78, the horse and sheep barns were completed, and in 1984 the beef barn.
Other improvements over the years have been beautification of the main entrance, arena, pilots’ lounge, restrooms adjacent to the arena, water system and paved roads. In 1989 and 1991, new exhibit halls were built for more commercial displays.
An additional 5 acres of wooded land at the southern end of the airstrip was purchased in 1993 with the help of a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Bureau of Aviation. The interior of the horse barn was remodeled, and roof repairs on the sheep and horse barns were made, along with the repairs on roads and walkways.
In 1994, the CB Rangers Building was purchased for a permanent office.
In 1995-97, the present grandstand was built in sections as funds permitted; also a new milking parlor was constructed in 1995 at the dairy complex.
A permanent rabbit barn was built in 1998. Space was leased for cell towers to be erected, providing some additional annual income. One of the biggest projects for the farm show was the construction of a large permanent office complex to house offices for the United States Department of Agriculture. A long-term lease was signed with the USDA, providing another source of year-round income. The Meridian Fire Co. Building was another structure that was totally renovated. With the acquisition of a new tenant, the building is now a full-service, sit-down restaurant during the annual farm show. Electric poles and access panels are constantly being upgraded.
The first step of computerization began in the premium office in 2002, and as of 2014, all aspects of the farm show, including finances, were completely computerized. To better aid the vendors and exhibitors, Wi-Fi was added on the grounds as well. New air-conditioned ticket booths were built for all four public entrances and both grandstand entrances. In 2014 a permanent ticket booth was constructed at the main entrance. This structure also housed the security quarters and the first aid office.
Grounds improvements continue yearly. In 2015 the main concession road was widened and electric poles were replaced and relocated to behind the food stands rather than along the road in the front of them. New water hydrants were installed eliminating hoses being laid across walkways.
In 2017, trees were removed from the perimeter of the property at the Buttercup Road entrance and adjacent to the airport, and permanent fencing was installed to secure the borders of the property. Also in 2017, an additional 3 acres with a house and garage were purchased, enabling much-needed expansion to the grounds near the Buttercup Road entrance. Through a generous gift from the Sylvania Foundation, a show pavilion was constructed in 2019 for the dairy and goat shows.
In 2013 the Board of Directors voted to form a junior board. The purpose was to instill in those aged 16 to 24 the values that the farm show was founded upon and pass along this heritage and culture so they are well equipped to maintain the farm show for future generations.
Today, as in 1947, the goals remain the same: to bring the city, farm and business people together for a better understanding of our special needs in an entertaining and productive way.
