Football officially kicked off this past week, which means most of America will be glued to their screens four days a week, until early February at least.

I personally don’t like football (shocking, I know, seeing as I’m the entertainment columnist), but I can understand how much work and dedication goes into a football career — and the football-watching hobby.

When I am forced to watch a game, I am always struck by how much artistry is involved in the broadcast. Hundreds of graphics, sound cues, transition scores and photos cloud your vision for those few hours to the point where it is almost overwhelming. I got to thinking about it and realized someone has to orchestrate all of that, not to mention create every part of the sensory experience.

Miller Minutes with Butler Eagle reporter, Molly Miller

Football’s place as an American cultural phenomenon is partly due to the engrossing television experience it offers. Without those colorful effects and commercials, the recognizable theme music and even the touchdown celebration dances, it wouldn’t be the staple pastime it is.

Those little slivers of art found on every football network may go unnoticed by some, but I’m sure their absence would dull the watch experience ever so slightly. In other words, art enhances and compliments the sport, whether you’re watching in person or on air.

I challenge you to keep track of how much media had to be created to make your football experience what it is this week. But don’t let it distract you from the game, obviously.

However, if you don’t plan on watching any games this weekend, there are plenty of outdoor, educational and family-friendly activities going on in Butler County. Check them out!

Friday

Enjoy the free Birds and More nature walk from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at Todd Nature Reserve, 367 Kepple Road, Buffalo Township, and learn more about local winged friends. For more information, visit aswp.org/events.

Mars Maker Mart will be set up near the spaceship in the borough from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Check out the food, artisans and vendors. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

The Freeport Theatre Festival is premiering “Over the River and Through the Woods” this weekend, with the first performance scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at 2498 White Cloud Road, Leechburg. Tickets cost $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and military personnel and $10 for students. The show runs through Sept. 29, with performances at 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and more information, visit freeporttheatrefestival.org.

See magician and comedian Michel Misko’s show at the Penn Theater on Butler’s Main Street starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available for $30 at tickettailor.com, and be prepared to laugh hysterically.

Participants run in the 5K race at the inaugural Pioneer Pursuit in September 2022 at Butler County Community College. The event is intended to raise funds for scholarships that include those in memory of recent nursing graduates Sarah Kasunic and Caitlyn Kaufman. Butler Eagle File Photo

Saturday

Support Butler County Community College student-athletes and Pioneer Athletics at the Pioneer Pursuit on Saturday morning on BC3’s main campus by participating in the 5K race, 1-mile walk or 100-meter kids’ dash. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The 5K begins at 10 a.m. Get the details at news.bc3.edu/event/pioneer-pursuit-2024.

Learn more about local waterways in Southern Butler County by attending Wings, Water and Wildlife at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road, Buffalo Township, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. There will be games, a nature themed book sale and craft vendors, as well as information on the Buffalo Creek Watershed! Register for free at aswp.org/events.

The Adams Township Car Show lasts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the township park at 690 Valencia Road. There will be music, food and tons of hot rods to check out.

See living history at the Muddy Creek Oil Well demonstration anytime from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 195 Park Road, Franklin Township. The restored oil well demo is an excellent opportunity to see how our county was powered back in the day. For more information, see the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.

The Southern Butler County Business Association is hosting a Sip and Savor event from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, starting at Stick City Brewing, 109 Irvine St., Mars. This event provides you transportation to some of the best local eateries and signature brews around. Tickets can be purchased at sbcba.net/sip-savor-2024.

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh is hosting a Star Party at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park, 1090 Baileys Run Road, Tarentum, at 7 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting. Visitors can view the moon, star clusters, double stars and more! Call 724-224-2510 and leave a message with any questions.

See an antique sock knitting machine in action in Harmony. The Amazing Sock Knitting Machine Demo is planned Saturday at the Weavers’ Cabin from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. More information is available at www.weaversofharmony.org/events.

Sunday

Attend the Fall Migration Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in Stormy Oaks Nature Conservatory, 120 Forsythe Road, Valencia, and learn about local wildlife. There will be food vendors, keynote speakers, educational booths and more. Purchase tickets at wildbirdrecovery.org/fall-migration-festival.

Watch football with fellow fans at the Penn Theater on Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. for the Steelers vs. Broncos game. A $5 entry fee includes two slices of pizza and one free soda. Cash bar and concessions will be available throughout the game. Reserve a spot online at www.tickettailor.com/events/penntheater/1387659.

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