Miller Minutes: Celestial wonders in store
Many celestial wonders occurred in quick succession these past two weeks. A comet passed us last Tuesday, the Harvest Moon graced us Thursday, and a meteor shower was visible Sunday evening.
I myself sat on my porch Sunday night, Oct. 20, to watch the meteor show, and let me tell you, it was wicked. I was lucky enough to see three shooting stars within the span of a few minutes and one even had a tail.
Is it silly to wish on shooting stars? Apparently, the notion came from ancient Greek beliefs that falling stars were the gods peeling back the heavens to look down on humans. If you make the wish before the star fades, it may come true.
With three separate wishes, hopefully my lucky number plays in my favor.
Looking up at the sky so much this week had me thinking about what great art comes from space references. Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” the movies “A Trip to the Moon,” “Interstellar” and that famous line from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and even the musical “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.” It’s amazing how much inspiration can be garnered from space, a frontier most of us will never get to see beyond photographs.
Despite that, the art it inspires connects us and continues to spark our creativity. All you have to do is look up.
Some of the events going on in Butler County this weekend will be outdoors, so you can have a look at the sky yourself while you attend them. If none of these events interest you, maybe now is the time to train up on some constellations.
Tickets are still available for the newly added Thursday performance of “Macbeth” by Hobnob Theatre Company. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the studio, 134 S. Main St., Butler. Tickets can be purchased at hobnobtheatre.com.
Register your child for the Great Pumpkin Festival in Cranberry Township that will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Enjoy a pumpkin patch, balloon artist, games, crafts and tricks and treats, all within the municipal building at 2525 Rochester Road. There will be a sensory hour at 5 p.m. as well. Registration is $14 for nonresidents and $12 for residents. See more information on the township’s website.
Zelienople’s Autumn Fun Fest lasts from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday in the park at 402 E. Beaver St. Hear live music, have some food and participate in raffles. For more information, visit the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.
Families can enjoy the spooktacular Haunting at Sprankle Woods from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at 340 Reimer Road, Jefferson Township. The hay rides are slightly spooky and the activities are family friendly and packed with fall fun. For more information, visit the event page on visitbutlercounty.com.
Explore the weird and unusual during Haunted Harmony, a spooky event lasting from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the borough. There will be live music, a witches walk, food trucks, a creepy doll contest, magical vendors, psychics, and more! For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
A Trunk or Treat is taking place at the Freedom Farms Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Pay $10 admission for access to the farm and its various vendors and activities while the kids run around in costumes and collect treats. The event is located at the farm at 434 Overbrook Road, Middlesex Township, and more information can be found at freedomfarmspa.com/fall-festival.
Saxonburg District Sportsman’s Club is hosting a Shotgun Lucky Turkey Shoot on Sunday. Sign up starts at 12:30 p.m. and the shoot begins at 1 p.m. at 480 Bear Creek Road, Buffalo Township. A $4 donation is requested per target, and eye and ear protection is required. The club kitchen will be open for the event.
Nixon United Methodist Church is hosting its eighth annual Trunk or Treat event from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the church parking lot at 334 Airport Road, Penn Township.
If you want to submit an event for Miller Minutes, email the information to news@butlereagle.com.
Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.
