An important era of musical history is ending in the next few weeks: The Eras Tour. After 149 shows, Taylor Swift will take her final bow on Dec. 8 and leave behind the record-breaking, nearly four-hour concert to pursue something even more groundbreaking (just a guess).

The tour was covered by the media ad nauseam since its start in March 2023. Many articles were dedicated to explaining the economical boost each city received with Swift’s arrival.

What I don’t feel has been talked about enough in regards to this tour is how it has brought the power of female friendship and positivity into the light.

One tradition created during the Eras Tour was the exchanging of friendship bracelets between fans. Inspired by a line from one of her songs, “Swifties” crafted bracelets to trade with strangers at her concerts, wearing them up to their elbows into the venues.

I had the privilege of seeing the Eras Tour twice: once in Pittsburgh and once in Canada. What was consistent at both locations was the kindness extended by Swift’s fans. If a Swiftie saw someone at the concert without a bracelet to trade, they showered them with free ones so they could participate in the fun.

After experiencing this, it brought to mind how important it is to find community in something you love, whether that be music, art or whatever.

Though the Eras Tour is ending, I would say it has taught a valuable lesson about the importance of togetherness, kindness, and cultivating fun and a sense of belonging at every gathering.

Swift is not coming to Butler during the final leg of the tour, but you can capture some of that same Eras Tour spirit at any of the events planned for this weekend.

Steel City Ukuleles music club is meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the lower conference room of 473 Airport Road, Penn Township. The club is open to any level of ukulele player. The meeting will consist of learning fun songs and jamming with other music lovers. The club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. For more information, visit meetup.com/Steel-City-Ukuleles.

See the true story of the Radium Girls told on stage during Butler Little Theatre’s performance of “These Shining Lives,” which continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 1 Howard St. There are also performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Purchase tickets and find more information at butlerlittletheatre.com.

Santa’s First Stop is at Cranberry Township’s Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road, starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Enjoy caroling, the tree lighting, a photo booth, live reindeer, children’s activities and more during this special occasion. For more information, visit cranberrytownship.org.

Alameda Park is hosting its annual Drive-Thru Santa’s Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday in Odd Fellows Loop, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler Township. Registered children will receive candy canes and a bag of gifts from Santa Claus himself. Registration costs $10 and can be completed at bcpr.recdesk.com. This event is part of the annual holiday light show at the park, which is free to enjoy and runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 25.

The Mars Fall Craft Show is one of the largest around, and it starts at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Mars Area middle and high schools along Route 228. Shuttle buses can transport people to and from the locations, which feature over 100 crafters. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Questions can be directed to Maureen at 724-625-3472.

Chicora’s Christmas Wonderland is sure to make your spirits bright through carriage rides, photos with Santa, live entertainment, food vendors, and the annual tree lighting ceremony. The fun begins at 4 p.m. Saturday in Chicora Municipal Park on Route 68. The event is rain or shine. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Slippery Rock’s famous Light Up Night runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday on the borough’s Main Street and will feature family friendly activities such as the lighting ceremony, live music, a children’s train ride, a Christmas market and more! For more information, visit slipperyrockpa.org/light-up-night.html.

Support Riding For The Cure by attending a bingo night at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Sons and Daughters of Italy, 338 S. Main S. It costs $20 to play, and guests also will have access to raffles, prizes and food made by the lodge. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Put on your dancing shoes, because Saxonburg Fireman’s Club, 155 Pittsburgh St., is hosting Line Dance Night on Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. and dancing starts at 8 p.m. The event is for people age 21 and older. For more information, see the event Facebook page.

Children in grades one through eight can socialize with Butler County Humane Society cats and practice their reading skills during Shelter Buddies on Sunday at 1050 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township. Set up an appointment to read out aloud to the cats by calling 724-789-1150.

Jennings Environmental Education Center’s latest program “Reading the Land: Discovering Jennings’ Secrets” has its first of three installments at 2 p.m. Sunday at 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township. This program will teach about terrain patterns, vegetation, waterways, flora and fauna, and more. Participants are free to attend one class or the others on Dec. 11 and Jan. 8. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.