A poster board shows images of Cherrie Mahan before she disappeared from Winfield Township in 1985 at age 8. Matthew Glover/Butler Eagle

Saxonburg VFW hall was filled with people Saturday night, Feb. 22, who gathered to observe the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of Winfield Township child Cherrie Mahan.

Eight-year-old Cherrie Mahan went missing Friday, Feb. 22, 1985, about 100 yards from her home at 1136 Cornplanter Road in Winfield Township after getting off the bus around 4 p.m. She had planned to eat and go to a friend’s house after getting home from school.

Cherrie’s mother, Janice McKinney, continues to hold vigils every year as a reminder to be vigilant for her missing daughter.