Miller Minutes: Don’t be fooled out of enjoying this weekend’s events
I am writing this column on the silliest holiday of all: April Fools’ Day.
As someone who considers herself a fool (and who is good at pranks), I love this day. Were you pranked this year? Did you prank someone? If you did, I would love to hear about it!
Most people know better than to prank me, since my life is a steady stream of jokes anyhow. I’ve pulled some good ones over the years, and so have others in my family. One time, my mom pranked my grandma into believing she was having twins. She was pregnant with my sister at the time and had a doctor's appointment, so it was incredibly plausible news to share!
The key to a good prank is similar to the key to good comedy: there has to be a kernel of truth to it, or at least a high possibility. Above all, a prank should be positive and lighthearted so you can remain friends with the victim of said prank.
Though the holiday is over, never let the spirit of April Fools’ Day die. It’s about not taking life too seriously and learning to laugh at yourself.
If you’re looking for fun after a long day of pranking on Tuesday, look no further. You’ll never be bored on the weekend in Butler County!
Thursday
Become a lifeguard, or renew your certification this weekend at the Butler YMCA, 339 N. Washington St. The program is 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Attendance at all classes are mandatory for certification. Candidates must complete a swim test. Applicants for recertification must complete six hours of online learning before the in-person course on Sunday. Any and all questions can be directed to the Aquatics Director via email, JKnauff@bcfymca.org.
Slippery Rock Area School District presents “Shrek: The Musical,” which runs from Thursday until Sunday in the high school auditorium, 201 Kiester Road, Slippery Rock. Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s matinee starts at 2 p.m. For more information and tickets, please visit slipperyrock.k12.pa.us.
Friday
Connect with the pros who will help you tackle home improvement projects this spring and summer at the Butler County Home Show April 4 through 6 at the Family Sports Center, 542 Evans City Road in Butler Township. Admission is free. The show runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. More information available at www.ButlerCountyHomeShow.com.
Take a naturalist-led bird walk any Friday in April from 9 to 10 a.m. at Todd Nature Reserve, 367 Kepple Road in Buffalo Township. Make sure to dress for the weather and the terrain. For more information, visit aswp.org.
Get a golden ticket to see “Willy Wonka Jr.” performed by Batavia Studio students at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 or 7 p.m. Saturday, or 1 p.m. Sunday in the Succop Theater on Butler County Community College campus. To purchase a $15 to $20 ticket, visit batavia-studios.ticketleap.com/willy-wonka-jr/.
It’s the First Friday of the month, which means you should be watching improv at Hobnob Theatre Company at 7:30 p.m. at their studio, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets are $5 and sell out fast on hobnobtheatre.com.
Saturday
Starting this Saturday, take a self-guided tour of Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, and create an “invasive journal” using materials you find on your hike. The hike will begin and end on the prairie side of the park, with parking available at the Prairie Side parking lot on PA 528. Expect to spend about one hour exploring various terrains and surfaces, including hills, gravel, grass, dirt, and rocks. For more information, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.
Support the Grove City Little Eagles at a spring craft show in Harrisville from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the fire hall, 313 E. Mercer St. Admission is free. There will be an auction and concessions available. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
“Spring into Phenology and Tree ID” during a program at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road in Buffalo Tonwship, at 10 a.m. Saturday. This event will include a classroom discussion about plant life cycles and conclude with a hike. Dress accordingly. The program is free and registration can be completed by visiting aswp.org.
Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company’s designer purse bash starts at 2 p.m. Saturday in the fire hall, 155 Pittsburgh St. A $60 ticket covers admission, entry to 20 drawings, food and drink. For more information and ticket purchases, visit winpurses.com.
Don’t miss your chance to see “Hedda Gabler” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Hobnob Theatre Company studio, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at hobnobtheatre.com. WARNING: this show contains scenes of violence and self harm. Visit the website for more information.
Support student artists by attending the Fine Arts & Beyond (FAB) Showcase, a community-wide showcase of artistic work and musical talent of Butler Area School District students and professional community artists. The 22nd annual FAB Showcase will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township.
Try your hand at trout fishing. The first day of the season is Saturday morning. The season kicks off at 8 a.m.
Watch law enforcement compete in the annual Joyce Memorial Police Sled Hockey Tournament at 4 p.m. Saturday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, 8000 Cranberry Springs Drive. The tournament's proceeds benefit members of the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey.
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.
