Big Butler Fair offers big attractions
It’s that time of year again in Butler — the time for ice-cold lemonade, Ferris wheel rides, bright fireworks, dusty demolition derbies, petting zoos and fuzzy farm animals. That’s right, it’s time for the Big Butler Fair.
The fair, always held over the Fourth of July, spans nine days from Friday through July 9 this year.
The agricultural portion of the fair begins each day at 9 a.m. The carnival opens at 3 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and on both Fridays. The carnival opens at 1 p.m. Sunday, Monday and both Saturdays.
As the largest agricultural fair in western Pennsylvania, the event attracts more than 100,000 visitors from four states, and turnout increases each year.
Dr. Harold Dunn, Butler Fair and Agricultural Association Board of Director’s secretary, is especially excited about this year’s events.
“It’s going to be bigger and better than ever,” Dunn said.
Powers Great American Midways presents the carnival rides and games, and Dunn said the board is happy to be in continued business with the organization.
“That’s the same carnival we’ve had since the ’80s,” Dunn said. “We’re fortunate to have them at the Butler Fair.”
For music lovers, the fair is hosting various free concerts and shows throughout the entirety of the fair. Artists include The Clarks, The Redlines, Willie and Froggy Fest, Chase Bryant, Melissa Quinn Fox and Arbor North. Specific dates and times for each performance can be found on the fair’s website.
Concessions include a variety of choices. Funnel cake, gyros and traditional fair foods are available each year, but Dunn said there will be more exotic choices as well. Visitors will have to see for themselves what this year’s vendors have to offer.
“They get as creative as they can get,” Dunn said about the food vendors.
Guests are also reminded that no outside alcohol is permitted at the fair.
The agricultural portion of the fair includes rabbits, goats, truck and tractor pulls, horses and ponies, demolition derbies, alpacas, antique farm machinery, and milking contests, among other offerings.
The fair’s website details complete daily schedules and reminds visitors that no outside pets are permitted on the grounds while the fair is in session.
Unlike previous years, there will be no poultry or swine at the fair. Dunn said the Department of Agriculture has evaluated the avian and swine flu rates and deemed it unsafe to include these animals at the fair this year.
Attractions at this year’s fair include Agricadabra, which combines education and magic in a presentation for children and adults alike.
Additionally, Andy Rotz Ground Attractions will bring the World Fast Draw Champion with fire acts and knife throwing. Comedy hypnotist Brad Matchett, chainsaw carver Dennis Beach and other performances are all included with general fair admission.
While there are plenty of new and exciting attractions to be explored, much of the fair will be the same as in previous years. Dunn said one of the fair’s attractive aspects is its reliability and tradition.
“It’s nice to know there’s something you can depend on,” Dunn said.
The annual Bike Night will begin at 7 p.m. July 1 with a fee of $5 per bike. Bike Night II will be held on July 9. These gatherings provide opportunities for motorcyclists to share their enthusiasm for bikes and receive free admission to the other fair attractions.
Butler County’s female residents ages 16 to 20 can enter the fair queen pageant, another annual fair tradition. The winner of the pageant serves as Big Butler Fair’s community ambassador for the coming year.
And, of course, the Fourth of July fireworks will start at 8 p.m. Monday.
Tickets are available online at www.bigbutlerfair.com for $8 per person. Tickets at the gate are cash only at $7 before 4 p.m. and $9 after 4 p.m. Children age 6 or younger are admitted free.
