Miller Minutes
Fall is known for its spooky undertones, given Halloween is its first major holiday. But you know what fall makes me think of? History.
Why? All the gravestones and ghosts that are meant to scare me actually propel me to research.
Think about it: Most people walk through cemeteries to give themselves a fright. But what if you walked through one to learn something about the people who’ve passed on? Or what if you brought flowers to the grave of someone in your family you’ve never met? (Fair warning, this could send you down a research spiral, but at least it’s a clever way to use the internet!)
I find myself visiting older cemeteries and trying to pick out the people who had a real impact on Butler, which usually leads me to something written by our Butler County Historical Society.
So I’m suggesting it as something to do this week in my column. Sure it’s not an official event, but, you can feel free to pick up your own apple cider, put on your favorite scarf, and show some respect to those who built this area.
Follow the colorful story of Frank Abagnale Jr. and his run from the FBI through music at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School’s musical production of “Catch Me If You Can.” Shows run from Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, and Oct. 13 through Oct. 15. Tickets are available at LincolnParkArts.org.
The Portersville Steam Show’s Fall Fling is back on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, at the show grounds, 1512 Perry Highway, Muddy Creek Township. This event will have tons of apple-flavored treats to explore, alongside the historic machinery.
Watch “The Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles” concert featuring the Butler County Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in the auditorium at Butler Intermediate High School. Tickets are available in advance at butlersymphony.org and cost $30 for adults and $10 for children and students. Tickets at the door will cost $35 for adults and $12 for children and students.
St. Wendelin Catholic School’s craft and vendor fair lasts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 210 St. Wendelin Road.
Concordia Lutheran Ministries will be exploring German culture at their Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will feature polka, fireworks, pumpkin decorating and authentic German food from 4 to 8 p.m. at 112 Marwood Road, Jefferson Township.
Visit the fall market put on by North Washington Volunteer Fire Department at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, at the station, 739 Fairview Road, Washington Township.
The youth of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church Christian Fellowship are hosting a Dance-A-Thon from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to benefit the children of Ukraine in the throes of war. The goal is to raise $5,000. Participants can dance, spectate or donate by showing up at the Ukrainian Hall, 10 Arbor St., Lyndora.
The Mars Applefest will feature over 150 vendors in the borough’s downtown area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Enjoy music, funnel cakes and other treats.
Support a local boy named Aiden in his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer by attending a spaghetti dinner at the Butler Moose Lodge 64 from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company is hosting line dance night at 155 Pittsburgh St., Saxonburg, on Saturday, Oct. 7. Doors open at 7 p.m., and dancing starts at 8 p.m. Attendees must be age 21 or older.
Get your tickets to Bill May’s Butler Ghost Walk on eventbrite.com. Walks start at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 21, and 28 in front of the Butler County Courthouse. Hear creepy stories with local flair and get thoroughly spooked.
