Miller Minutes: Events to check out in Butler County this weekend
When I hear the phrase “beat the heat,” I always wonder what kind of competition we’re engaged in with the weather. Are we outrunning it in a race? Are we playing cards?
Given how the temperature has been treating us the past few days, I’d say we are losing whatever game we’re playing.
Checkmate, heat.
As always, I want to encourage you to attend the weekend events Butler County has to offer. Plenty activities are going on, but should be attended with an abundance of caution given the heat situation.
What’s important to remember is that we are all in this together, and there are ways to beat the heat. Maybe it’s time you invest in a membership at your local pool like you’re always talking about. Set up the sprinkler in the backyard, or dip your feet in a kiddie pool.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, make sure it involves sunscreen, a hat and tons of water. Or better yet, go to one of the indoor events listed here.
The important thing is to stay safe in order to enjoy the events to their fullest extent.
And remember, this too shall pass and winter will be upon us in less than six months.
Children ages 4 through 5 can attend DiscoverE Day Camp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road. Attendees will be exploring the lake and the animals that live there through stories, song and crafts. Dress for the weather and pack a lunch. Admission is $5 and can be paid the day of the event at pavilion 6 in the McDanel’s Area on the North Shore of the park. Parents or guardians can attend the program or stay in the area while it is going on. Registration is required.
Mars Maker Mart is set up near the spaceship in the borough from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21. Check out the food, artisans and vendors. For more information, visit the Facebook page.
Moon Markets and Foodie Fridays are back in Butler! Head on down to Main Street and shop vendors outside of Mystique Moon Antiques and Artisans from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Food trucks will be parked at 240 N. Main St. in the parking lot and serve food starting at 5:30 p.m.
Parents of foster or adopted children through age 17 are encouraged to take the night off and leave their children in the care of certified Isaiah 117 House volunteers Friday during the Night of Respite event. Taking place at the North Main Street Church of God, children will be fed, entertained and cared for from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Sign up using forms.gle/5xEFDYzNqyukgUrz6. Learn more information through the “Isaiah 117 House Butler Co PA” page on Facebook.
Musical Theatre Guild’s production of the musical “Working” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the performance hall and production center in Butler Memorial Park, 100 Memorial Drive. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Performances resume the next weekend. To purchase an $18 ticket, visit mtgbutler.org.
Watch the movie “Migration” at 8 p.m. Friday at Debbie Lee’s Delight, 886 Evans City Road, Connoquenessing Township. Entry is free, and food and ice cream will be available for purchase. Bring chairs or blankets for seating, and visit the Debbie Lee’s Delight Facebook page for more information.
Paddle out to the Strawberry Full Moon Glow SUP Experience from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Muddy Creek Township. Beginners are welcome. All participants will meet at McDanel's Boat Launch on the North Shore. Tickets are $79 per person at surfsupadventures.com and include the guided tour, paddle and board, accessories, photography of your trip and a wetsuit rental.
The Butler Road Race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Diamond Park, 108 S. Main St., Butler. Registration for adults is $35 for the 2K and $45 for the 5 mile. For children 17 and younger, registration is $15 for the 2K and $20 for the 5 mile. Register to run at the Butler YMCA’s website by clicking on “Programs” and “Events.”
The Berry Festival and Craft Show at Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Middlesex Township, features vendors, children’s activities, a beer and wine garden and more from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 per person. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit freedomfarmspa.com.
The Butler Art Center & Gallery is hosting an Art Donation Drive for its upcoming art raffle in September from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Submit your art at the gallery at 344 S. Main St. and get access to light refreshments, games, music, art demonstrations and more. For more information visit the art center’s website, butlerartcenterandgallery.org.
Support the Isaiah 117 House in Butler by attending a Cornhole Tournament at the Butler Moose Lodge 64, 225 W. Jefferson St. Registration is $50 on the day of the event; check-in starts at 11 a.m. and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. Players must bring their own bags. There also will be children’s games, face painting and basket raffles. For more information, visit the “Butler Moose Lodge #64” Facebook page.
A Taste of the Symphony, a summer music series by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra, kicks off at noon Saturday in Diamond Park, 108 S. Main St., Butler. Melanie Rodgers will be performing on her violin and viola. Admission to the concert is free, and there will also be vendors set up at the park. For more information, visit the symphony’s website.
The 29th Annual Cruise-A-Palooza will take over Butler’s Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. There will be vendors, food, live music and more. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
