75th Butler Farm Show is coming soon
It’s once again that time of year where everyone is invited to experience, learn and celebrate agriculture.
For 75 years, the Butler Farm Show has allowed people to experience the best of farms while also demonstrating the importance of farming.
The Butler Farm Show kicks off Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Butler Farm Grounds in Connoquenessing Township with a soft open. The show officially runs from Monday, Aug. 7, to Saturday, Aug. 12. Spectators can expect classic events such as the cheese auction and demolition derby, along with new events for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re expecting this to be another record-breaking year,” said Ken Laughlin, president of the Butler Farm Show board.
A grand opening, a new event this year, will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Armstrong Pavilion. Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding will participate. Fireworks will follow the ceremony.
As in past years, admission to rest of the fair will be $10 per person, which includes parking, unlimited midway rides and access to all exhibits.
“We want to make sure this is affordable for everyone,” Laughlin said. “We want to keep it family friendly and make sure families can afford the entertainment.”
The exception is the Demolition Derby on Friday night, Aug. 11. A limited quantity of wristbands at $5 each will be available at the grandstand for the derby. Sales begin at 5:30 p.m.
“We just don’t have enough seating capacity for everyone that wants to come in the show,” Laughlin said. “So we have to charge admission to limit the people that want to go to that.”
Alpacas will be shown at the event for the first time, and a rolling pin decorating contest, open to all, has also been added to the show’s slate.
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Cleveland Cavaliers organization will be present. Their appearance is part of a fundraising effort to support The Kids' Weekend Backpack Program, which benefits children ages kindergarten through fifth-grade in the Butler Area School District.
The Cavs will have an entertainment center set up, players available for an autograph and a basketball shooting contest where participants can enter into a drawing for tickets.
Laughlin said he believes this year’s motor sport events, such as the 4-Wheel Drive Pulling Contest on Aug. 9 will be a “big crowd-pleaser.”
“We’re considered a class A state fair,” Laughlin said. “And that’s because we’re providing top-notch entertainment that people will enjoy.”
Another new event that will be sure to bring smiles to the whole family is the 4-H Cloverbuds talent show for children ages 5 to 7. The show starts at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, in the auditorium.
Local businesses have a strong presence at the show, both in offering their products and services for sale and informing the public about them.
“We have two big buildings that house about 200 vendors,” said Laughlin. “Not only can these business sell their items there, but it’s a great opportunity for owners to talk about their business with the people.”
Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities for showgoers to try farm products. A baked goods auction will be held on Monday, Aug. 7; a cheese auction on Wednesday, Aug. 9; and the Junior Livestock sale on Thursday, Aug 10.
For more information, including a full schedule of events and details on how to buy tickets, visit butlerfarmshow.com.
