There’s still plenty to enjoy in Butler County as summer winds down
As classrooms and football fields light up again, Butler County residents can resist the shift toward fall by turning to a handful of late-summer events and activities that anchor the summer’s final few weeks.
Whether it’s boating on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park, meandering through the trails at Jennings Environmental Education Center, shopping in Zelienople or relaxing at one of many public swimming pools, there’s no shortage of ways to stretch the season out a little longer.
Here are some of the best ways to take a break from work and school as summer draws to a close.
As one of the county’s destinations for outdoor recreation, Moraine State Park remains open year-round.
That includes the 71 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails scattered across the park’s 16,725 acres.
Prolonged warmer weather should allow for more to time fish and swim in Lake Arthur, which boasts 42 miles of scenic shoreline.
“We plan to have our swimming areas open through September yet,” Moraine State Park manager Dustin Drew said. “Those should be available daily, pending weather and continued water quality testing.”
Park staff also offers year-round public programming opportunities that include hands-on educational activities, guided walks and evening events.
For anyone interested in renting equipment, check hours online or call the park’s office ahead of time. Because of the declining weekly activity, the boat and bike rental concessions typically shift to weekends only at a certain point in September, Drew said.
Anyone interested in some scenic views can explore nearby McConnells Mill State Park and the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which serves as one of 27 National Natural Landmarks in Pennsylvania.
While swimming is prohibited, visitors can embark on numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty or receive an up-close look at a well-preserved 19th century gristmill.
That artifact will also be the centerpiece of the annual McConnells Mill Heritage Festival set for Sept. 27 and 28.
Anyone searching for some local flair can expect to find it at Zelienople’s Open Air Market. The event runs every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. until the end of September.
The sixth annual edition of the festival includes artisan vendors and a variety of live musical artists from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saxonburg will also draw the community together once more with its final Mingle on Main, set to run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
Additionally, each community features a number of restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.
“With this weather cooling down a little bit, it’s really comfortable for outdoor dining,” said Amy Pack, executive director of Experience Butler County. “Our breweries have a lot of options, and restaurants and coffee shops all have a little something to offer, too. That’s a really nice way to end the summer.”
Pack said that late summer is an ideal opportunity to stroll around the small towns and find out what they all have to offer.
“All these towns have special, little stops and, as long as the weather is nice, you can really go up and down the streets,” she said. “They all have a little bit of history dabbled in too, so there’s really something for everyone.”
Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and homemade crafts are always on deck at each one of the county’s popular farmers markets.
The Butler City Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through early November.
Similarly, the Slippery Rock Farmers Market and the Mars Farmers Market will continue on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October.
New to the southwest corner of the county is the Zelienople Farmers Market, which takes place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October.
There also several markets throughout the week, including the Petrolia Market in the Park, held on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. through October, and the Sarver Artisan Market on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 1.
