SST_A006XXC08032017_Butler Farm Show

butlerfarm_emag

6 · THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 It began with a plow and grew into a family tradition Compiled by LEEROY MILLER Updated by KEN METRICK butlerfarmshow.com In 1947, a plowing contest was held on the Jack Roe prop-erty in Meridian. This was the birth of an idea to get the city folks, businessmen and farmers together to better understand one another. Some farm organizations sponsored the educational program. The idea was so well received that it was decided to form an organization to keep the event alive. The organiza-tion became Butler Farm Show Inc. in 1948. A constitution and by-laws were written, with the aid of the Butler County Extension Service, by men interested in supporting the county youth through the 4-H clubs and Vocational Agricultural Divi-sion of the Future Farmers Association. Several lawyers were interested enough to donate their services. The by-laws were designed in such a way to ensure no one person or group could ever gain complete control or benefit financially from the farm show. All income is returned for payment of debts or improve-ments. Directors volunteer their services in many capacities. The board is a diverse group coming from agriculture and agribusiness, as well as non-agricultural areas such as industry, education, finance and business. They work hard all year to plan the farm show exhibits and entertainment. As acreage became available, several tracts were purchased, and at present, more than 100 acres are owned by the Butler Farm Show. About 12 years after the founding of the farm show, the grass airstrip on the grounds was replaced with a 2,200-foot, black-topped airstrip, which was named in honor of W. L. Roe, who contributed a great deal to the farm show. The Meridian Fire Co. food stand (now known as the restaurant) was built the same year. The farm show has steadily grown through the years. In 1956, the land was cleared for a 31⁄2-acre lake; this was part of the long-range plans to make the farm show grounds a year-round recreational area. The Agricultural Build-ing was constructed that year, adding 12,000 square feet of indoor space for exhibits. In 1958, three permanent barns were added (now used for dairy exhibits), providing nearly 18,000 sq. ft. for year-round use. In 1977-78, the horse and sheep barns were completed, and in 1984, the beef barn was added. In 1984, the American Heritage Showcase began. It has grown into one of the largest displays of antique tractors, farm equipment and other items of yesteryear at any Western Pennsylvania fair. Other improvements over the years have been the beauti-fication of the main entrance, the horse show arena, paved roads, the water system, the restrooms and an improved arena track and pit area. In 1989 and 1991, two 60x120-foot exhibit halls were built adjacent to the lake for more commercial displays. An additional five acres of wooded land at the southern end of the airport runway was purchased in 1993 with the help of a grant from the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation. In 1994 the CB Rangers building (located at Gate 1) was purchased for use as a per-manent office. It was remod-eled and a new clerical/pre-mium office was constructed inside the structure. In 1995-97, the present grandstands and press box were constructed in phases as fund-ing became available. Also in 1995, a new milking parlor and milkhouse were built at the dairy complex. This addition made it possible for visitors to view cows being milked and the bulk cooling tank. An all-weather auditorium pavilion with a permanent stage was built, and a smaller shelter and stage for variety acts was erected. The years to follow saw many improvements to the farm show. A permanent rabbit barn was built in 1998. Space was leased for a cell tower to be erected, giv-ing some additional annual income. A few years later, a second tower was constructed. One of the biggest projects for the farm show was the con-struction of a large, permanent office complex to house offices for the United States Depart-ment of Agriculture. A long-term lease was signed, and a relationship was formed with the USDA, provid-ing another source of year-round income. Both restroom facilities were remodeled and updated to current code in 2004 and 2012. The agricultural building was renovated, and the dairy barns were outfitted with new siding and tilt-out windows. New roofs were also put on the dairy barns and ag building. Both campgrounds were expanded, adding water and electric sources. The Meridian Fire Co. building was another structure that was totally reno-vated. With the acquisition of a new tenant, the building is now a full-service, sit-down res-taurant during the farm show. Electric poles and access panels are constantly upgraded as needed. The first step of computer-ization began in the premium office in 2002. As of 2014, all aspects of the farm show, including finances, were com-pletely computerized. To better aid the vendors and exhibitors, Wi-Fi was added on the grounds. New air-conditioned ticket booths were built for all four public entrances and both grandstand entrances. In 2014, a permanent ticket booth was constructed at the main entrance.This structure also housed the security quarters and the first-aid office. For many years, the idea of a junior board was discussed. In 2013, it became a reality. The nine junior board members are between the ages of 16 and 22. Members are chosen from 4-H, FFA and the ag community. Adult advisors from the board of directors and the farm show membership work with the junior board and advise them when needed. The junior board works on their own projects as well as serving on standing commit-tees. One of the main goals of the board of directors is to instill the values that the farm show was founded on and pass along this heritage and culture, so these young people are well equipped to maintain the show for future generations. The Butler Farm Show has been, and always will be, a “family show” as long as there are dedicated directors, mem-bers, volunteers, exhibitors and patrons. Today, as in 1947, our goals remain the same. As the torch is passed to each generation, the values of our founders are instilled in them. All involved persons strive to educate each other as well as visitors in a productive and entertaining manner, so that farm, city and business people can gain a better understanding of each other’s way of life. adno=6492567 Stan’s Lawn & Garden Summer Trimmer Savings Event! ECHO SRM-225 • 21.2 CC Professional Grade 2 Stroke engine • 59” Straight Shaft • Speed Feed Head Reg. $199.99 $189.99 341 HANNASTOWN RD. 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