For many visitors, a trip to the Big Butler Fair involves midway meals, games of chance and a ride or two; after all, the carnival at the 170-year-old fair has become iconic.

There’s much more to the Big Butler Fair, though, for those who go beyond the flashing lights.

Rylee Colteryahn is both an employee of the Big Butler Fair and this year’s Fair Queen. “I’ve grown up at the Fair,” she says. “I’ve been coming here for all 18 years of my life … I was very fortunate to get the Fair Queen title.”

Colteryahn says the best way to enjoy the event is to go beyond the midway and look at some of the agricultural and livestock exhibitions that have made the Big Butler Fair an institution for nearly two centuries. With the guidance of the Fair Queen, we’ve come up with six ways to elevate your Big Butler Fair experience.

Your Big Butler Fair Bucket List

Take In a Livestock Show — And Stick Around for the Costume Contest

Take a look at the official schedule for the day of your visit and find the livestock and also animal judging events. It’s a chance to see some remarkable animals, often unlike the standard barnyard characters you’d imagine. “My personal favorite is the sheep shows,” Colteryahn says. “I’ve been showing sheep here all my life.” Many animal events, she adds, conclude with a costume contest — where else are you going to see rabbits or sheep in patriotic attire?

Dive Into the (Distant) Past

Near the fair’s grandstand, there’s a small building showcasing the fair’s history — and, Colteryahn says, it’s a piece of history itself. “The building that the museum is in was one of the original buildings from when the fair was first started,” she says, noting that it was carefully moved to the current fairgrounds — and refreshed for the 170th anniversary. Look at fair life over the years to see how many traditions have survived through the decades.

BYO Chair for an Evening of Music

Country singer-songwriter Larry Fleet will headline this year’s concluding concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Concerts are held in front of the fair’s grandstand, and most visitors opt for bleacher seating; it’s a fine way to watch the show, but you can get closer to the action. Bring a camp chair from your car (yes, you’re allowed to bring your own) and you can watch the show in comfort — from much closer than the grandstand. Grab some of that indulgent fair food beforehand and you can make a picnic out of a great concert.

Don’t Forget the Crafts

Colteryahn also recommends a visit to the Arts & Crafts building, where you’ll be able to inspect the handiwork of local artisans and makers — many working in disciplines that have been handed down through the generations. “There are so many people who bring exhibits that they’ve worked all year on,” she says, particularly citing quilts and aprons — but also pastries, baked goods and other edible creations.

Feed the Animals at the Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo

Sure, you’ve been to a petting zoo — but if you’ve never fed a carrot to a camel, does it even count? When you’re strolling the midway, look for the tent operated by the Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo; for a small (often per-nibble) fee, you can offer a snack to a friendly creature, including plenty of animals you might not expect in your average barnyard.

Make It a Big Independence Day

The Big Butler Fair is taking America’s 250th birthday seriously. “Everything is red, white and blue themed,” Colteryahn says. “The fireworks are going to be the biggest they’ve ever been.” If you don’t yet have your Fourth plans locked in, consider a journey to an event that has celebrated Independence Day for the vast majority of America’s history.

Other Summer Fairs Around Western Pennsylvania

Can’t make it to this year’s Big Butler Fair? There are other places in Western Pennsylvania where you can find carnival games, animal judging, live music and all your favorite deep-fried treats. Also on the calendar for this summer …

• Fayette County Fair, July 30-August 8
• Greene County Fair, August 9-15
• Washington County Agricultural Fair, August 15-22
• Lawrence County Fair, August 17-22
• Indiana County Fair, August 28-September 5

Story by Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of

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