Est. 1948 · Butler, Pennsylvania
Our History
“It began with a plow and grew into a family tradition.”
The History of the Butler Farm Show, Inc.
Compiled by LeeRoy Miller · Updated by Ken Metrick
In 1947, a plowing contest was held on the Jack Roe property in Meridian. This was the birth of an idea to get the city folks, businessmen, and farmers together to understand one another better. The idea was so well received that it was decided to form an organization to keep the event alive, and the organization became the Butler Farm Show, Inc., in 1948.
The board is a diverse group that includes people from agriculture and agribusiness as well as non-agricultural areas such as industry, education, finance, and business. They work hard all year to plan and implement the Farm Show exhibits and entertainment. As acreage became available, several tracts were purchased, and at present, the Butler Farm Show owns over 100 acres.
Seven Decades of Growth
From a borrowed field to a 100-acre fairground: the milestones that built the Butler Farm Show.
- 1947
It began with a plow
In 1947, a plowing contest was held on the Jack Roe property in Meridian. This was the birth of an idea to get the city folks, businessmen, and farmers together to understand one another better. 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.
- 1948
The Farm Show, Inc. is born
The organization became the 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 Division of the Future Farmers Association. Several lawyers willingly donated their services. The bylaws were designed to ensure that 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 improvements. Directors volunteer their services in many capacities.
- 1956
A lake and the Ag Building
The Farm Show has grown steadily through the years. In 1956, the land was cleared for a 3-1/2 acre lake, as part of the long-range plans to make the grounds a year-round recreational area. The Agricultural Building was constructed that year, adding 12,000 sq. ft. of indoor space for exhibits.
- 1958
Permanent dairy barns
In 1958, three permanent barns were added (now used for dairy exhibits), providing nearly 18,000 sq. ft. for year-round use.
- 1960
The W. L. Roe Airstrip
About 12 years after the Farm Show was founded, the grass airstrip on the grounds was replaced with a 2,200 ft. black-topped airstrip named in honor of W. L. Roe, who contributed a great deal to the Farm Show. The Meridian Fire Co. food stand (a.k.a. the restaurant) was built the same year.
- 1977
Horse and sheep barns
In 1977-78, the horse and sheep barns were completed, and in 1984, the beef barn.
- 1984
The Heritage Showcase begins
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 PA fair.
- 1989
Exhibit halls by the lake
In 1989 and 1991, two 60’ x 120’ exhibit halls were built adjacent to the lake for more commercial displays. Other improvements over the years have been the beautification of the main entrance, the horse show arena, paved roads, the water system, the restrooms, and an improved arena track and pit area.
- 1993
Room to grow
An additional 5 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. Repairs and upgrades to buildings and roads continued each year.
- 1994
A permanent home
In 1994, the CB Rangers building (located at Gate 1) was purchased for a permanent office and remodeled.
- 1995
Grandstands and a working dairy
In 1995-97, the present grandstands and press box were constructed in phases as funding became available. Also in 1995, a new milking parlor and milkhouse were built at the dairy complex. This addition allowed visitors to view cows being milked and the bulk cooling tank where milk is stored until it is shipped to a dairy. An all-weather auditorium pavilion with a permanent stage was built, and a smaller shelter and stage for variety acts was erected near the home products and arts and crafts buildings.
- 1998
A permanent rabbit barn
The years to follow saw many improvements to the Farm Show. A permanent rabbit barn was built in 1998. Space was leased for erecting cell towers, providing some additional annual income.
- 2002
The USDA complex
One of the biggest projects for the Farm Show was constructing a large permanent office complex to house offices for the United States Department of Agriculture in 2002. A long-term lease was signed with the USDA, providing another source of year-round income. The first step of computerization began in the premium office in 2002.
- 2004
Constant upkeep
Restroom facilities were remodeled and updated in 2004 and 2012. 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 renovated. With the acquisition of a new tenant, the building is now a full-service, sit-down restaurant during the annual Farm Show. Electric poles and access panels are constantly being upgraded.
- 2013
A Junior Board takes the torch
In 2013, the Board of Directors voted to form a Junior Board. The purpose was to instill in these young people (ages 16-24) the values that the Farm Show was founded upon and pass along this heritage and culture, so they are well equipped to maintain the Farm Show for future generations. They have the opportunity to experience what is involved in the operation of the Farm Show and the workings of the Board and committees while learning about our legacy.
- 2014
Fully modernized
As of 2014, all aspects of the Farm Show, including finances, were wholly computerized. WiFi was added on the grounds to aid vendors and exhibitors. New air-conditioned ticket booths were built for all four public and both grandstand entrances. In 2014, a permanent ticket booth was constructed at the main entrance. This structure also housed security quarters and the first aid office.
- 2015
Grounds improvements
Grounds improvements continue yearly. In 2015, the main concession road was widened, and electric poles were relocated behind the food stands rather than along the roadway. New hydrants were installed, eliminating hoses being laid across walkways.
- 2017
Securing the grounds
In 2017, trees were removed from the perimeter of the property at the Buttercup Road entrance and adjacent to the airport, and permanent fencing was installed to secure the borders of the property. Also in 2017, an additional three acres with a house and garage were purchased, enabling much-needed expansion to the grounds near the Buttercup Road entrance.
- 2019
A new show pavilion
Through a generous gift from the Sylvania Foundation, a show pavilion was constructed in 2019 for the dairy and goat shows.
- 2024
The campground expands
In 2024, a project was started to expand the camp sites on the grounds. A road, water, and electricity were put in to house phase 1 of the campground expansion project. New transformers were purchased, and electric and water lines were put underground for 17 campsites. Also, the Jr Board took on a project to build a 30’ x 40’ picnic shelter for families to have an area to sit and relax while at the Farm Show.
- 2025
A new beef barn
In 2025, a new 80’x148’ beef barn was built to house the beef animals that had been under tents.
A family-oriented show
The Butler Farm Show has been, and always will be, a “family-oriented show” as long as there are dedicated directors, members, volunteers, and faithful 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 and visitors in a productive and entertaining manner, so that farm, city, and business people may better understand each other’s way of life.
“It began with a plow and grew into a family tradition.”