The village of Butler will be the destination of choice this weekend for antique lovers with the village’s first antique tractor parade on Friday, followed by the Butler car show and historical museum open house on Saturday.
The antique tractor parade is sponsored by the Butler-Clear Fork Valley Historical Society. Jim Lifer, president of the historical society, said, “There will be a chance for the public to walk around and talk to the owners, and get a little history as to how that tractor happened to become part of their life.”
Lifer went on to note, “Many of the tractors were bought by their grandparents or restored by someone in the family, so they have meaning.”
More than 20 tractors will be on display and in the parade. Tractors will arrive at the Three Crosses United Methodist Church, located at 12 Cleveland Street, from 2 – 3 p.m. The tractors will remain on display from 3 – 5 p.m. for public viewing, and the parade will step off at 6 p.m.
Dr. Chuck Lifer will serve as grand marshal of the parade, making his appearance on a 1928 John Deere, model GP, which was purchased new by his wife’s great uncle, noted Jim Lifer.
Jim Lifer added that Chuck Lifer and his wife Gwyenna, have donated over $75,000 for the expansion of the Butler Museum.
Butler-Clear Fork Valley Historical Society and Museum will host an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., said Jim Lifer. The museum is located at 43 W. Elm St. in Butler.
On Saturday, the Butler Car Show, sponsored by the Butler Area Merchant’s Association, will feature classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Weekley Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealership located in downtown Butler at 50 Main St.
Music will be provided via sound system as well as volunteer musicians. The Butler branch of the Mansfield Richland County Public Library will offer children’s activities at Memorial Park.
Local area restaurants will be open to provide food including Tall Timber Inn, Clear Fork Adult Center, The Whiffletree, Lumpy’s 5 Points Drive-In, and Ducky’s Pub and Grill.
“That’s what we’re really striving for,” said Butler Mayor Kevin Carr, “is to bring traffic to town for our local businesses and restaurants.”
Carr noted that Gary and Starla Scholler have been instrumental in the planning of the car show. Gary Scholler will emcee the event. “He kind of ad-libs some things and keeps things fun and interesting,” said Carr.
Last year, the car show drew 105 entries, added Carr; it was the first time the show had been held in several years.
For those interested in displaying a vehicle at the show, all makes and models are welcome. Registration will be held at Weekley Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge from 2:30 until 5 p.m., with prizes awarded at 7:30 p.m. Donations in the amount of $5, benefitting the Butler Area Merchant’s Association, will be accepted at registration.
Prizes, supplied by Weekley Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge and the merchants association, include: First place car or truck, $250 or tires of equal value; second place car or truck, floor jack plus $25; first and second place motorcycle plaques; awards to the top twenty entries; best of show and best display will also be awarded.
Both the antique tractor parade and car show will be held rain or shine.
