One of the biggest fairs in Western Pennsylvania is boasting some big entertainment this year. The Big Butler Fair, now in its 152nd year, features rides, animals, demolition derbies and music to please just about everyone. And don't forget the funnel cakes and corn dogs. The fair runs from tomorrow through July 7 and is held at the fairgrounds in Prospect.

"We try to do something different every year," said fair board vice president Ben Roenigk. "We want something for everyone."

	Post-Gazette The Wave Swinger at the Big Butler Fair. The fair runs through July 7 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, Route 422 in Prospect. Click photo for larger image.

The biggest event of the fair is the Y108 Freedom Fest, held on closing day. The daylong concert this year will feature country music star Craig Morgan, whose recent hits include "Little Bit of Life," "My Kind of Woman," "Redneck Yacht Club," "I Love It" and "Everywhere I Go."

He will be joined on stage by the Poverty Neck Hillbillies. The Hillbillies originated in Pittsburgh and have gone on to realize some big success in the music industry.

Other artists performing include Joe Patrick, The Davisson Brothers Band, Alli Gillis, NOMAD, Cedar Creek, The Todd Jones Band, Trent Tomlinson and Kellie Lynne.

The concert will begin at noon with The Todd Jones Band and wrap up around 10 p.m. with Craig Morgan. Tickets are $12 if ordered in advance and include general admission to the fair. Tickets can be ordered via Ticket Master. Tickets also can be purchased at the grandstand the day of the concert, for $12, plus the cost of general admission to the fair.

Mr. Roenigk said the Freedom Fest gets bigger and better every year, offering more artists than in previous years.

Other musicians performing during the fair include The Clarks, who will take the stage at 8 p.m. tomorrow. The concert is free.

"Butler County loves the Clarks, so we're excited they'll be coming," Mr. Roenigk said.

Bike Night also will be held tomorrow. Anyone who rides his motorcycle into the grandstand through the west gate will receive free admission to the fair.

Saturday will be the day for truckers to show off their rigs during CDL Truckers Day. Later in the day, bobtail and tri-axle drag racing will be held. Drivers with trucks will be admitted to the fair free that day when arriving before 3 p.m. This is the first time the fair has held an event like this, Mr. Roenigk said.

Sunday and Monday will feature the demolition derby for cars and buses. All new this year is the combined demolition derby. Rules for participating in the derbies are listed on the fair's Web site.

Fireworks by Shively Fireworks, begins at dusk on July 4, with a rain date of July 5.

The fair has daily attractions such as animal exhibits and rides for children of all ages, circus events and a free petting zoo.

Visitors will be able to see Kay Rosaire's Big Cat Encounter, featuring Clayton Rosaire, the youngest professional big-cat handler in the business. At age 19, the troupe claims Mr. Rosaire is the youngest tiger tamer in the world. Mr. Rosaire will lead Siberian and Bengal tigers through a series of complex routines. Mr. Roenigk said the show will be at the fair daily for the entire week.

Of all the events, Mr. Roenigk said the biggest attractions are the demolition derbies.

"People really come out for them," he said.

Admission to the fair has changed a bit over the years. Anyone who arrives before 4 p.m. will pay $5 general admission. After 4 p.m., the price is $7. General admission includes all grandstand events except the Freedom Fest, Mr. Roenigk said. Tickets for that must be purchased separately.

Visitors who wish to ride the more than 50 carnival rides also will pay for an all-day ride pass. Before 4 p.m., the pass costs $10. After 4 p.m., it's $12.

A complete listing of all fair events can be found on the fair's Web site at www.bigbutlerfair.com