If things go as they usually do, Butler County's mid-summer tradition -- the Big Butler Fair -- will draw at least 100,000 people during its nine-day run beginning tomorrow.

Whether patrons travel to the 200-acre fairgrounds that straddle Prospect and Franklin for the carnival or the farm show can be a source of heated, though mostly friendly, debate.

"Oh yeah, it's a discussion, and the answer depends on who you talk to," acknowledged Ben Roenigk, of Sarver, fair vice president and patron since he was old enough to walk.

"Some people come and make a beeline for the rides. Other people never even look that direction. They head off to the animals. And some of them, well, I think they just come to eat!" he said, laughing.

This is the 154th Big Butler Fair. Whether it's been 154 consecutive years, Mr. Roenigk isn't sure.

"There may have been a disruption during the Civil War. If there was, it was the only one," he said.

The Big Butler Fair has something for everyone, from the popular school bus demolition derby to stock car football to the finale Freedom Fest concert, starring Keith Anderson and featuring Chris Higbee, formerly of the Poverty Neck Hillbillies.

And then there are the rides and more rides. And the food booths. And the chickens, horses and cows. Oh, my. And fireworks on Saturday, Independence Day. And more than 2,000 contestants in dozens of competitions, from rabbits and chickens to jelly and veggies.

Most of the nine days are jammed with activities from 9 a.m. to about 11 p.m.

A complete schedule of activities can be obtained by visiting the fair's Web site at http://www.bigbutlerfair.com or by calling the fair office at 724-865-2400.

Fair admission is $5 per person before 4 p.m. and $7 after. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. Entry prices do not include a ride-all-day band, which costs $14 per person, though discounts are available on the Web site. Although most musical performances are included in the price of admission, the Freedom Fest Concert at noon July 11 costs $20 plus fair admission, unless purchased via the Web site. In that case, the admission will be included with the concert ticket. Children 10 and younger will be admitted to the concert free with paid fair admission.

Successful fair turnouts have produced enough profit to buy the 200-acre fairgrounds and build a host of buildings on the property. Mr. Roenigk hopes for a $100,000 profit this year. "Everybody'd be smiling if we got that," he said.

As for how the money would be used, he said there's always a building that needs to be fixed.

It takes dozens of people to pull it all off. The fair is operated by a 15-member board, but close to 100 people volunteer their services.