Old Butler Day

What began decades ago as a reunion of those who once lived in and near the town of Old Butler, is now a time of honoring the resilience of the people who lived through one of the darkest periods of Johnson County’s history. On Saturday, October 7, 2023, almost 75 years since the waters all but erased the town of Butler, locals and visitors will gather to remember its past while celebrating the vibrant future of this beautiful area of the state.

Old Butler Day, a family-friendly festival sponsored annually by the Butler Ruritan, will be hosted on the grounds of the Babe Curtis Park. Festival attendees will enjoy great food, music, vendors and experience life in Old Butler through tours at the Museum of Butler and the W.S. Stout store located at the park. As visitors tour the museum, the historical exhibits bring to life the early days of Old Butler and depict the extraordinary effort in relocating this small town, showing why it is known as “the town that would not drown”.