MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch will host their annual triathlon and balloon glow to support first responders, known as Patriots’ Weekend Extravaganza.
Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, promise to be fun days at the farm in Millstadt. The sixth annual CiderMan Sprint Triathlon is planned for 7 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2026. You can also check out the hot air balloon glow, carriage rides, plenty of food and activities from 2–9 p.m. both days on the farm. Proceeds go to local first responders.
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“We just want to help out the community,” said Mary MacKeen, the farm’s owner. “We feel really blessed that we have this place, but we just want other people to enjoy it as we enjoy it.”
MacKeen and her husband, Rich, bought the ranch and named it Buttercup after “The Princess Bride”; they saw the movie in theaters on their first date. Since then, they have raised a family and turned the farm into a campsite, Airbnb and wedding venue.
They began hosting the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, in honor of John Ogonowski, who piloted Flight 11 on 9/11. Rich flew in the Air Force with Ogonowski’s brother, Jim. The MacKeens wanted to do something in his honor.
The CiderMan Sprint Triathlon will take participants through “the scenic countryside of Millstadt,” MacKeen said. Rain or shine, the triathlon has several options so people of all abilities can participate. You can create a relay team or choose to only participate in the biking or running portions.
The race is customizable but promises to be a lot of fun for all who compete. For more information, including how to register, click here.
The balloon glow is another way to get involved in the fun at the farm. There will be several kids’ activities, live music, food for purchase, and more throughout the weekend.
New this year, families can enjoy carriage rides in the MacKeens’ stagecoach. The stagecoach recently appeared in Waterloo’s Fourth of July parade.
It was important to the MacKeen family to utilize the stagecoach for events like this, in memory of their friends Kevin and Linda K. Hirsch, from whom they purchased the vehicle. It was a no-brainer to bring the stagecoach back out for the Patriots’ Weekend Extravaganza.
Attendees can pay $30 per vehicle for the Patriots’ Weekend Experience Pass, which admits them for Saturday and Sunday festivities. You can also reach out to MacKeen at mary@buttercup-ranch.com to inquire about camping or other details.
Twenty percent of the weekend’s proceeds go to local first responders to support their work in the Millstadt community and beyond. MacKeen emphasized the importance of giving back and thanking first responders, especially on the anniversary of 9/11. Several sponsors have also stepped forward to support the event. To sponsor, reach out to MacKeen.
She hopes Buttercup Ranch can continue to serve as a spot for community members to gather, have fun, and support the cause. She encourages people to mark their calendars for Sept. 12 and 13, 2026, and visit the official Buttercup Ranch website for more information about the ranch and Patriots’ Weekend Extravaganza as it becomes available.
“We want people to enjoy themselves,” MacKeen added. “We’re excited.”
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