While there has been lot of great events connected to the Jeep® brand’s 70th anniversary, the first annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler, Pennsylvania is one we wanted to take the time to highlight here on our Jeep brand blog. The community of Butler, the birthplace of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, has put together a three-day event-filled extravaganza. The fun begins Friday, August 12, 2011 and runs through the weekend. It starts with a Guinness World Record attempt at building the longest Jeep vehicle parade. With over 900 registered Jeeps from across the nation and Canada, there’s a good chance for success at breaking the record!
Here are some of the exciting activities they have planned:
- A Jeep Playground, featuring driving challenges including a rock crawl, mud pit, teeter-totter and more. The Playground is being designed and built exclusively for this event.
- On-site off-road trail rides (two stock, one modified)
- Show ‘n Shine Jeep vehicle show (15 classes for Jeep vehicles to enter)
- Four-act concert featuring the Fabulous Thunderbirds on Saturday, August 13th followed by fireworks
- Canadian Jiffy Jeep vehicle demonstrations: Tear down and rebuild an entire Jeep vehicle in under five minutes
- National manufacturers and retailers offering parts, accessories and other merchandise
- History exhibits about the creation of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, the world’s original Jeep vehicle
- World War II military encampments and other military displays
- Prize raffle featuring more than $10,000 in merchandise
- Little Jeepers Playground with activities for kids
- Professional driver demonstrations
- How-To Clinics
- Camp Bantam outdoor activities at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania
From the media handout: “The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is shaping up to be one of the largest Jeep-only events east of the Mississippi,” said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, which is the organization spearheading the event. “We also believe it might be the largest gathering of Bantam Jeeps ever in one place. It’s wonderful to see all of the interest and support coming from Jeep owners and the entire region.”
Entry into this action-packed event is only $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids ages 3-12 each day. Reserved concert seats are $10.00 each.
Join the Jeep brand in celebrating an important part of Jeep history and get to know your fellow Jeep enthusiasts. We at the Jeep brand plan on being there and we hope to see you there too!
Sources: http://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/ , Butler County Bantam Jeep Festival Media Handout, personal interview with Patti Jo Lambert, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau.