Bantam Jeep Festival Returns to Butler County

The Second Bantam Jeep Festival will be held August 10- 12th, but the online deadline for Jeep owners who wish to participate in the festivities is July 22nd.

The Festival is also seeking volunteers to assist with this huge and fun-filled event.

Last year when the first Bantam Jeep Festival was held in Butler County, the crowds that came to honor the little, mighty car far exceeded the anticipated few thousand event organizers had expected.

The festival was created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Bantam Jeep which was created in Butler. Sponsored and organized by the Butler County Tourism & Visitors Bureau, the event generated interest from around the world.

“We had people attend from 25 states and five countries,” said Patti Jo Lambert, festival director. A crowd of over 30,000 welcomed the Jeep Parade to the town of Butler and over 20,000 attended the festival and activities at the Big Butler Fairgrounds last August.

This year’s event will start with the Jeep Invasion when more than 1,000 Jeeps are expected to “invade” the City of Butler Friday night, August 10th.  

A “Street Party,” according to Lambert, the streets and parking lots will be closed so that Jeeps of every make, model and year will be on display.

 “Last year we created a new Guinness World Record for the longest parade of Jeeps, with 1,106 participating,” said Lambert. 

“This year we are creating a street party so Jeep enthusiasts from around the world can come together for this homecoming event.  Last year’s participants were amazed at all of the people who came out to see the Jeeps, and we hope our region’s residents will once again welcome them ‘home.’”

In addition to the Jeeps on display, there will be music, food and more as local vendors, shops and stores and restaurants welcome the “Jeepers” said Lambert.

To participate in the Invasion, Jeeps must be registered and a maximum of 1,500 Jeeps will be accepted.  Online registration is available until July 22 and the cost is only $5 per Jeep.  All Jeeps will receive a numbered plaque. Jeep owners may register during Registration Check- In at Clearview Mall should space allow.  Registrations will be accepted until the maximum number of Jeeps is reached.

The Festival will continue at the Big Butler Fairgrounds on August 11 and 12   with numerous activities including: Off-Road Playground, Show ‘n Shine, World War II encampment, national vendors, Jeep Team Challenge and more. 

General admission to the Festival is $7 for adults and 3$ for children and can be purchased at the Fairground’s East Gate, off of Unionville Road.  For more information, visit www.BantamJeepFestival.com , 724-234-2291 or email info@bantamjeepfestival.com.