Dates set for First Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
The First Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is scheduled for August 12-14, 20011 in Butler, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the original jeep.
The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is organized by the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau and a group of committed volunteers and Jeep enthusiasts who want to create a signature annual event celebrating Butler’s role as the birthplace of the jeep. Butler was the home of American Bantam, which submitted the winning design for the Army’s light all-terrain vehicle. (Full Bantam Jeep history)
The Festival will take place in Downtown Butler and at the Butler County Fairgrounds along Route 422, just west of Butler. Organizers hope is to create a premier annual event that attracts Jeep enthusiasts from all over the Mid-Atlantic region.
The three-day event features a Jeep parade and cruise in downtown Butler on Friday, August 12, where organizers hope to set a Guinness Book of World Record for the longest Jeep parade. The Festival will move to the Butler County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, where historical exhibits about the Bantam jeep, a Jeep Show ‘N Shine, off-road Jeep Playground, vendor displays featuring both national and local retailers, children’s activities, live entertainment and more will take place.
Festival hours will be Friday 6 PM to 11 PM; Saturday 9 AM to 11 PM and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 3-12. Children 2 and under will be admitted free. For more information, see the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival site.
Fun Trivia Facts: Mickey Mouse’s first real car was an American Bantam sedan. The jeep was originally designated “truck, reconnaissance, 1/4-ton.” The “general purpose” designation didn’t come until after the start of World War II. The nine-slot grille was added by Ford to cut manufacturing costs on their version.
