The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival keeps giving Jeep owners more reasons to bring their Jeep home to the birthplace of the Jeep. The Festival announced today that pre-registration for Jeep owners to participate in event activities soon be available through May 6. And just like the Festival has grown each year, so has the fun activities that attendees can experience June 8-10, 2018 in Butler and Slippery Rock, Pa.
“The Festival is a must-do event that should be on every Jeep owner’s bucket list,” said Patti Jo Lambert, Festival director. “We want them to experience the Festival and have so much fun they can’t wait to come back. That’s why we keep offering new things for Jeep enthusiasts to see and do each and every year.”
New in 2018
Bantam Proving Grounds Jeep Pull: When the American Bantam Car Company created the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, the world’s original jeep, they delivered the vehicle to Camp Holabird near Baltimore. Camp Holabird was the Army’s proving grounds where they tested vehicles to determine if they could handle the rigors of battle. The Bantam Proving Grounds Jeep Pull is an opportunity for Jeep owners to prove their Jeep can go the distance. They will hook up to a weighted sled and if their Jeep can successfully pull it, they will earn bragging rights for years to come. One hundred percent of entry fees will be donated to a local charity to be announced soon.
Decorate Your Jeep: Jeep owners are passionate about their vehicles, with many owners even giving them a name. The Festival is offering owners a fun way to personalize their Jeeps even more by accessorizing them with all types of decorations. Judges will present awards to the Jeeps that are most creative, most patriotic and have the best theme.
Invasion After-Party: After invading Downtown Butler during the popular Jeep Invasion on Friday, June 8, Jeepers are invited to stop by Recon Brewing. The brewery, named after the Bantam Reconnaissance Car, will offer a $1 discount on their BRC beer to all guests wearing a Festival wristband between 9-11 p.m. Friday night only.
Jeepardy: This twist on one of America’s most popular game shows will offer Jeep-themed categories for contestants. Several games will be played each day, and contestants will be selected via a random drawing just before each game begins. Jeepardy games will feature three rounds and will be played at select times during the Festival.
2018 Enhancements
Best of Bantam: New in 2018, Best of Bantam participants may enter the competition field via a new gate off Currie Road. The gate will give them direct access to the field during select times, enabling them to avoid high-traffic roads throughout the Festival area.
Bantam Night Ops Mission 2018: This nighttime trail ride on Thursday, June 7 is now available as an a la carte activity. Previously, attendees had to purchase a Night Ops package in order to participate. Now, any Jeep owner who wants to test their driving skills in the dark can enjoy this experience. Bonfires and s’mores will also be offered for participants.
Babes of Bantam: This ladies-only event features instruction by women for women on both a stock trail and a portion of the Jeep Playground obstacle course. It was so popular when it was introduced in 2017 that the event has been expanded to accommodate additional female drivers – 50 will enjoy the experience on Thursday, June 7 and 100 will hit the trail and Jeep Playground on Friday, June 8.
Festival Package: The Festival Package offers early registrants a discount on select Jeep activities and other benefits. New this year, the package will include a Bantam Bonus Card that provides special discounts to select vendors available only to Jeep owners who purchase the package. In addition, the package will include a $25 meal voucher to the Harmony Inn, North County Brewing Company and North Country Canning Company. The package is available for purchase through March 31.
Jeep History Exhibit: The Jeep History exhibit is a not-to-miss part of the Festival. In 2018, it will feature up to 20 Jeeps from the 1970s. The Faces of Jeep grille exhibit will unveil grilles from 1970s Jeep models too.
In addition to these activities, the Festival offers on and off-site trail rides, a Jeep Playground obstacle course featuring a mud pit, Jeep Invasion street party, Mystery Road Rally and other activities. More than 120 companies from across the nation will sell all types of Jeep accessories and other items. In 2017, 2,040 Jeeps from 27 states registered to participate in the Festival, making it one of the largest Jeep-only events in the United States.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help execute the Festival,” said Lambert. “Even if you don’t have a Jeep, we need more help so that we can continue to grow and provide a fantastic experience for our attendees.”
Jeep owners and those who wish to volunteer can register online at www.bantamjeepfestival.com. The website also contains detailed information about the event, including videos, photos and more.
