2016 Bantam Jeep Festival Scheduled for June 10-12

March 3, 2016

Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, one of the premier Jeep-only events in the nation, will welcome Jeep owners from all over the country to the birthplace of the Jeep in Butler, Pa.  June 10-12, 2016. The event is presented by Peoples and held at Coopers Lake Campground, about 30 minutes from Butler.

“The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is an event that every Jeep enthusiast can enjoy because you can see thousands of rare military models, modified off-road-ready vehicles and stock daily-driver Jeeps all in the same place at the same time,” said Patti Jo Lambert, Festival director.  “The variety of Jeep models and other Festival activities offer a fun weekend for Jeep enthusiasts of all ages.  We’ve heard the Festival described as “Jeep Heaven” and for many people who attend, it’s exactly that.”

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New in 2016:

Bantam Night Ops Mission #2016

Bantam Jeep Festival

New in 2016, the Festival is offering a special Thursday night activity open to only 105 lucky Jeep owners.  Jeep drivers and their passengers will take a leisurely night ride on a stock trail under the moonlight.  Following the ride, participants will enjoy a bonfire, refreshments, s’mores and a goody bag with premium Night Ride goodies to kick off the weekend.

Jeep Playground Gets More Challenging

Jeep Playground fans will be able to try out some upgraded obstacles that will provide a new challenge and even more fun.  The Playground is one of the most popular Festival activities for both participants and spectators because it’s the place to see Jeeps drive through mud, crawl over large rocks and navigate over bridges, bumps and hills.

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Jeep History Exhibit

The popular History Exhibit will feature approximately 12 rare Jeeps from the 1950s such as a 1953 CJ-3B, a 1953 M38A1-C Military Jeep with a recoil cannon and a 1955 Willys Fire Engine Truck.

Military Encampment Obstacle Course

Kids will be put to the test as the First Frontier Mechanized Calvary directs them through a kid-friendly obstacle course similar to what WWII recruits had to face in the 1940s.  Uniformed drill sergeants will guide them through this fun activity.

From History to How-To, Festival Offers Many Attractions

The Festival’s popularity is due to its additional diverse offerings, including these:

  • World War II Encampment: Stroll through this 1940s camp and learn how soldiers lived during the war
  • Vendors: More than 125 vendors from across the country will have practically any Jeep part or accessory imaginable. New and used items are for sale.
  • How To Clinics: Experts will teach audiences useful information about parts, accessories and safety tips for their Jeeps
  • Ride with A Guide: Test drive a new Jeep on the off-road stock trail
  • History Speakers Series: Learn about Jeep history during informative presentations given by experts and historians
  • Muddy 5K Race: This Jeep-themed on-foot race features plenty of obstacles and tons of mud.

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Plan to Attend

Jeep owners who want to bring their Jeep and participate in Festival activities with their vehicle must register to attend.  Pre-registration is available online until May 8th.  Limited on-site registration will also be offered at the Festival each day starting at 8 a.m.    Those who want to simply come to see the fun can purchase spectator tickets at the gate.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for kids 3-12.  For more information, visit www.BantamJeepFestival.com or call 724-256-4050.

* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation