Rolling in the Jeep: Registration Open for 2012 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

Online registration is open for Jeep owners and volunteers who want to be involved in the 2012  in August in Butler. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 

"Jeep owners have been contacting us on a daily basis for the past few months because they don't want to miss out on the opportunity to participate with their Jeep," said Patti Jo Lambert, event director. "We're excited to have registrationunder way and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Butler."

Festival attendees can expect a few new additions this year, including:

Number of Jeeps Involved in Participation

More Jeeps will be able to participate in this year's event. A "Maximum Jeep Capacity" has been established for each activity and published on the festival's website so Jeep owners know how many Jeeps may participate in an activity. Registration numbers will be updated in the website's registration section. Lambert said the maximum quantities were determined so that Jeepers know at the outset that registration for various events is limited.

Jeep Invasion Features A Street Party, Not A Parade

The festival will kick-off Aug. 10 in downtown Butler with the Jeep Invasion. The event will feature as many as 1,200 Jeeps parked along Butler's Main Street and side streets. The evening event will have a party atmosphere with entertainment, music, food vendors and thousands of Jeep enthusiasts strolling up and down the streets to admire all of the Jeeps. Downtown businesses will offer special promotions and activities to welcome attendees. Lambert said the August festival will attempt to break the  for the longest parade of Jeeps.

New Saturday Night Features

Three new events are planned for Saturday night. The Jeep Team Challenge involves 50 Jeep owners competing in entertaining driving challenges, including navigating terrain while blindfolded. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and is expected to be one of the highlights of the 2012 festival.

The Mystery Road Rally will give 200 Jeepers the chance to go on a scavenger hunt throughout Butler County. Twelve routes will consist of stops at some of the county's various businesses and attractions. Prizes will be awarded to the Jeep drivers who correctly answer trivia questions and who return to the festival closest to the pre-determined time and mileage.

Jeepers will take part in a traditional pig roast with all of the trimmings at the Great Pig Out. The evening will include music, games and other activities.

Ruff 'n Tuff Competition Gives Jeeps More Chances to Compete

Another new event for 2012 is Ruff 'n Tuff. The Sunday-only event is a spinoff of the traditional Show 'n Shine and will offer Jeepers the chance to compete in some non-traditional categories. Judges will select the Jeep with the most mud, most tattoos, the most extreme and more. Trophies will be awarded to the winner in each class.

Military Collectibles Show and Sale and Flea Market Offer Hard-to-Find Items

The festival is inviting dealers and individuals to sell their military antiques/collectibles and used Jeep parts to attendees.

"Since so many people really enjoy the military aspect of the Jeep, we're also planning an area for dealers to sell military antiques and collectibles, which will expand the historical components of the event,” Lambert said. "Jeep owners look forward to finding old parts that are difficult to locate, so we're hoping many Jeepers will clean out their garages and rent a space at the festival to sell their items."

Registration for booth space will be available later this month on the website.

2011 Favorites Are Back

Nearly all the elements of the 2011 festival will be back for what organizers promise will be another fantastic experience. The off-road Jeep Playground and on-site trails, Show 'n Shine, Bantam Jeep history exhibit, Moraine Trail Ride, World War II encampment, how-to clinics and merchandise vendors all will back this year.

“We received tremendous feedback about our inaugural event, and we're excited about all we have planned for this year,” Lambert said. "Many of the new aspects of the event are the direct result of comments we received from last year's attendees, and we hope everyone will come this year and see how we're committed to making the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival a truly not-to-miss event."

Registration Details for Jeeps and Volunteers

Everyone must pre-register online to participate with their Jeep or to volunteer at the event. Registration is available on the Bantam Jeep website. Jeeps must have of valid liability insurance to participate. Rules and frequently asked questions are available on the website.

Merchandise Vendor Registration Coming Soon

Nearly 100 businesses or groups reserved booth space in 2011. Companies and organizations will be able to register for 2012 vendor space in March. For more information, call 724-234-2291 or email info@bantamjeepfestival.com.

-- Information submitted by the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. 

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