As you can tell, we had another busy weekend on the road. This time we stopped in Butler Pennsylvania to check out the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. This festival is a tribute to the Jeep vehicle and it’s birthplace, Butler Pennsylvania.
A little background on “Bantam” and this festival. At the start of World War II, the US Government was looking for a vehicle that was 4Wheel Drive, light weight, and able to transport soldiers/artillery. The American Bantam Car Company won the initial bid for vehicle design when it delivered a pilot vehicle in 49 days. Although The American Bantam Car Company had won the bid, they did not have the infrastructure for full production. The Bantam design was instead sent to Ford and Willy’s Overland to aid their design. Quickly those prototypes became production. And now, many years later, we have one of the most recognizable vehicles ever produced.
The Bantam Heritage Jeep festival , only in it’s third year, is one of the premier Jeep events in the Northeast. This year’s event attracted 1500 Jeeps and even more people. On display were Vendors, Manufacturers, and Jeep themselves had some of their vehicles. Included in Jeep’s lineup was the new grand Cherokee shown below:
The event is full of stuff for the whole family too. There is a history display showcasing almost every model Jeep you would want to see. My favorite vehicle was a pre 58 (narrow track) Forward Control Pickup. You don’t see too many of these trucks anymore and never have I seen one in this pristine of condition. Unfortunately the vehicle was roped off and I was forced to inspect it from a distance.
Located on site was a working WWII encampment. You were able to walk back through history and see the living conditions for the average solider. At one point we even saw a German soldier driving around on a motorcycle, seriously.
There is a little something for everyone here at the Bantam Festival. Jeep owners could go on a trail ride, mess around in the Jeep Playground, Show off at the show and shine, or if you’re not into washing/waxing you could take a stroll through the mud pit. And don’t feel bad if you can’t take your Jeep, there is still plenty of fun. Both Quadratec and 4Wheel Drive Hardware were on site selling parts. Skyjacker and Clayton Suspension were on hand helping you choose your next suspension lift. Spectators could watch people thrash their vehicles in the mud pit or on the obstacle course. And if after a full day of fun you were too tired to drive home, the campgrounds on site would take you in.
We must say that this was a great weekend trip for the whole family. The weather didn’t agree with us the whole time but that made for a better mud pit and a more challenging obstacle course. If you’re looking to attend next or want some more information about the Bantam Heritage Jeep Festival, checkout their WEBSITE.
Crown Automotive Sales Co., Inc. 