ZELIENOPLE — Gov. Tom Corbett will visit Butler next week to promote the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Aug. 12-14 in Butler.

Jack Cohen, executive director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, told his board Thursday that the governor will be here next Thursday.

"He will arrive at the Butler City Building and take a special Jeep provided by Diehl Automotive Group, to the Bantam Building behind Kmart in the Pullman Shopping Center," Cohen said.

The American Bantam Car Co., based in Butler, was the company that designed the first Jeep for the U.S. military just before World War II.

The Bantam building now is on land now owned by AK Steel. Cohen and historic preservationists have been trying to get the building declared a historic landmark so that it can be saved and restored.

"The governor wants to talk about that status," Cohen said.

As for the festival celebrating the Jeep's 70th birthday, Cohen said 1,129 Jeep owners have registered to be in what could be the world's longest Jeep parade Aug. 12, with Jeeps traveling from Butler County Community College, along Route 8 to Main Street.

People from six other countries have been confirmed to attend the festival: Australia, Canada, England, India, Italy and Iceland. Additionally, 26 states will be represented in the parade.

Cohen said he estimates three-day festival revenue for businesses to be $1 million to $1.5 million.