When 1,200 jeeps line up at Butler County Community College on Friday, they will be doing more than driving a three-mile route and then parking for people to admire.

They will create Jeep history in Butler once again as the parade and cruise are expected to set a new Guinness Record.

The parade kicks off the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival’s three-day event. Jeeps will depart BC3 at 6 p.m. and travel north on Route 8 where Main Street will be transformed into a Jeep cruise. The Jeeps will line up according to decade with the Bantam Jeeps leading.

Jeeps from the 1940s will park near Pearl Street. Main Street will be entirely filled with Jeeps down to Wayne Street and Jeeps will also fill side streets.

Disc jockeys will be stationed among the Jeeps, playing music of the era.

The parade is presented by Armstrong, Phillips TWP, People’s Natural Gas and BC3.

“The parade is an opportunity for everyone to come downtown to see the Jeeps and have some fun,” said Butler Mayor Maggie Stock.

“I hope the streets will be filled with not just Jeeps but with thousands of people who want to be a part of this record-setting event. We’re thrilled to put Butler in the spotlight, and we will extend our warmest welcome to all the visitors who join us.”

Ron Vodenichar, general manger and co-publisher of the Butler Eagle, will serve as master of ceremonies. He and other dignitaries will be in front of the courthouse on the Xtreme Car and Truck Accessories Stage.

Stock said, “This event is an opportunity for anyone who owns a Jeep to help create history.

“Even if you drive your Jeep just to work or to shuttle the kids to their activities, we need it to be part of the parade so we can set a record that will be impossible for another event to break. So if you know someone who owns a Jeep, tell them about the festival and encourage them to join in the fun.”

The parade route may not be interrupted by other vehicular traffic, so Butler Township police will be managing intersections and traffic flow between Decatur Drive and Hansen Avenue. Butler City Police will handle detours.

The parade and cruise is free for people to see and costs just $5 for participating Jeeps. Jeep owners who want to participate can register on-site at BC3. Registration opens at 1 p.m.

Participants are highly encouraged to arrive early and to review the rules and regulations on the festival website, www.bantam-jeepfestival.com.

Food and drinks will be available at BC3.