Little Jeepers get to have fun
One of the special attractions at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is the Jeep Playground, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The maximum number of participants is 1,500 for playground and on-site trails combined. Cost is $40.
Participants can climb up piles of dirt, crawl over rocks, maneuver around poles, cross over bridges and get really muddy.
This activity is for both stock and modified Jeeps. There are requirements to participate, including: battery properly secured; seat belts for every occupant; roof or roll cage; no loose or broken parts; items secured in vehicle; and a spare tire.
Since the festival is a family-friendly event, planners wanted to make sure that the Little Jeepers Playground, sponsored by Hobby Express and 4 Wheel Drive Hardware, had some new activities for little Jeepers to enjoy, too.
Many activities are coordinated by the Butler County Children's Center.
The Little Jeepers Playground, free with spectator admission, will feature crafts, games, pedal karts and more to keep the kids busy, along with the new Little Jeepers Show 'n Shine.
Wooden toy Jeeps, including paint and brush, will be available to buy at the merchandise tent. Anyone can paint, decorate and modify their Jeep in any way.
Jeeps can then be entered to compete in the free, daily competition in these Little Jeepers Show 'n Shine classes:Class 1: RealisticClass 2: Sports/Teams/AthletesClass 3: TV/Movies/CartoonsClass 4: Prettiest/ “Girliest”Class 5: Animals“We discovered wooden Jeep kits and knew kids and their families would enjoy decorating them and having their own Show 'n Shine competition,” said Gloria Sabatelli, festival committee member.“We're anxious to see the entries of the Jeeps that have been purchased in advance online. Also, we will have some wooden Jeeps for purchase and free decorating supplies at the event for kids who want to decorate and enter a Jeep during the Festival.”In addition, Hobby Express will be featuring remote control Jeeps on a small scale off-road playground. Festivalgoers will be invited to “test drive” the small scale Jeeps over the course.“Since the festival is being held over Father's Day weekend, we expect more families to make the festival part of their holiday tradition,” Sabatelli said. “We think they'll really enjoy all of the new activities we've included at the Little Jeepers Playground this year.”
