More events added to 4th annual festival
In its fourth year, the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is still adding events and activities to create a special experience celebrating Butler as the birthplace of the Jeep.
“We want the festival experience to change each year so we're constantly adding improvements and more things to do,” said festival director Patti Jo Lambert.
“Bantam is such a unique event because it has something for history buffs, off-road enthusiasts and even non-Jeepers. We are committed to providing a homecoming for Jeepers to share their passion in the birthplace of the Jeep.”
One new feature is an additional mud pit in the Jeep Playground.The playground is a festival favorite, and this new pit will be designated for stock Jeeps only, so fresh off-the-lot Jeeps can have a chance at making it through the mud, too.
Should any stock or modified Jeeps experience breakdowns during the festival, the new Bantam Garage has been introduced to get them back on the road and trails as quickly as possible. Labor is free, but repair parts will need to be bought.
Those Jeeps won't be the only ones trying to tough it out to get through the playground. This year, the festival has added the Bantam Jeep Muddy 5K on Sunday to give attendees a whole new way to leave muddy tracks.In the new 5K, runners will encounter obstacles including tires, cargo nets, steep hills and wooded trails plus the actual Jeep Playground. On-site registration begins on race day at 6:30 a.m.Explore the beginningThe festival also provides activities that allow Jeepers to explore Butler County.A new activity this year, the Historic Travels Tour gives participants the chance to experience a look at historic travel in the area.Throughout the tour, participants can try recipes from a historic stagecoach stop, take an easy hike near the area that George Washington traveled in 1753, hear a talk about the landscape at that time and listen to re-enactors portraying Washington and his guide.The Glacial Interpretive Driving Tour has been expanded to two days: Friday and Sunday.Participants will visit three geological formations made by glaciers and learn from environmental educators who will offer short hikes and share details about each feature. Stops include Moraine and McConnells Mills state parks plus a nearby geological formation.Ride with a GuideEven if visitors don't own a Jeep, the festival offers so much to do, including the new Ride with a Guide. Participants will have the opportunity to test drive a new Jeep on a dedicated stock, off-road trail.Those who don't own a Jeep but might be in the market to get one can also visit the new Jeep Corral where Jeep owners can show off Jeeps they would like to sell.Add an hour of funWith these additional activities, the festival has added an extra hour before close on Saturday for more trail riding, getting muddy in the playground, visiting vendors, walking through the World War II Encampment, learning about Jeep History and admiring those Jeeps competing in Show 'n Shine.In addition, volunteers get an exclusive “extra fun hour” after the festival closes to enjoy the Jeep Playground and trails without the crowds.Baseball, fireworksFestival attendees can take advantage of two new entertainment options. The festival has added these activities to provide extra Saturday night fun.At 7 p.m. visitors can watch the Butler BlueSox face the Chillicothe Paints at historic Kelly Automotive Park, formerly Pullman Park, in Butler. After the game, there will be fireworks. The historic ballpark is in the shadows of the only remaining building formerly owned by the American Bantam Car Co.The team is offering buy-one, get-one free tickets for anyone wearing a festival wristband or 2014 volunteer T-shirt. These are available while seats last.There will also be some Jeep-themed activities between innings.Play at the MeadowsThe Meadows Casino in Washington, Pa., south of Pittsburgh on Interstate 79, is inviting festival attendees to take advantage of several promotions and events.There will be the Terry Bradshaw Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.There will be a special festival wristband price of $20. The price is a special for walk up customers wearing a festival participant or spectator wristband on the day of the concert only. Children may attend this event as the concert is outdoors.Visitors also can join the Meadows Players Club and win up to $1,000 slot free play.Adults older than 21 may visit the Meadows Casino Players Club and receive a chance to win up to $1,000 slot free play. Visitors who earn 100 points playing slot machines are eligible to participate in the new member promotion.Visitors to the Meadows Casino can participate in the Road to $1,000,000 Giveaway on Saturdays in June.The Meadows Casino will randomly select:n 30 winners to receive $100 slot free play every hour from 6 to 10 p.m.n 4 winners to receive $500 in slot free play at 11 p.m.n 1 winner will receive a new car from the C-Harper Auto Group at 11 p.m.
The festival also provides activities that allow Jeepers to explore Butler County.A new activity this year, the Historic Travels Tour gives participants the chance to experience a look at historic travel in the area.Throughout the tour, participants can try recipes from a historic stagecoach stop, take an easy hike near the area that George Washington traveled in 1753, hear a talk about the landscape at that time and listen to re-enactors portraying Washington and his guide.The Glacial Interpretive Driving Tour has been expanded to two days: Friday and Sunday.Participants will visit three geological formations made by glaciers and learn from environmental educators who will offer short hikes and share details about each feature. Stops include Moraine and McConnells Mills state parks plus a nearby geological formation.
Even if visitors don't own a Jeep, the festival offers so much to do, including the new Ride with a Guide. Participants will have the opportunity to test drive a new Jeep on a dedicated stock, off-road trail.Those who don't own a Jeep but might be in the market to get one can also visit the new Jeep Corral where Jeep owners can show off Jeeps they would like to sell.
With these additional activities, the festival has added an extra hour before close on Saturday for more trail riding, getting muddy in the playground, visiting vendors, walking through the World War II Encampment, learning about Jeep History and admiring those Jeeps competing in Show 'n Shine.In addition, volunteers get an exclusive “extra fun hour” after the festival closes to enjoy the Jeep Playground and trails without the crowds.
Festival attendees can take advantage of two new entertainment options. The festival has added these activities to provide extra Saturday night fun.At 7 p.m. visitors can watch the Butler BlueSox face the Chillico the Paints at historic Kelly Automotive Park, formerly Pullman Park, in Butler. After the game, there will be fireworks. The historic ballpark is in the shadows of the only remaining building formerly owned by the
The team is offering buy-one, get-one free tickets for anyone wearing a festival wristband or 2014 volunteer T-shirt. These are available while seats last.There will also be some Jeep-themed activities between innings.
The Meadows Casino in Washington, Pa., south of Pittsburgh on Interstate 79, is inviting festival attendees to take advantage of several promotions and events.There will be the Terry Bradshaw Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.There will be a special festival wristband price of $20. The price is a special for walk up customers wearing a festival participant or spectator wristband on the day of the concert only. Children may attend this event as the concert is outdoors.Visitors also can join the Meadows Players Club and win up to $1,000 slot free play.Adults older than 21 may visit the Meadows Casino Players Club and receive a chance to win up to $1,000 slot free play. Visitors who earn 100 points playing slot machines are eligible to participate in the new member promotion.Visitors to the Meadows Casino can participate in the Road to $1,000,000 Giveaway on Saturdays in June.The Meadows Casino will randomly select:• 30 winners to receive $100 slot free play every hour from 6 to 10 p.m.• 4 winners to receive $500 in slot free play at 11 p.m.• 1 winner will receive a new car from the C-Harper Auto Group at 11 p.m.
