New this year, the festival is offering a full evening of activities that have free admission Saturday at Cooper's Lake Campground near Slippery Rock. All free activities are held in the festival's parking lot — but not in the main festival area.

Starting at 5 p.m., visitors will be able to watch the new Bantam Barbee Jeep Race. This event will feature adults racing down a slalom-style course on ride-on Jeeps (batteries must be removed). Winners will receive $250, $150 and $75. The community is also encouraged to enter the race. The entry fee is $30.

At 6 p.m., James Tobin and the Dewey Decimators, a roots rock band, will play live music. Attendees should take their own chairs. The music will play during Rib Night, which is a buffet-style meal catered by North Country Brewing Company. Advance tickets for the meal are required.

A Corn Hole Tournament will also take place Saturday evening. The team entry fee is $10 and the top teams will win gift certificates valued at $300 to Skyjacker Suspensions. Teams can register to enter in the online store.

Another new event, the Festival of Lights, will begin at dusk. Jeeps will line up in the parking lot and display the different lights that have been added to the vehicles. A rainbow of colorful lights will be seen and bright off-road lights will enable these Jeeps to light up Bantam.“We’re excited to offer the community new activities that they can enjoy free of charge,” said Patti Jo Lambert, festival director. “Anyone, including those who don’t own a Jeep, can participate in the Barbee Jeep Race and the Corn Hole Tournament. We hope everyone will take advantage of these new ways to experience the festival and see for themselves why Jeep enthusiasts journey to Butler each year.”Those who want to participate in the Barbee Jeep Race, Rib Night or the Corn Hole Tournament can register at www.bantamjeepfestival.com.