Welcome Jeepers. Butler County was more than ready for the invasion.

For over a decade, Jeep enthusiasts from across the nation, and sometimes across the world, have converged on the home of the Jeep for the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.

Butler’s connection with the Jeep started in 1932, when the U.S. Army bought two American Austin Convertible pickup trucks, the ancestor to the original Jeep. By 1940, the company, then the American Bantam Car Co., had a contract to build 70 vehicles based on the small cars. After testing and a few modifications — rounding off the edges and removing the fenders — the government placed an order for 1,500 cars.

Bantam completed its order by May 1941, but the final contract was given to Ford. However, the Bantam continued to make trailers for military vehicles.

That strong historical connection to the creation of the Jeep drives the festival. The spirit of the event makes it a celebration.

The Jeep Invasion was Friday on Main Street in Butler, and county residents enjoyed the fanfare and festival atmosphere. Strolling through downtown looking at the collection of vehicles, munching on food from vendors and local restaurants, perusing the shops, and listening to music was a great way to start the weekend.

Events carefully planned and executed by Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association and its more than 500 volunteers continue Saturday and Sunday at the festival site at Cooper’s Lake Campground. A selection of activities are available for those who drive and those who don’t.

Through Sunday, Butler County will showcase its stores, restaurants, roads and parks. We hope the welcome our visitors receive will encourage them to come again to shop, take in a show or a concert, or enjoy the many restaurants and eateries here.

Their patronage also benefits our community nonprofits. Starting in 2016, the Friends of the Jeep Association started a financial gift program. More than $200,000 has been donated to organizations helping those in need. The most recent gift of $1,000 to the Prospect and the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department went toward the purchase of a utility terrain vehicle that will be used to fight wildfires and assist with water rescue missions.

We hope the wheels of this festival keep turning. So wave to those Jeeps as they drive by.

— DJS