Jeep Heritage Festival kicking off 15th anniversary this weekend
Butler residents may notice a light rumbling under their feet this weekend as a stampede of Jeeps makes a journey into downtown Butler for the 15th anniversary of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.
The festival will officially kick off on Friday, June 12, with the Jeep Invasion, where thousands of enthusiasts will crowd the streets of downtown Butler. Vehicle lovers come from all over to listen to music, socialize with others and get a glimpse into the Main Street shops and activities.
Saturday night provides more activities for attendees with competition and food. Plenty of booths and challenges are open throughout the day, but other activities start after the festival closes.
Competition takes hold with the Duck Dash. In true Jeep festival fashion, participants pay for a numbered rubber duck before racing them down a wet tarp to find the fastest duck of them all. Proceeds from the ducks each participant purchases go to Butler-based nonprofits, including the Butler Outdoor Club and Knights of Columbus Butler Council 866.
“We give money from the total festival back to the local Butler charities and nonprofits,” said Ray Shumaker, interim festival director and board member for the festival.
Also on Saturday, the Barbee Jeep Race ups the ante, replacing rubber ducks with humans in plastic Jeeps. Participants dress up in their best costumes, pull up their plastic, toy Jeeps, and race down a hill for prizes.
Wrapping up the night, Light Bars & Brews returns. Jeeps with the brightest lights illuminate the contest field while judges peruse the selection before choosing their winners.
“It’s just kind of a big old party,” Shumaker said.
