Peter Syzonenko, started early with his Jeep fascination.

“I bought a Jeep as my first car and after that, I was hooked,” Syzonenko, 18, said.

His 1992 Wrangler was one of more than 1,000 Jeeps that appeared in Friday's Jeep Invasion, one of the most popular activities in the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.

The event shut down Butler's Main Street between Wayne and Pearl streets and filled it along with other streets and lots with Jeeps. In addition to the vehicles, the event featured food and music. Restaurants and other shops remained open.

Syzonenko of Bangor, Northampton County, already is on his second Jeep. In addition to being capable and safe to drive in all weather conditions, he said that he likes the culture surrounding Jeeps.

“Everyone who owns a Jeep is just so friendly,” he said.

His father, Paul Syzonenko, does not own a Jeep, but he appreciated the diversity and personal touches to the Jeeps at the event.

“Every one is different in their own way. You never see two Jeeps alike,” he said.

Lori Klinger of Lickdale, Lebanon County, did not have any Jeeps at the event. However, that does not mean she is not an enthusiast. She even went so far as to have the word “jeep” tattooed on her left arm.

Currently, she owns a 1999 Wrangler.

“I like getting them dirty,” Klinger said.

At the event, she and her family were trying to see how many different states Jeeps came from. Early in the evening, they had spotted Jeeps from Florida, Texas, Illinois and Alaska.

Her daughter, Jordy Martin, brought her two Jeeps, a 1997 Wrangler and a 2010 Wrangler.

She said the 2010 model is for her children and her 1997 model is for her Weimaraner. That Jeep was decorated with several stuffed animals both on the inside and outside, and had upholstery decorated with dogs.

“This is her and my Jeep,” Martin said.

Chris Rugaler of Butler does not own a Jeep anymore, but he did enjoy owning a 2001 Wrangler.

“The most comfortable seat I ever sat in,” Rugaler said.

When he owned that Jeep, he said he liked the smooth stick shift and the versatility. This was his first time at the event, and he was enjoying it.

“It really reflects well upon Butler to have all of these vehicles here,” Rugaler said.

Jim Ferguson of Cincinnati could be found sitting in a 1965 Willys Jeep. However, he did not own it; it belonged to a friend.

Ferguson enjoys old Jeeps as well as AMCs. He said he actually grew up a stone's throw from a Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Bill Clark of Clarion and his cousin, Brandon Siegel, each brought Jeep Wranglers. Clark brought a 2011 and Siegel brought a 2012.

Siegel said he enjoys how Jeeps can safely navigate through winter weather, but also can be modified to handle summer heat.

“The best of both worlds,” Siegel said.

The event was something of a family affair for the men. Clark's brother had a Jeep next to Siegel's and Clark's brother-in-law had one nearby.

Jim and Kelly Kerr of Fenelton said they were having a good time, but they did have one reservation: too many new Jeeps.

“They need to get more old ones,” Jim Kerr said.

Kelly agreed.

“Those are the ones we came to see,” she said.

They did not have any Jeeps in the event, but Jim Kerr is refurbishing a 1971 Jeep that his stepfather used to own. However, it could be a while before it is seen.

“It needs a complete restoration,” he said.