The 2012 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival was barely over when a group of about 30 people got together to brainstorm ways to make the 2013 event even more successful. The ideas and discussions during those initial meetings were instrumental in shaping this year’s festival.

“Planning such a huge event takes hard work and dedication from so many people,” said Patti Jo Lambert, festival director.

“We are so grateful to all of our committee members who have given time and energy to plan the 2013 festival. The event will continue to grow and be even more successful only because of this dedicated group.”

The committee members participate in planning meetings to determine how the event will change from year to year, develop some of the activities, manage various aspects of the event and volunteer during the actual festival.

“Some of our committee members don’t even own a Jeep, but they and the rest of the group are passionate about how this event has impacted both the city and county,” Lambert said.

“The committee’s excitement is contagious and their enthusiasm is what has made this festival become what it is — one of the largest Jeep events in the United States.”

Lambert encourages people who want to get involved and make a commitment to the event to contact her at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, organizers of the event.

This year’s festival committee members are:

Joyce Appel; Carrie Binsack; Mary Blakely; Ellen Blose; Lee Bortmas; Bernie Caldwell; Jack Cohen; Pat Collins; Alice Crider; Bill Crider; Chelynne Curci; Sara DiBello; Jim Donze; Walt Eggert; Paul Fry; Cathy Gilliland; Rich Grossman; Tina Grossman; Terry Hagen; Lynda Harrison; Jerry Hoffman; John Hollibaugh; Darlene Kaskie; Debbie Kennell; Lou Klosche; Sharon Kovac; Wayne Kovac; Patti Jo Lambert; Amy Lavorini; Tom Lavorini; Amy Maree; Chuck Miller; Eileen Miller; Wes Notovitz; Sandy Olanyk; Jerry Oswald; Charles Pro; John Pro; Bill Ringeisen; Marcia Ringeisen; Ellen Roberts; Gloria Sabatelli; Ed Schnur; Samantha Shuler; Larry Stinson; Maggie Stock; Dan Suess; Lisa Trepasso; Ed Wadding; Judy Wadding; Christina Wright; Dave Zibrat