The highly anticipated Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival arrives in downtown Butler on Friday, August 12th. As locals and out-of-towners travel into the business district, Butler Downtown hopes that attendees will not only soak in the site of over a thousand jeeps, but also spend time experiencing downtown Butler's local flavor.

Butler is the birthplace of the Bantam Jeep, but is also proud to be home to numerous locally-owned businesses, shops and restaurants, many that have played a vital role in the community for over 70 years! In welcoming the first annual festival, Butler Downtown has launched a Downtown Butler Shopping Passport program for all day Friday, August 12th. To join the fun, download and print a passport then visit six or more of the participating stores and restaurants anytime on Friday, August 12th and get your passport stamped to be entered in a drawing for $250 in Butler Bucks Gift Certificates. No purchase is necessary, and the drawing will take place Friday, August 12th at 9:30pm.

During the jeep parade and cruise on Friday, August 12, 2011 be sure to check out our museums and cultural organizations including the American Legion Post 117 facility, the Art Center "Man and Machine" exhibit opening, the Butler County Historical Society Lowrie/Shaw House, the Butler County Symphony, and Maridon Museum tours. In addition, several of our restaurants and shops will have extended Friday evening hours during the festival, plus many will hold special sales and promotions for Jeep Festival attendees. These places include but are not limited to:

SHOPS

• Benjamin Beetle
• Darn Yarn Needles & Thread
• E&W Casa D'Varieta
• The Hidden Nest
• Miller's Shoes
• Monday's Boots and Shoes
• Outdoor Army Store Plus
• Ruffles & Truffles
• Step Back In Time
• Unicorn Gift Store
• Workingman's Store
• Worsley's

RESTAURANTS/ BARS

• The Brick House
• The Burger Hut
• China Palace
• The Chop Shop
• Great Wall
• Haser's Restaurant
• Island Bar
• Natili North
• Natili South
• Pizza Joe's