Rules and Waivers
All vehicles and participants involved with and in the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival will abide by all laws as set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the various municipalities within Butler and Lawrence Counties, Pa.
Jump To Sections On This Page:
Jeep Invasion Rules
Best of Bantam Rules
Playground & Trails Rules
Night Ride Rules
Babes of Bantam Rules
Bantam Quarry at Kildoo Trail Session Rules
Bantam Poker Run Rules
Light Bars & Brews Rules
Bantam Barbee Jeep Race Rules
Bantam Boot Camp Rules
Jeep Safari Rules
Festival Waiver
General Rules
Drivers must be a minimum of 18 years of age to participate in Festival activities.
All Jeeps must register and have current liability insurance valid during Festival dates. The Festival reserves the right to change the maximum number of Jeeps for each activity at any time. All pre-registrations must be completed online using a credit or debit card. Checks and mail-in registration will not be accepted.
One free adult participant/waiver wristband for the driver is included with each Jeep registration. A wristband is NOT provided for those who only select the Jeep Invasion, Bantam Barbee Jeep Race, or Light Bars & Brews activities since those activities are held outside of normal Festival activities. All passengers MUST purchase participant/waiver wristbands.
The last day to update your registration information or add something new to your registration is May 3. The last day to cancel your registration is April 30. Please review our cancellation policy for details.
Registration packets will be mailed to all pre-registered participants in late May. If you fail to bring your packet with you, you must re-purchase all activities, tickets, etc.
All participants (including drivers and passengers) must accept the waiver.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught with alcohol in their possession or exhibiting any signs of intoxication will be immediately removed from the Festival. All decals and wristbands will be forfeited.
Any substance that potentially impairs driving ability and safety is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught with any substances in their possession or exhibiting any signs of impairment will be immediately removed from the Festival. All decals and wristbands will be forfeited.
Anyone driving at unsafe speeds or not respecting the property will be immediately removed from the Festival. All decals and wristbands will be forfeited.
Young children in rear facing car seats are prohibited from being passengers on any trails or the playground.
Well behaved dogs and their owners are permitted. However, any dog showing aggression will be required to leave the Festival grounds. Owners are required to pick up after their pets. Failure to do so will result in the pet being required to leave the Festival grounds. Note: Dogs are not permitted during the Jeep Safari activity held at Keystone Safari.
There are no refunds due to weather or reclassifications/closures to on-site trails, the Bantam Quarry at Kildoo, or the Jeep Playground as a result of changing conditions. Jeeps with street tires may be refused participation due to trail conditions
Jeep Invasion Rules
1,000 Jeeps will participate in the Jeep Invasion and park downtown.
All participants are required to stage at the North or South location to check in and obtain credentials. Jeeps may leave the staging area when invited to do so by staging managers. If you do not arrive at the staging location you selected when you register, you will be required to go to the correct location to pick up your credentials.
All traffic laws must be followed when leaving the staging area and driving to Downtown. This is NOT a parade.
Staging areas will open at 4 p.m. Do not arrive early as you will not be able to enter.
Staging locations will be announced in the Spring. Both will be approximately 4 miles from Downtown Butler.
If you are in the Invasion and you wish to park beside a friend, you must select the same staging location and follow each other into town
You must park Downtown where directed. Anyone not complying with the parking instructions provided by our volunteers will be removed from the Invasion by City police.
A participant/waiver wristband for Cooper's Lake is NOT included for participants who only select this activity.
Absolutely no trailers are permitted in the Invasion. Trailer parking will be available at downtown. See map for location.
Best of Bantam Rules
If you need to change the class you selected when you registered, contact us by May 3.
All drivers and passengers must have appropriate Festival wristbands and Jeep decal to enter the Best of Bantam gate.
Jeep must be driven into Best of Bantam field from the Best of Bantam gate. Absolutely no trailers except Bantam trailer allowed in show fields.
Tents/canopies will not be permitted in the show areas. Chairs may not be used to save spots.
Your Bantam trailer will only be judged if it is parked in the designated Bantam Trailer parking area near the History Exhibit for Class 1. If you don’t want it judged, it can be parked with your Jeep.
Vehicles must be parked inside lines of the parking area.
Participants may be asked to provide vehicle registration at any time.
Participants in each class will select the winner(s) in their own class. Only the owner of the registered jeep can score the jeep (family/friends may not participate in the scoring process).
The cumulative total of the score sheets is final. In the event of a tie, the Best of Bantam manager will determine the winner.
Volunteers who are assisting with judging or ballot counting are not eligible to enter their Jeep for Best of Bantam.
Playground & Trails Rules
Jeeps must pass a basic safety inspection to participate.
Alcohol is prohibited
Follow Trail Guide instruction
Remain in vehicle at all times
All recoveries are to be performed solely by Festival volunteers. Participant vehicles and equipment may be used to facilitate recoveries.
Keep vehicle behind you in sight at all times
Remain on the trail/course
Snowplow brackets not permitted
Failure to comply with instruction will result in removal from the trail or Festival as determined by Festival managers
Maximum tire allowed: 42s
Requirements to participate include:
Battery properly tied down (no bungee cords or rope)
Seat belts for EVERY occupant
Roof or roll cage
Working 4WD for all trails and the mud pit
Recovery points if attempting modified rock crawl and modified and intermediate trails.
No loose or broken parts
Items secured in vehicle
Spare tire
Street tires are not recommended due to changing trail conditions.
Acceptable Recovery points include: frame mounted tow hooks, properly mounted tow points on unibody vehicles, properly mounted receiver hitches (must remove ball hitch), and after-market bumpers with properly mounted tow points.
Children can participate as long as they are in the proper child safety seats and/or seat belt according to Pennsylvania law. For safety reasons, young children in rear-facing car seats are not permitted on ANY trails or the Playground. http://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Child-Passenger-Safety.aspx
Trails close one hour prior to Jeep Activity Hours end time. Times listed on the Playground and Trails page are the last time rides go out.
Due to weather and changing conditions, trails and the playground can be closed or reclassified at ANY time during the event. Jeeps with street tires may be refused participation due to trail conditions. There are no refunds due to weather or trail closures/reclassifications.
Regulations are subject to change. Please check this page prior to coming to the Festival to be sure you are aware of any new additions.
BLACK TRAIL (Modified)
33” tire with short wheel base (2 door Jeep)
35” tire with long wheel base (4 door Jeep or truck)
At least one traction aid (locker or limited slip differential)
Working winch
Working 4WD with low range
Front and rear recovery points
BLUE TRAIL (Intermediate) *Babes of Bantam II will follow these rules also
32” tire with short wheel base (2 door Jeep)
33” tire with long wheel base (4 door Jeep)
Prefer traction aid (locker or limited slip differential)
Prefer working winch depending on trail condition (mud)
Front and rear recovery points
GREEN TRAIL (Stock) *Bantam Bootcamp and Babes of Bantam I will follow these rules also
Stock Jeep or any other Blue/Black capable Jeep
Must know how to use 4WD
Front recovery points
Night Ride Rules
Working 4WD and front and rear recovery hooks required. Street tires NOT recommended.
All Jeep occupants must have a participant/waiver wristband that is purchased during pre-registration. Anyone without a wristband may not participate in the ride. Wristbands will NOT be sold on Thursday.
Jeeps must pass a basic safety inspection to participate.
Alcohol is prohibited - If any occupants in the Jeep appear to have been drinking or any alcohol is in the Jeep, the Jeep will not be permitted to go on the trail ride and there will not be a refund. The decision of Festival staff is final.
Follow Trail Guide instruction
Remain in vehicle at all times
All recoveries are to be performed solely by Festival volunteers. Participant vehicles and equipment may be used to facilitate recoveries.
Keep vehicle behind you in sight at all times
Remain on the trail/course
Snowplow brackets not permitted
Failure to comply with instruction will result in removal from the trail or Festival as determined by Festival managers
Maximum tire allowed: 42s
Requirements to participate include:
Battery properly tied down (no bungee cords or rope)
Seat belts for EVERY occupant
Roof or roll cage
No loose or broken parts
Items secured in vehicle
Spare tire
Acceptable Recovery points include: frame mounted tow hooks, properly mounted tow points on unibody vehicles, properly mounted receiver hitches (must remove ball hitch), and after-market bumpers with properly mounted tow points.
Children can participate as long as they are in the proper child safety seats and/or seat belt according to Pennsylvania law. For safety reasons, young children in rear-facing car seats are not permitted on ANY trails or the Playground. http://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Child-Passenger-Safety.aspx
Due to weather and changing conditions, trails can be closed or reclassified at ANY time during the event. Jeeps with street tires may be refused participation due to trail conditions. There are no refunds due to weather or trail closures/reclassifications.
Regulations are subject to change. Please check this page prior to coming to the Festival to be sure you are aware of any new additions.
If you do not attend the activity, you must contact us by June 30 and pay for the shipping of your shirt, or it will be forfeited.
Babes of Bantam Rules
Front tow hooks are required.
Jeeps must pass a basic safety inspection to participate.
Alcohol is prohibited - If any occupants in the Jeep appear to have been drinking or any alcohol is in the Jeep, the Jeep will not be permitted to go on the trail ride and there will not be a refund. The decision of Festival staff is final.
Follow Trail Guide instruction
Remain in vehicle at all times
All recoveries are to be performed solely by Festival volunteers. Participant vehicles and equipment may be used to facilitate recoveries.
Keep vehicle behind you in sight at all times
Remain on the trail/course
Snowplow brackets not permitted
Failure to comply with instruction will result in removal from the trail or Festival as determined by Festival managers
Maximum tire allowed: 42s
Requirements to participate include:
Battery properly tied down (no bungee cords or rope)
Seat belts for EVERY occupant
Roof or roll cage
No loose or broken parts
Items secured in vehicle
Spare tire
Babes of Bantam I will be following Jeep requirements for “Green” Trails and Babes of Bantam II will be following Jeep requirements for “Blue” Trails. Those registering for Babes of Bantam II must also have completed Babes of Bantam I previously.
Children can participate as long as they are in the proper child safety seats and/or seat belt according to Pennsylvania law. For safety reasons, young children in rear-facing car seats are not permitted on ANY trails or the Playground. http://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Child-Passenger-Safety.aspx
Jeeps with street tires may be refused participation due to trail conditions. There are no refunds due to weather or trail closures/reclassifications.
If you do not attend the activity, you must contact us by June 30 and pay for the shipping of your shirt, or it will be forfeited.
Light Bars & Brews Rules
Judges will determine which Jeeps will win for either Most Colorful or Best Use of Lights categories.
Jeeps should not leave their parking space until judging has been completed and winners announced.
Bantam Poker Run Rules
The Poker Run playing card must be taken to all seven stops and validated in order to be dealt a poker hand at the Poker Run booth at the Festival. The Festival booth is the last stop.
Poker hand must be dealt by the deadline which will be published on the Festival schedule in late April.
Dealers will only be present up until the deadline.
Late entries will not be accepted even if all seven stops have been validated.
Bantam Quarry at Kildoo Trail Session Rules
Alcohol is prohibited
Follow Trail Guide instruction
Remain in vehicle at all times
All recoveries are to be performed solely by Festival volunteers. Participant vehicles and equipment may be used to facilitate recoveries.
Keep vehicle behind you in sight at all times
Remain on the trail/course
Snowplow brackets not permitted
Maximum tire allowed: 42s
BLACK TRAIL (Modified)
33” tire with short wheel base (2 door Jeep)
35” tire with long wheel base (4 door Jeep or truck)
At least one traction aid (locker or limited slip differential)
Working winch
Working 4WD with low range
Front and rear recovery points
BLUE TRAIL (Intermediate)
32” tire with short wheel base (2 door Jeep)
33” tire with long wheel base (4 door Jeep)
Prefer traction aid (locker or limited slip differential)
Prefer working winch depending on trail condition (mud)
Working 4WD with low range
Front and rear recovery points
GREEN TRAIL (Stock)
Stock Jeep or any other Blue/Black capable Jeep
Must know how to use 4WD
Front recovery points
TRAIL REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE INCLUDE:
Battery properly tied down (no bungee cords or rope)
Seat belts for EVERY occupant
Roof or roll cage
Working 4WD for all trails and the mud pit
Tow points if attempting modified rock crawl and modified and intermediate trails.
No loose or broken parts
Items secured in vehicle
Spare tire
Acceptable Recovery points include: frame mounted tow hooks, properly mounted tow points on unibody vehicles, properly mounted receiver hitches (must remove ball hitch), and after-market bumpers with properly mounted tow points.
Children can participate as long as they are in the proper child safety seats and/or seat belt according to Pennsylvania law. For safety reasons, young children in rear-facing car seats are not permitted on ANY trails. http://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Child-Passenger-Safety.aspx
Regulations are subject to change. Please check this page prior to coming to the Festival to be sure you are aware of any new additions.
Due to weather and changing conditions, trails can be closed or reclassified at ANY time during the event. Jeeps with street tires may be refused participation due to trail conditions. There are no refunds due to weather or trail closures/reclassifications.
Barbee Jeep Race Rules
All registered drivers must sign the waiver in person prior to the start of the race.
All registered drivers must be at least 18 years old
Motorcycle/motocross helmet must be worn and buckled securely. Other safety equipment may be worn. Failure to have a helmet will result in disqualification and no refund of entry fee.
Drivers must provide their own plastic ride-on Jeep. It does not have to be a “Barbie” Jeep but it does have to be a Power Wheels-type of plastic Jeep (Jeep model/body ONLY may be used).
The ride-on Jeep must have NO motors and NO gears. Battery should also be removed.
The ride-on Jeep must have some type of steering device and plastic wheels ONLY.
The ride-on Jeep must have the original chassis (may be stretched to be an extended body if desired)
Jeep frames/axles only may be reinforced with metal or wood.
Jeeps will be inspected prior to the start of the race. Any Jeep that does not follow rules will be disqualified and entry fee will not be reimbursed.
The driver must ride inside the Jeep. The driver must also be inside of the Jeep to cross the finish line.
All drivers must wear a shirt and shorts/pants.
Each driver may have a 1-person pit crew to assist with any necessary repairs after each heat. The Pit Crew member may bring his/her own materials for repairs (duct tape, zip ties, etc.).
All drivers and pit crew members are required to attend a Driver’s Meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 at the Check In Tent.
Races will be conducted in heats of 3-4 Jeeps each.
More details will be provided to registered drivers prior to the Festival.
Jeep Safari Rules
RULES UPDATE (3.25.24) - Keystone Safari just informed us of new Federal requirements that were issued earlier this month that animal/safari parks must follow. Vehicles in drive-thru animal parks nationwide are now required to have full doors and hard tops to participate. Those registered by 3/25 were contacted via email with opportunity to keep their registration agreeing to follow these guidelines, or cancel.
Pets are not permitted in your Jeep during the Jeep Safari activity at Keystone Safari.
The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association and Keystone Safari are not responsible for damage to any Jeeps caused by animals. Participants will enter the safari at their own risk.
Festival Waiver
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FOR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS AFFILIATED WITH THE FRIENDS OF BANTAM JEEP ASSOCIATION, INC.
WARNING! PLEASE READ! BY PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES AND/OR EVENTS AFFILIATED WITH THE FRIENDS OF BANTAM JEEP ASSOCIATION, INC., (respectively “FBJA” and “FBJA ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS”) OR OTHERWISE ENTERING UPON PROPERTY OWNED OR LEASED BY FBJA, AS SET FORTH HEREIN, AND/OR WEARING A PARTICIPANT/WAIVER WRISTBAND, YOU ARE ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR AGREEMENT TO WAIVE IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE, AND TO ASSUME CERTAIN INDEMNIFICATION RESPONSIBILITIES. PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE IN BANTAM JEEP EVENTS!
ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
By participating in FBJA Activities and Events, including, but not limited to, the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, Bantam TrailFest, any Trail Pre-Runs, and any Trail Work Days on Trails and Jeep Playground at Coopers Lake or at the Bantam Quarry at Kildoo, and/or wearing a participant/waiver wristband, you acknowledge your agreement to the following terms:
Express Assumption of Risk: The FBJA Activities and Events in which you may participate, including driving or riding motorized vehicles on and off-road, are inherently dangerous activities that involve the risk of damage to personal property and A RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO YOU AND OTHERS, and that such risks may be caused by (a) the negligence of the Releasees (as defined below); (b) the negligence of other participants and/or attendees; (c) accidents, including collisions with, or mishaps related to, other vehicles, rocks, trees, potholes, surface conditions, poles, posts and other objects; (d) forces of nature, including weather conditions; and (e) other foreseeable and unforeseeable causes. YOU KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISK, AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY, FINANCIAL AND OTHERWISE, FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.
Release of Liability and Waiver of Right to Sue: You, on behalf of yourself and your heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association, Inc., the City of Butler, Butler Township, Worth Township, Slippery Rock Township, Muddy Creek Township, Center Township, Butler County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Coopers Lake Campground, Keystone Safari, Moraine State Park, David L. Michels Jr., Susan D. Michels, Norma Ann Zemko, Brenda Michels-Diana, Coopers Estates LLC, and all volunteer organizations supporting the FBJA Activities and Events, and their members, officers, directors, independent contractors, employees, agents, volunteers and assigns, (collectively, the “Releasees”) FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, that may arise from or is connected in any way with your participation in the FBJA Activities and Events, whether arising in whole or in part from the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise. You waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to institute or voluntarily assist others in any lawsuit or other legal action against the Releasees with respect to such released liabilities.
Indemnification: You, on behalf of yourself and your heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE RELEASEES from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, judgments, damages, costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, and liabilities of any kind or nature, including, but not limited to, any liability with respect to any and all injury, disability, death or loss or damage to person or property, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence of Releasees or otherwise, that may arise from or is connected in any way with (a) your presence at or participation in the FBJA Activities and Events, including, but not limited to, as a driver or passenger in a motorized vehicle, or (b) any lawsuit or other legal action against the Releasees that you commence or voluntarily assist with in violation of the preceding paragraph.
Compliance with Rules: You have read the Rules regarding the FBJA Activities and Events and agree to fully comply with the Rules, and any and all other instructions, including having current liability insurance valid during the FBJA Activities and Events. You acknowledge that such compliance is a condition of your participation in the FBJA Activities and Events, and that your participation may be suspended or terminated if you fail to fully comply with the same.
Eligibility: You are at least 18 years of age. You currently have, and will maintain during the FBJA Activities and Events, (a) a valid driver's license issued by the state in which you reside, and (b) automobile liability insurance for any vehicles that you drive at the FBJA Activities and Events in an amount sufficient to cover any liability that you may incur as a result of your participation. You agree to provide your driver’s license and evidence of your automobile insurance at the FBJA Activities and Events.
Consent to Use of Images: You consent to the use or publication of any and all photographs or videos taken of you at the FBJA Activities and Events for the purpose of publicizing and promoting the FBJA Activities and Events in any publications, including, but not limited to, websites and social media outlets, and acknowledge that you will receive no financial compensation for the use or publication of such photographs or videos.
Cancellation Policy: You consent to the terms and conditions of the FBJA Activities and Events cancellation policy, which is on the FBJA website, accepted during your registration, and included on your registration confirmation email.
By agreeing to the waiver, you are also acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending the FBJA Activities and Events, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association, Inc. or any of their members, officers, directors, independent contractors, employees, agents, volunteers and assigns liable for any illness or injury.