ORACLE Lighting at Bantam Jeep Festival
by Terry Pritchard
Every June, Jeep enthusiasts from across the country make the pilgrimage to Butler, Pennsylvania—the birthplace of the Jeep—for the legendary Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. ORACLE Lighting was proud to be part of the excitement again this year, showcasing our latest innovations and connecting with one of the most passionate Jeep communities in the country.
The Bantam Jeep Festival isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of Jeep history, culture, and community. With thousands of Jeeps, obstacle courses, trail rides, vendor areas, and family-friendly fun, it’s the perfect place for Jeepers to explore the latest in aftermarket upgrades. For ORACLE Lighting, it’s one of our favorite stops on the event calendar because it gives us the chance to meet Jeep owners who are always looking for ways to take their builds to the next level.
Friday night’s Invasion of Butler was an incredible kickoff to the weekend, as Jeeps rolled into downtown in a vibrant celebration of community and adventure. The city fully embraces the event, closing Main Street to traffic and lining the sidewalks with more than a thousand Jeeps, while countless others fill nearby parking lots within walking distance. With food vendors, beverage stands, and DJs bringing the energy, the whole town transforms into a lively street festival. ORACLE Lighting joined the fun by handing out lighted Mardi Gras beads, adding a colorful glow to the festivities. The glowing beads were a huge hit, lighting up the streets and helping attendees show off their Jeep pride in style. It was the perfect way to connect with fellow Jeep enthusiasts, share some laughs, and bring a little extra shine to the heart of Butler.
Saturday morning brought steady rain to the area, creating challenging conditions for anyone planning to hit the trails. The downpour quickly turned paths slick and muddy, making traction tricky and increasing the chances of getting stuck or causing trail damage. Even the flat staging areas became a sloppy, soupy mess that was tough to navigate on foot or by vehicle. While the rain may have put a damper on early plans, it also added an extra dose of adventure for those ready to take on the challenge.
The wet weather also slowed foot traffic in the vendor area, with only a few determined attendees braving the rain to check out the unique offerings from each booth. Fortunately, the skies cleared by early afternoon, and the event quickly sprang back to life. The on-site custom-built obstacle course became a highlight of the day, though the final mud feature was removed after the rain made it nearly impossible to pass.
Visitors to the ORACLE Lighting booth had plenty to experience throughout the weekend. Jeep enthusiasts had the chance to get hands-on with live product demos, seeing firsthand how our innovative lighting solutions can transform the look and performance of their vehicles. Our knowledgeable team was on-site to answer questions, offer expert advice, and help attendees find the perfect lighting upgrades for their specific builds. Plus, we offered exclusive show-only discounts, giving visitors the opportunity to save on their next upgrade. And of course, no visit to the ORACLE booth would be complete without some fun swag—lanyards, stickers, and Jeep ducks were all up for grabs, adding a little extra fun to the experience and giving attendees something to remember their visit by.
One of the more unique and memorable features of the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is the military encampment, a living history experience that transports visitors back to the World War II era. Each year dedicated re-enactors set up a fully immersive military camp, complete with authentic tents, vehicles, uniforms, and gear from the time period. This tribute honors Jeep’s origins as a rugged, reliable military vehicle, originally designed to serve soldiers in the harshest conditions. Festival goers can walk through the camp, interact with the re-enactors, and learn firsthand about the Jeep’s vital role in military history. From period-correct Jeeps to equipment displays and demonstrations, the encampment adds a meaningful, educational element to the festival, connecting the modern Jeep community to its proud roots.
If you stopped by our booth at Bantam—thank you! And if we missed you, don’t worry—we’ll be at more events this year, including New Jersey Jeep Invasion, Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, and more. Stay connected with us on social media to see where we’re headed next.
Until then, keep building, keep exploring, and as always—light your adventure with ORACLE Lighting.
Terry Pritchard (Jeepin’ Terry) is the Events & Off-Road Content Specialist for Oracle Lighting. In his spare time, he is the host of the Jeep Life Podcast and co-founder of the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern Pennsylvania, one of the largest Jeep clubs in the state. His obsession with Jeeps started in the 80s with his boss’s big bad blue CJ5. Growing up in the mountains of Tennessee, Terry spent plenty of time on the trails and in the outdoors. His 2017 Wrangler, named Kylo, has been to California and back and everywhere in between, finding trails and adventures everywhere… and constantly asks for more.