Threats of rain and the occasional shower did not deter thousands from descending on Cooper's Lake Campground to attend the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Saturday.

Event organizer Patti Jo Lambert said 2,167 Jeeps had registered for the event as of 11 a.m. Saturday. Proven event favorites, such as the Jeep Playground and the military encampment, entertained participants and visitors, while new events such as the Bantam Jeep Proving Grounds Jeep Pull and Jeepardy added a new element to the event.

The Jeep Pull consisted of contestants in stock and modified Jeeps pulling either a 2,895 pound or 4,895 pound sled 100 feet to see who could land closest to the end zone.

Sherrie Whittington, a volunteer from Mars, who was registering contestants, said more than 50 participants had registered, with many coming back several times to try their luck.

She said contestants from as far away as Florida, Michigan and Utah, as well as locals, got in on the action.

Another new event, Jeepardy, tested participants' knowledge of Jeeps and related categories, such as Butler and Cooper's Lake history and camping questions.

The festival continues Sunday.

\The Jeep Pull consisted of contestants in stock and modified Jeeps pulling either a 2,895 pound or 4,895 pound sled 100 feet to see who could land closest to the end zone.Sherrie Whittington, a volunteer from Mars, who was registering contestants, said more than 50 participants had registered, with many coming back several times to try their luck.She said contestants from as far away as Florida, Michigan and Utah, as well as locals, got in on the action.Another new event, Jeepardy, tested participants' knowledge of Jeeps and related categories, such as Butler and Cooper's Lake history and camping questions.The festival continues Sunday.