For the first time, specialty pins will be awarded to Bantam Jeep Festival volunteers who have achieved the 10-, seven-, five- and three-year milestones with the festival. Bantam’s over 500 volunteers are a huge part of making the festival happen each year. Submitted photo

DENNIS JAMES YERKEY

Bantam’s over 500 volunteers are a huge part of making the festival happen each year. To recognize these volunteers, specialty pins will be given out in 2022 for the first time.

This new volunteer recognition program honors those who have achieved volunteer milestones. Pins will be awarded to those who achieved the 10-, seven-, five- and three-year milestones in 2021.

Pins will be awarded to those who qualify for the milestones at the volunteer kick-off party on Thursday, June 9.

Jim Bob Donze is one of the long-standing volunteers who has been at the festival since the beginning. He and many others will be honored for their 10 years of volunteering.

“There are many people who put a lot of work in to make this event happen,” Donze said. “I have always been a Jeeper, and when I heard that a Jeep festival was being started years ago, I knew I had to be a part of it. Not only have I developed a depth of knowledge about Bantam’s history, but I have gained so much more.”

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