Latest event incarnation largest ever with scores of aftermarket vendors and tons of activities.
Torque Staff ReportTOLEDO, Ohio — The home of Jeep opened its proverbial doors wide open to a sea of owners, friends and families August 12-14 for the 5th annual Toledo Jeep Fest.
The sprawling event incorporated all kinds of activities around the Toledo and southeastern Michigan area, including an off-road welcome party, massive vendor midway, concerts, outdoor park-n-shine, RC rock crawling course, various kids' activities and an indoor vehicle exhibit throughout the weekend. More than 70 vendors filled the midway in downtown Toledo, including Dana, Rancho, OMIX, Rock Krawler Suspension and Mopar.
Additionally, those attending could register to take part in the popular Saturday Jeep parade through the streets of Toledo. More than 1,400 Jeeps of all types entered and cruised past throngs of onlookers before finally settling to park in a 20-block area in downtown Toledo, where many sat with their vehicles and talked about modifications, products and compared experiences.
“This was our best event yet,” said Jerry Huber, a former Plant Manager at Jeep and Toledo Jeep Fest Board Member, in a press release about the event. “We are celebrating our love of a vehicle, but the event is about people who build Jeeps and people who love them. There’s no better place to do that than the city where the Jeep was invented and where its heart beats every day.”
Toledo has long been considered the 'Home of Jeep' as parent company Stellantis manufacturers the Wrangler inside the nearby Toledo South Manufacturing facility.
Organizers said this year's Toledo Jeep Fest attracted 70,000 people from 37 states, along with groups from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands.
Next year's Toledo Jeep Fest will again take place in August and actual event dates will be released later this year.
