CARLISLE, Pa. — Maybe it could be categorized as a case of 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', or maybe it is just Jeep enthusiasts happy to be out at an event again, but the 25th annual PA Jeeps All Breeds Jeep show roared into the Carlisle Fairgrounds July 24-25 behind the strength of huge crowds, scores of Jeep vendors, as well as some of the area's best-looking Jeeps entered into the event's Show-n-Shine.
This year's All Breeds Show swapped from its past location at the York (Pa.) Fairgrounds to Carlisle, which provided both vendors and show attendees more room to move around, larger parking facilities and a better area for each Show-n-Shine entrant to display their vehicle. The event was also the first since 2019, as COVID restrictions forced organizers to postpone last year's gathering.
Like always, the All Breeds Jeep Show is a great place for vendors throughout the Jeep aftermarket industry to interact with consumers, display products, get feedback and recommend items specifically for customer needs. This year's crop included Skyjacker, Teraflex, Spiderwebshade, Diode Dynamics, PSC, Bartact, Quake LED Lighting, Skid Row Offroad and Rox Offroad. The event even supplied a kid-friendly area which included a rock wall, a few bounce houses and other engaging activities.
Besides checking out wares at respective vendors, many Jeep owners also registered for the event's Show and Shine contest, and brought beautifully restored or modified vehicles that were judged in three different categories—stock, modified and unlimited. Classes included military vehicles, all the way up to the new Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. Additionally, Quadratec sponsored trophies this year for each respective class winner.
Hundreds of owners also signed up for the event's obstacle course and spent a lot of time on the rocks giving their Jeeps a workout. This year's course was again set up by Bernie Gardula, general manager of Rausch Creek Off Road Park in Tremont, Pennsylvania, and staffed by helpful volunteers who spotted participants over three different challenges — allowing drivers of all skill levels the ability choose a line geared to their off-road comfort level. Additionally, those who wanted to experience the course, but didn't want to drive it, were able to 'passenger up' with an experienced guide, such as Team Quadratec Driver Ron Lind, Gardula, or several others.
Rounding out the event was grand raffle Sunday afternoon which included more than $20,000 in products.
