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Jeep Vibes & Open Rides: Toledo Jeep Fest 2025 is Rolling In

March 12, 2025

TOLEDO (March 12, 2025) – Toledo Jeep Fest (TJF) returns to the Glass City for its eighth year to celebrate the legacy of Jeeps while welcoming Mercy Health as the new title sponsor.

An annual celebration of the iconic Jeep brand and its deep-rooted connection to our city, TJF brings together Jeep enthusiasts from across the nation. It will be rolling into town August 1-3, showcasing the rich history of Jeeps in the community and highlighting the latest advancements in off-road adventure.

This year’s festival will also feature the exciting announcement of Mercy Health as the new title sponsor – bringing together two of the community’s longest serving and most trusted names in Toledo.

“At Mercy Health, our mission is rooted in improving the lives of every patient we serve – mind, body, and spirit. We are dedicated to continually enhancing the care we provide and ensuring our community receives the highest level of support,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo. “As an organization deeply committed to the well-being of Toledo, we are proud to be a part of Toledo Jeep Fest and show our ongoing dedication to the people who call this community home.”

Toledo Jeep Fest, presented by Mercy Health, will feature a variety of attractions over a period of three days, beginning on Friday, August 1. The festivities kick off in the evening with the opening of the Vendor Midway and Indoor Jeep Exhibit presented by KeyBank, along with the Glass City Crawlers Block Party.

The fun continues Saturday with the All-Jeep Parade, along with the Vendor Midway, Outdoor Park-N-Shine sponsored by Directions Credit Union, and Indoor Jeep Exhibit. The day will also feature live entertainment, food trucks, and dedicated Kids and Family Zones in partnership with Imagination Station and Hensville Park.

On Sunday, the festival wraps up with the 4-Mile Run presented by Med1Care, and a 1-Mile Walk sponsored by Mobis.

This free, family-friendly festival has something for everyone and is open to all ages.

“As one of the founding sponsors of Toledo Jeep Fest, the UAW is delighted to see Mercy Health return as the title sponsor,” said Bruce Baumhower, UAW Local 12 president & member of the TJF Board of Directors. “Mercy Health’s ongoing commitment is instrumental in supporting our membership and reinforcing Toledo Jeep Fest as one of the region’s premier events.”

Whitney Rofkar, TJF’s event director added, “As this event continues to grow and draw more Jeepers from out of town, we recognized a desire to have the event start earlier, to give folks more opportunities to participate in all of Toledo Jeep Fest’s activities, and to enjoy all that downtown Toledo has to offer.”



The weekend will be packed with people celebrating their love for Jeep vehicles and the adventurous lifestyle they embody – all in the city where the Jeep was born and where its spirit thrives every day: Toledo.

In 2024, more than 78,000 people attended the event from 40 different states and numerous countries.

“This is a great event for our city. It celebrates the history of the Jeep, which is made right here in Toledo, and the fine people who build these vehicles,” said Pete Gerken, Lucas County Commissioner and Chairman of the TJF Board of Directors. “It brings together people from all over the region and country and is made possible because of partnerships with others in the community.”

Community support is what fuels Toledo Jeep Fest. That starts with Mercy Health and extends to organizations that have provided funds or services to support the event each year. Complete list to follow.

To make the festival more accessible for all, TARTA will be returning as the official transportation partner, offering a TARTA Jeep Fest Express that will take folks from multiple locations around the city to the heart of the downtown festival. Franklin Park Mall and Star Elementary in Oregon will both be TARTA stop locations again, and service will run both Saturday and Sunday.

You can find more details on the event at Toledo Jeep Fest.com or on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Epic Willys Adventure Will Roll Through Toledo

February 26, 2025

A stalwart group of Willys Jeep owners who believe in no GPS, no interstates and no excuses will share the stage with Toledo Jeep Fest this summer.

The Epic Willys Adventure (EWA) group races classic jeeps around the country for gold coins and bragging rights. One of EWA’s upcoming events is the Great Mitten Race – an epic 7-day journey starting at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, sweeping through Michigan’s outer Great Lakes and iconic Toledo, Ohio and then back to Butler, Pennsylvania.

The June event will bring together 12 teams competing in EWA approved stock – 1941-1964 Willys Jeeps with lots of country, historic landmarks and a series of unique challenges to win the Great Mitten Race. This attraction is a slow-paced, high-energy celebration of Jeep Heritage, camaraderie and adventure.

Epic Runs Set Up Great Mitten

EWA has been racing and adventuring since 2016, rolling from Canada to Mexico (2,135 miles), through the Great Divide (1,506 miles in 2018), Oregon Trail (1,888 miles in 2021), the Concord Cup (1,729 miles in 2023), the Moonshine Run (1,516 miles in 2024). This year’s event in June is the Great Mitten Race, rolling through scenic byways and farm roads in Michigan and then finally down to Toledo, Ohio.

Race commander Jonah Hodgkins recently told Toledo Jeep Fest that Toledo, Ohio – Home of the Jeep – will be a checkpoint during their Great Mitten Race to celebrate and prepare for Toledo Jeep Fest on Aug. 1-3.

Rules/No Rules and Gold Coins

Are there rules for the Epic Willys Adventure? Well, let’s start with rule No. 1 – No GPS Allowed! Only maps and compasses are permitted for race teams. Other Epic Willys Adventure rules include no use of Interstate Highways. Racers must stick to backroads, scenic byways and farm roads. No Excuses are a rule. Breaking down, getting lost and running out of fuel for these stock Willys vehicles (1941-1964) is part of the challenge. Self-reliant repairs are a staple of Epic Willys Adventure. If mechanical issues occur, teams are expected to handle repairs on their own.

Teams earn gold coins along the route. Coins are earned for finishing first for the day, arriving at a checkpoint, photographing a historical marker, capturing a photo of Bigfoot or an imaginary animal sighting, getting a photo with another Willys Jeep, and Good Samaritan Points for helping another team with mechanical repairs.

Follow the adventure throughout the year at Epic Willys Adventure on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Rolling Through Toledo

Epic Willys Adventure 6 – the Great Mitten Race – will start at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival on Thursday, June 5. By late afternoon, these jeeps will arrive in Toledo (10-12 teams in race jeeps) and will be camping at Middlegrounds Metropark in downtown Toledo.

2025 Glass City Center Vendor FAQ

January 1, 2025

Q: What is a Jeep-Related Vendor?

A: This event is meant to celebrate the Jeep® brand and the Jeep® lifestyle; therefore, we’re looking for vendors that support the theme with automotive-related products and services. Vendor applications are subject to approval and should be related to the Jeep® brand and lifestyle. We’re looking for good fits for the event and for the vendors. Products and services that would not qualify include home goods, personal care products, crafts, etc. If you pay a booth fee through the online registration system and we choose to reject your application, we will contact you and issue a refund. If you have any questions about whether your booth is a good fit, contact us.

Q: Where is Glass City Convention Center vendor load-in?

A: Glass City Convention Center vendor load-in is located at 401 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604. There is parking available for load-in only in the connected parking garage on Monroe Street (closest corner is Summit Street) and in the loading dock on Superior Street (closest corner is Monroe Street). *Note: Your vendor space is located inside the Glass City Convention Center.

Q: When is Glass City Convention Center vendor load-in?

A: Load-in times include Friday, Aug. 1 from 12 noon – 6 p.m. Vendors can open by 6 p.m. on Friday.

Q: Will there be overnight security?

A: While the building is locked overnight, there is limited security in the Glass City Center. We recommend packing up anything that may “grow legs” overnight.

Q: Are Glass City Convention Center vendors required to contribute to Official Toledo Jeep® Fest Goodie Bags?

A: This is encouraged but is not a requirement for Glass City Convention Center vendors. We hope to ensure that all Parade and Park-N-Shine participants receive a well-stocked goody bag from TJF partners, sponsors and vendors with your help – a triple win! TJF staff will provide registered Parade and Park-N-Shine participants with a goody bag per Jeep®, and it is an excellent opportunity to promote your business. We request that you send branded items such as catalogs, brochures, pens, key chains, hats, etc. that can be placed in the give-away bags. Each year, we fill 1,300 bags. Please ship all items to 2300 Ashland Ave #202, Toledo, OH 43620; Attention – Mark Buford by July 15, 2025.

Q: Are set-up/display items provided?

A: Yes. Each vendor is provided one 8-foot table and two chairs unless other arrangements have previously been made. Pipe and black drape is also provided to hang items behind you.

Q: Do you need a Hi-Res logo to promote my business?

A: Yes. Don’t forget to share a Hi-Res logo of your company for branding and promotion purposes of your vendor position of sponsorship. Lack of logo may hinder marketing and promotional efforts through Toledo Jeep® Fest. You can email this Hi-Res logo to Kelly Smith at [email protected]. For the most part, 250 pixel (width) x 100 pixel (height) and 300 dpi are optimal logo specs for a web page.

Q: How will I know where I’m located?

A: Glass City Convention Center vendor tables occupy two hallways near the East entrance of the Glass City Convention Center. Each table will be labeled with the assigned vendor’s name.

Q: Will electricity be provided?

A: Access to power is not guaranteed but is available at nearest outlets.

Q: What are the public hours of operation?

A: Friday hours: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday hours: 10 a.m. – 12 noon. (Vendors must be packed up and cleared of the Glass City Center by 4 p.m.).

Q: Will lunch be provided?

A: One Marco’s pizza will be delivered to each vendor table between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. Other food options are available inside the exhibit room of the Glass City Center and in our food truck lot located at the intersection of Madison Street and N St. Clair Street. Lunch will not be provided on Sunday, August 3.

Q: Are restrooms available?

A: Restrooms are available at the ends of both vendor hallways in the Glass City Convention Center. Port-a-potties are scattered throughout the Toledo Jeep® Fest footprint.

Q: Can I hang up signage to promote my booth?

A: All advertising must be done within your own booth space. All other areas are reserved for event advertising.

Q: Can I bring a speaker?

A: All music and sound must be kept at a reasonable volume. Excessive noise will not be tolerated.

2025 Vendor Midway FAQ

Q: What is a Jeep®-Related Vendor?

A: This event is meant to celebrate the Jeep® brand and the Jeep® lifestyle; therefore, we’re looking for vendors that support the theme with automotive-related products and services. Vendor applications are subject to approval and should be related to the Jeep® brand and lifestyle. We’re looking for good fits for the event and for the vendors. Products and services that would not qualify include home goods, personal care products, crafts, etc. If you pay a booth fee through the online registration system and we choose to reject your application, we will contact you and issue a refund. If you have any questions about whether your booth is a good fit, contact us.

Q: What times can Midway Vendors setup and what are the Midway Vendor operating hours?

A: The Vendor Midway is open on Friday, August 1 from 6-10 p.m. this year. Vendors can begin to set up on Friday, August 1 at approximately 12 noon. If a vendor cannot arrive and set up on Friday, load in on Saturday morning can likely be arranged by contacting vendor liaisons Paul and Keri Porter at k[email protected]. Vendors will display on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then Sunday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Vendor tear-down should occur between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the vendor’s discretion.

Q: Where can I drop off semis, trailers, etc. that won’t fit in my Midway Vendor position?

A: The UAW Local 12 parking lot is available for this gear. It is located 2.0 miles from downtown Toledo at 2300 Ashland Ave, Toledo, OH 43620.

Q: How do I get the comp All-Jeep® Parade tickets that come with my Midway Vendor position?

A: Contact [email protected] with questions about your promo codes. Midway Vendors with 80′ x 30′, 60′ x 30′, 30′ x 20′ and 20′ x 20′ positions get complimentary All-Jeep® Parade tickets. Vendors with 10′ x 10′ positions do not get complimentary parade tickets. Eligible Midway Vendors can go to this link to accept tickets. You must use your comp promo codes and register for these complimentary tickets before the promo codes expire within a week of receipt. Don’t delay.

Q: Are vendors required to contribute to Official Toledo Jeep® Fest Goodie Bags?

A: Yes, it is a requirement of all 2025 vendors. This includes Vendor Midway and Glass City Center Vendor positions. The requirement helps ensure that all Parade and Park-N-Shine participants receive a well-stocked goody bag from TJF partners, sponsors and vendors – a triple win! TJF staff will provide registered Parade and Park-N-Shine participants with a goody bag per Jeep®, and it is an excellent opportunity to promote your business. We request that you send branded items such as catalogs, brochures, pens, key chains, hats, etc. that can be placed in the give-away bags. Each year, we fill 1,200 bags. Please ship all items to 2300 Ashland Ave #202, Toledo, OH 43620; Attention – Mark Buford by July 15, 2025.

Q: What is the Product Retail Value amount with my Midway Vendor Position Fee?

A: All accepted vendors will be promoted on the Toledo Jeep® Fest website. In 2025, we are asking that all vendors provide Product Retail Value in addition to the cost of their purchased space. We will be using the donated product for our Toledo Jeep® Fest hype events, main event or raffle! The Product Retail Value must be a Gift Card according to your purchased space. Your Product Retail Value will be appropriately branded and promoted at events and on our website and social media channels.

Q: Where is the Vendor Midway in downtown Toledo?

A: Although due to road and building repair, the layout changes slightly year-to-year, generally the Vendor Midway is on Summit, Jefferson and St. Clair streets. This is last year’s map to give you a rough idea of the Vendor Midway location.

Q: Is power provided for vendors on the midway?

A: No. Power is not provided to vendors on the midway in downtown Toledo. TJF recommends that you bring a small, quiet generator. We also do not have tables for outside vendors.

Q: Do you supply tables or chairs?

A: No, but you could contact TJF’s partner Meredith Party Rentals to inquire about support for your outdoor Vendor Midway booth.

Q: Glass City Convention Center Vendors: What time can vendors setup and when are the GCC positions open?

A: Glass City Convention Center vendors should be ready to setup by 6 p.m. on Friday morning (August 1) and be completely setup and ready for business by 10 a.m. Saturday. Your vendor position is inside the Glass City Center. Vendor positions are open until 1 p.m. on Sunday (August 3) and tear-down should begin no later than 1:30 p.m. Glass City Convention Center vendors do not receive a complementary All-Jeep® Parade ticket but also are not required to produce a product retail value gift card.

Q: What are 10′ x 10′ Vendor Midway Positions?

A: 10′ x 10′ Vendor Midway Positions are outdoors in either Levis Square Park, Promenade Park or other prime positions near the Vendor Midway. Vendors will display on Friday, August 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and then Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Vendor tear-down should occur between 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the vendor’s discretion. Midway Vendors with 10′ x 10′ positions do not receive a complementary All-Jeep® Parade ticket but also are not required to produce a product retail value gift card.

Registration is Open! Sign Up for 2025 TJF Events

December 27, 2024

Toledo Jeep Fest event registration is now open for all 2025 events! Beginning today you can register for the All-Jeep Parade, Park-N-Shine and Indoor Exhibit for our Aug. 1-3 event. Toledo Jeep Fest is a free and family-friendly festival that includes a Vendor Midway, Jeep exhibits, food, entertainment and Kids Zones, but if you want to show off your Jeep we have these paid events.

Jeep Events: Parade, Shine or Exhibit

Our awesome 8th annual All-Jeep Parade will be Saturday, Aug. 2 in downtown Toledo. The cost is $55 to enter the All-Jeep Parade. This includes a swag bag and one free T-Shirt, which is exclusive to event registrants. Don’t delay because prices will go up (by $5 to $60 total) after July 4. We are improving our Owens Corning staging area every year with entertainment, food and beverage vendors so that you can get in early and tailgate before the parade actually kicks off.

If you would rather watch the parade, hit the Vendor Midway early or just tailgate, then you can enter the Park-N-Shine on Saturday, Aug. 2 in downtown Toledo. The cost is $45 to enter the Park-N-Shine. This includes a swag bag and one free T-Shirt, which is exclusive to event registrants and not for public sale. Don’t delay because prices will go up (by $5 to $50 total) after July 4. Remember that the Park-N-Shine and the All-Jeep Parade stage at the same time so you don’t want to register for both these events.

Do you have a rare, historic or concept Jeep? You might want to register for the Indoor Exhibit in the Glass City Convention Center, which runs from Aug. 1-3. The cost is $45 to enter the Indoor Exhibit. This includes a swag bag and one free T-Shirt, which is exclusive to event registrants. Don’t delay because prices will go up (by $5 to $50) after July 4. These Jeeps are approved by our Indoor Exhibit team. If you register and your Jeep does not qualify, we will suggest moving you to the All-Jeep Parade or Park-N-Shine.

Thank you Equipt Graphics Solutions (7555 Central Avenue in Toledo) for wrapping our sweet Toledo Jeep Fest jeep!
Enjoy the pre-All-Jeep Parade festivities with your family and friends in our Owens Corning Staging Area in downtown Toledo.

Event Registration FAQ

Ticket Transfers: Did you register and then change your plans? We will be happy to transfer your event registration to a friend or other Jeep owner. Beware of people “selling” Jeep parade tickets online or on Facebook. Connect with [email protected] so that we can safely and securely amend your registration.

Year/Model: Why do we ask for the Year and Model of your Jeep? We want to know what Jeep you’re driving so that vendors, sponsors and organizers can better service and speak to your needs. If you register and then get a new Jeep – no worries – your event registration is for the Jeep owner/driver and still valid.  

Jeep Groups: Want to register for an event and then roll with your friends? Indicate a Jeep Group when registering (for example, you could list: Glass City Crawlers, Henderson Family, Owens Corning Employee Group, Mid-Michigan Jeep Group, etc.), and we will stage you with your friends. Last minute addition? Meet near downtown Toledo prior to entering the staging area and then enter the staging area with your buddies.

Scan Codes: When you register for any of these events our TicketSignUp system will produce a ticket receipt with details as well as a scan code. The scan code will allow that Jeep owner to enter the event. The same scan code is also used to redeem your T-Shirt later at the Glass City Convention Center. The T-Shirt/Swag Bag area is open all three days of TJF weekend so you can redeem your gear before the event if you wish. You can have the scan code open on your mobile device or you can have a printout of the scan code. Both work!

Tickets Per Jeep: Do I need to buy tickets for everyone in my Jeep? No. One Ticket = One Jeep. You may have as many people and animals as will safely fit in your Jeep. You only get one free T-Shirt per registration, but you can buy as many additional T-Shirts as you want during the registration process. These are not available for public sale; they are only available for purchase when you buy your Jeep participation ticket.Shirt, which is exclusive to event registrants. Don’t delay because prices will go up (by $5 to $50) after July 4. These Jeeps are approved by our Indoor Exhibit team. If you register and your Jeep does not qualify, we will suggest moving you to the All-Jeep Parade or Park-N-Shine.

Have Fun!

Looking forward to helping you make new Jeep memories during the first weekend in August 2025! Be respectful, helpful and courteous to your fellow Jeepers in the staging areas and on the Jeep parade route. Keep the music, banter and displays at a reasonable volume for all participants and spectators including our Senior and Junior Jeepers.