Category: Announcements

Toledo, Ohio – The 2022 Toledo Jeep Fest, presented by Dana Incorporated and ProMedica, posted another record crowd this weekend. Estimates show that more than 70,000 people visited from 39 states, along with the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands.

“On the heels of a record-breaking 5^th annual event, we’re thrilled to announce our 2023 date,” said Whtiney Rofkar, Toledo Jeep Fest’s Event Director. “The weekend of August 4^th will host the 6^th festival in downtown Toledo, and we can’t wait!”

The Grogan’s Towne & Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade was also its largest ever, with 1,400+ Jeeps participating in the event. Tourism experts are still calculating the economic impact of the event, but event organizers expect it will be well over $5 million in economic activity spread across Northwest Ohio.

“This was our best event yet,” said Jerry Huber, a former Plant Manager at Jeep and Toledo Jeep Fest Board Member. “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.”

In addition to the parade, the Vendor Midway was also better than ever, with well-respected and sought-after vendors hailing from all over the U.S. More than 70 vendors including Dana, Rancho, OMIX, Rock Krawler Suspension, Helltraxx, Mopar, and Katzkin will stock the Yark Jeep Vendor Midway in downtown Toledo.

“When we talk to the vendors, they are thrilled with their experience at Toledo Jeep Fest. Customization is a big part of the Jeep culture, and our visitors love to talk shop on the Vendor Midway,” Huber said.

Community support is what fuels Toledo Jeep Fest. That starts with the title sponsors – Dana and ProMedica – and extends to more than 110 organizations that have provided funds or services to support the event.

“Once again this year, our community and sponsors have been amazing,” said Rofkar. “It is rewarding to see how this vision has grown, and how both the Toledo community and the Jeep community have lent their support to make this happen.”

Imagination Station and Hensville are being transformed for the weekend.

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Jeeps are about to take over the streets of downtown Toledo as this year’s edition of Toledo Jeep Fest hits high gear Friday. While most of the event focuses on the iconic vehicle, there will also be plenty of fun activities for the “junior Jeepers.” Festival Park and the new upper-level space at Imagination Station will be transformed into Kid’s Zone this weekend, according to 13abc.

Check out the full article here: 13abc

After our amazing All-Jeep Parade, Vendor Midway, Kids Zones and other attractions, you might be interested in our Glass City Center Speakers Series on the hall’s main stage.

Beginning at 2 p.m., Toledo Jeep Fest will feature five speakers – Tedd Long, Kyle Sword, Ron Olson, Matthew Wolak and Jamie Weasel speaking on Jeep, outdoors and lifestyle topics.

Tedd Long is an author, photographer, lecturer, and the curator of www.HolyToledoHistory.com. As a local author and master storyteller, Tedd’s unique appreciation for the city is shown through every page
of his new book, “100 things to do in Toledo before you Die.” Even longtime residents will find
something new to do among his suggestions. Tedd will speak about the rich history that comes with
Toledo’s relationship with Jeep.

Kyle Sword is the Business Development Manager for Pilkington North America and heads the company’s interests in business development, marketing, and historic restoration. He has worked for NSG Pilkington for 20+ years, mostly in glass manufacturing. Toledo has a rich automotive glass history that is also steeped in innovation and developments. Kyle will go into more extensive detail on how Jeep was involved in the glazing developments and helped shape Toledo into the glass powerhouse that it is today. His session will look more deeply at some of these innovations as well as what the future of automotive glazing may hold.

Ron Olson has served as Michigan’s Chief of Parks and Recreation for more than 17 years, during which he has overseen the planning, budgeting, and operation of more than 100 state parks and recreation areas, 3,000 miles of ORV routes, and 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Ron is an outdoor enthusiast and diehard runner. He previously served as the Associate City Administrator and Superintendent of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department for 20 years. Ron will speak to the importance of creativity in the identification, funding, development, and operation of recreational facilities to meet ever-changing recreational needs

Matthew Wolak is the inventor of the Jeep tool “Faster 2 Freedom,” created for 2007 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners who have mounting knob screws that make it difficult to take their front roof panels off. He is a graduate of Xavier University’s Williams College of Business. Matthew and his wife, Stacy, live in Germantown, WI and are supporters of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. Matthew is a member of the Mequon/Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club and enjoys hiking, pickle ball, and travel. He will deliver an entertaining and crowd-engaging experience reminding us all that you can do anything in life, if you have the right tools!

Jamie Weasel is an outdoor enthusiast and “gearhead” with motorsport experience that includes owning
several 4x4s, building vehicles to participate in the Michigan and Colorado Gambler 500, competing
in TSD rallies, and racing vintage snowmobiles on ice ovals in Northern Michigan. Jamie will speak
about the development and operation of Holly Oaks and some of the challenges and opportunities
of converting a depleted gravel mine into an ORV park in a populated area.

Following the speakers will be Toledo Jeep Fest’s official program at 4:30 p.m. hosted by Buckeye Broadband Anchor Justin Feldkamp. The official program will also include Dana Incorporated‘s Best-In-Show award and the Mickey Thompson Wheels Giveaway.

Want to take part in the legendary Toledo Jeep Fest Photoshoot in front of the famous ‘Jeep’ letters at the Toledo North Assembly Complex?

Thanks to the United Way of Greater Toledo, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood County you can! The photoshoot will occur on Sunday, August 14, the last day of Toledo Jeep Fest. The cost is $35.

Spots are limited, but you can register now at www.eventbright.com/e/jeep-sign-photoshoot-tickets-375311235007. One timeslot for your iconic Jeep photograph. You’ll be supporting education, health, housing and finance initiatives for Lucas Wood and Ottawa County residents.