Category: Announcements

Willys-Overland Made More Than Just the Iconic Jeep

June 14, 2023

Jeep fans know that Willys-Overland Motors did an incredible job of producing 361,406 Jeeps in Toledo during World War II. Former President and General Dwight Eisenhower once said that “The Jeep, the Dakota, and the Landing Craft were the three tools that won the war.”

But did you know that Willys-Overland also produced a long list of essential war material including the first cruise missile?

Willys-Overland manufactured the JB-2 Loon, which was the American reverse engineered copy of the German V-1 “Buzz Bomb.”  Willys was the only manufacturer of the 1,292 produced. The JB-2 Loons were being produced for use in the planned invasion of Japan. Republic Aircraft had the contract for the airframe and Ford built the engine. However, Willys-Overland was then subcontracted to build the airframe because of its capacity to manufacture in high volume. The Willys-built JB-2 can be seen on display at The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, which is part of the National Air and Space Museum.

Willys-Overland, and its hard-working Toledo area workers, also produced:

  • (4,344,160) 155mm shells
  • (3,374) Breech Housings and Recoil Cylinders for 1.1 inch anti-aircraft guns
  • (78,735) 1/4 and 1 Ton Cargo Trailers
  • (415) Powder and Projectile Hoists for US Navy ships
  • (253,072,519) 40mm Primers and Parts
  • (2,000,460) 20mm Shells
  • (6,096) Grumman F6F Landing Gears
  • (849) Carburetor Air Scoops for Curtiss-Wright
  • (3,605) C-46 Wing Fuel Tanks
  • (37,500) Bomb Cluster Shipping Bands
  • (1,087,277,247) .30 and .50 bullet cores
  • (3,731) Vought F4U Wing Center Sections
  • (1,292) JB-2 Airframes

So when you are driving or watching the All-Jeep Parade, think about some of the distant cousins to your modern Wranglers and Gladiators.

We encourage you to check out David D. Jackson’s historical work on Willys-Overland and the automotive industry as well as the work of Jeep historian Ron Szymanski of Toledo, Ohio. 

Hype Bashes On Deck: Off-Road Upfit, Mud Hens and Toledo Speedway

June 2, 2023

The 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest Hype Bash schedule keeps rolling along with three great events coming up in June and July.

On Saturday, June 17, our TJF Hype Bash will be hosted by Off-Road Upfit at Michigan Technical Resource Park (8000 Yankee Road, Ottawa Lake, Michigan, 49267) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event highlights include:

Also at this event, the Dirty Duathlon (8:30 a.m.) – presented by Cyclewerks, is a one-of-a-kind event for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts! Held at the Michigan Technical Resource Park, this exclusive run-bike-run duathlon will put you against 4×4 test track features such as dirt, logs, rolling hills, and more. While designed for the everyday outdoor enthusiast, this course will challenge even the most technical rider and have you heading to your Jeep® for your next adventure.

On Sunday, July 23, our TJF Hype Bash will be hosted by the Toledo Mud Hens. The Mud Hens face the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (Game Time 2:05 p.m. – tickets required). Jeeps (including the Dana jeeps) will be displayed on North St. Clair Street, East of the Fifth Third Field.

On Friday, July 28, our TJF Hype Bash will be at Toledo Speedway (6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.). Event highlights include:

What is a Hype Bash?

It’s like practice for our big event on Aug. 4-6. Hype Bashes are fun Jeep events held at sponsors and vendors facilities. Sponsors like Williams Brothers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Monroe Superstore, Charlie’s Dodge Jeep Ram, Toledo Speedway, and Michigan Technical Resource Park, as well as the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens.

All Hype Bashes include Jeeps, information on the upcoming event, Jeep Fest gear for sale, and giveaway and raffle items from our Jeep vendors. Hype Bashes at the dealerships also include RTI Ramp & Balance Blocks Opportunities sponsored by the Glass City Crawlers, vendors, DJs, and food trucks. There are usually small RC courses, a few games for the kids, and sometimes car crushing opportunities.

Hype Bashes are pre-fun before the big fun on August 4-6. Hype Bashes are a great way for the Jeep community to get together and plan their summer trail adventures and for anybody who loves Jeeps to get a preview of the awesome vehicles that will probably be in our All-Jeep Parade on August 5.

Remaining Hype Bash Schedule

GCC Exhibit Looking For Jeeps to Star

May 23, 2023

We’re just 70 days away from the sixth Toledo Jeep Fest on August 4, 5, and 6. This free, family-friendly event will again roll through the streets of Downtown Toledo, Ohio – home of the Jeep.

We are still looking for a select group of awesome Jeeps to display in our Glass City Center Exhibit. This indoor display is for select Jeeps only; those of historical value or that are a particularly rare model, customized and built rigs, etc.

After registering for this exhibit, TJF staff will contact you via email within two weeks of submission to let you know if your Jeep is selected. All selected Jeeps will be secured inside the Glass City Center Exhibit Hall from Friday, August 4 until noon on Sunday, August 6 at 1 p.m. for public display.

Register for Glass City Center Exhibit


An Indoor Glass City Center Exhibit ticket comes with a goody bag and an exclusive participant T-shirt. These T-shirts will not be available for purchase for the general public, ONLY official TJF participants.

Hype Bash On Deck: Charlie’s

May 17, 2023

Our 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest Hype Bash schedule keeps rolling with one more awesome event in May.

This Saturday, Charlie’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram will host at 725 Illinois Avenue in Maumee. The event runs from 2-4 p.m. and includes:

• RTI Ramp & Balance Blocks Opportunities courtesy of the Glass City Crawlers
• Entertainment & Celebrity Emcee provided by 93.5 WRQN
• Raffle Give-aways
• Toledo Jeep Fest Apparel
• New Jeep Line-up Vehicles
• Scale R/C Off Road Obstacle Demonstration Course
• Vendors (e.g. Dana, Spicer Parts, Jeep It Easy, Jeep Country Federal Credit Union, etc.)
• Food Trucks

Big thank you to Monroe Superstore (15160 S Dixie Hwy in Monroe, Michigan) for hosting our May 13 event.

What is a Hype Bash?

It’s like practice for our big event on Aug. 4-6. Hype Bashes are fun Jeep events held at sponsors and vendors facilities. Sponsors like Williams Brothers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Monroe Superstore, Charlie’s Dodge Jeep Ram, Toledo Speedway and Michigan Technical Resource Park, as well as the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens.

All Hype Bashes include Jeeps, information on the upcoming event, Jeep Fest gear for sale, and giveaway and raffle items from our Jeep vendors. Hype Bashes at the dealerships also include RTI Ramp & Balance Blocks Opportunities sponsored by the Glass City Crawlers, vendors, DJs and food trucks. There are usually small RC courses and a few games for the kids and sometimes car crushing opportunities.

Hype Bashes are pre-fun before the big fun on August 4-6. Hype Bashes are a great way for the Jeep community to get together and plan their summer trail adventures and for anybody who loves Jeeps to get a preview of the awesome vehicles that will probably be in our All-Jeep Parade on August 5.

Remaining Hype Bash Schedule

  • SATURDAY, JUNE 17

TJF Hype Bash hosted by Off Road Upfit at Michigan Technical Resource Park in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, 10 a.m. 

Also at this event, the Dirty Duathlon (8:30 a.m. – presented by Cyclewerks) is a one-of-a-kind event for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts! Held at the Michigan Technical Resource Park, this exclusive run-bike-run duathlon will put you against 4×4 test track features such as dirt, logs, rolling hills, and more. While designed for the everyday outdoor enthusiast, this course will challenge even the most technical rider and have you heading to your Jeep® for your next adventure.

  • SUNDAY, JULY 23

TJF Hype Bash at Toledo Mud Hens, 2 p.m.

  • FRIDAY, JULY 28

TJF Hype Bash at Toledo Speedway, 6 p.m. 

  • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

TJF Halloween Hype Bash at Yark Auto, Noon

Toledo Jeep Fest Kicks Off Summer Travel Season

May 12, 2023

Toledo, Ohio (May 12, 2023) — Summer is just around the corner, and everyone is ready to travel.

To help spur tourism in Toledo, Toledo Jeep Fest partnered with TourismOhio, and joined more than 120 other attractions and destinations from across the state for the 2023 Ohio Tourism Day, held May 10 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Hundreds of people, looking to make summer plans, attended the event.

To kick off the day, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled Ohio’s new brand: “Ohio, The Heart of it All.” The beloved theme with a modern twist captures the state’s Midwestern warmth and invites people to create a life they love here in Ohio. 

“Thanks to all of our tourism partners for taking part in this unique event that offers visitors a chance to discover new attractions and destinations that showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of Ohio Department of Development.

 “Ohio Tourism Day is a great reminder that our state is the heart of it all, with something for everyone to enjoy,” said Whitney Rofkar, Toledo Jeep Fest Event and Development Director. “The day allowed us to have one-on-one conversations with potential visitors looking to visit not just Toledo Jeep Fest, but the restaurants, hotels, retailers, and other nearby attractions that call Toledo home.”

Every year, Ohio Tourism Day celebrates Ohio’s tourism industry and offers consumers the chance to explore vacation ideas across the state. Toledo Jeep Fest set up a display and talked to potential visitors eager to learn more about all the exciting things to do in the area.  

About Toledo Jeep Fest. Toledo Jeep Fest celebrates decades of Jeep’s partnership with the City of Toledo. Jeep has been touching lives in meaningful ways for people across Toledo, the U.S. and around the world, for a very long time. Toledo Jeep Fest is a way for people to celebrate that rich history, their love for Jeep, and an adventurous way of life in the city where Jeep was invented and where its heart beats every day.

About TourismOhio Operating within Ohio’s Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you. Visit Ohio.org for more information.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.org.