Category: Event News

Media Partners Highlight New Additions to TJF 2025

March 14, 2025

The Blade (Article)

“On top of all of the festival’s staples, the planning committee is introducing two new activities, Ms. Rofkar said, one showcasing strength and the other featuring dogs.

The first is a strongman competition during the Glass City Crawlers Block Party on Aug. 1. It will be hosted by Marcus Waugh, a Toledo firefighter who won the World’s Strongest Firefighter strongman competition in 2024. “

“The second new feature is a playground area for dogs, which will include an agility course, watering station, and dog houses made by Penta Career Center students.”

13 ABC (Video)

“This year’s sponsor was announced as Mercy Health.

“It’s a celebration of partnership. What Mercy Health does here in Toledo is so much through partnership with the organizations that are represented here today and that we’re working with on Jeep Fest,” said Bob Baxter, president of Mercy Health Toledo.

Organizers laid out some of the new things to look forward to this year, including the Mud Hens being in town at the same time, a strongman competition and a dog agility contest.”

WTOL (Video)

“Healthcare giant Mercy Health has been named a new title sponsor for the fest.

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

BCSN (Video)

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Lucas County commissioners, and other city leaders announced the return of Toledo Jeep Fest for its eighth year at a news conference Wednesday. Toledo Jeep Fest will be from Aug. 1-3 in downtown Toledo.

Bob Baxter, president of Mercy Health Toledo announced the return of Mercy Health as the Presenting Sponsor, which it did for the first Toledo Jeep Fest in 2016.

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.

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.

Expanded 2024 Toledo Jeep Fest Tops All Previous Benchmarks

November 4, 2024

Could it get bigger and be even more fun? Indeed, newly expanded Toledo Jeep® Fest (TJF) No. 7 was the biggest and best event since the 2016 kickoff. More than 78,000 attendees from 40 states and 5 countries came to Toledo in 2024 to enjoy the All-Jeep® Parade, Vendor Midway, Glass City Center Exhibit and Friday’s new Glass City Crawlers Block Party, attended by more than 200 jeeps.  

While the 2016 event was expected to attract 20,000 attendees to northwest Ohio,  on All-Jeep® Parade Day (Saturday, August 6) Toledo hosted more than 40,000 people from around the Midwest and beyond.

Toledo Economic Boost in 2024

Bolstered by over 110 national and local vendors and 95 sponsors, Toledo Jeep® Fest 2024 produced $5.9 million in economic activity for Toledo, Lucas County and Northwest Ohio during the weekend of August 1-4. If you are wondering what a simple parade in 2016 has evolved into, take a look at these numbers for 2024:

  • 60,000+ ducks were distributed during the three-day festival.
  • 6,800+ attended the Friday night Jordan Davis concert.
  • 1,500+ people attended the Toledo Assembly Complex Family Day Party.
  • 6,500+ children participated in the RC Course and Kids’ & Family Zones.
  • 1,300+ Jeeps were part of the All-Jeep® Parade throughout downtown Toledo.
  • 1,300+ people participated in the 4-Mile Run and 1-Mile Walk.
  • 6,000+ pounds of recyclables were collected.
  • 600+ Jeeps traversed the obstacle course at the Welcome Party.
  • 300+ TARTA bus rides were taken as part of the Toledo Jeep® Fest Express.
  • 300+ volunteers supported the 4-day festival.

“TJF offers an unparalleled urban adventure that’s unlike anything else in the country – and it’s right here in our backyard! This event brings together Jeep® enthusiasts from all walks of life,  creating a vibrant melting pot of passion and excitement. It’s thrilling to connect with – and experience – the energy of fellow attendees in such a dynamic setting,” said Anthony Grosser, New Brands Supervisor for Summit Racing Equipment.

Toledo, Ohio has been the Home of the Jeep® for nearly nine decades,  employing more than 6,000 skilled UAW Jeep® workers. As the center of a strong and loyal Jeep® community, the tri-state area of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana consists of more than 60 Jeep® enthusiast clubs with approximately 1 out of every 5 registered vehicles in the region being a Jeep®. Most of these vehicles are stock vehicles or lightly modified, offering a tremendous opportunity for Jeep® aftermarket product manufacturers.

Getting Ready For TJF No. 8

The 2025 event on August  1, 2, 3 will be the 8th event since the inaugural TJF event in 2016. Event founders are striving to help TJF become the largest Jeep-related event in the United States. The weekend of August 1, 2025 will be action-packed, and thousands of Jeepers are expected to take part in the festivities – the All-Jeep® Parade through downtown Toledo, a large-scale Vendor Midway, and much more.

“This was my fifth time attending Toledo Jeep® Fest, and it gets better every year. I love the family-friendly vibe this event has. It’s amazing to watch a city like Toledo – with its rich history – coming together to celebrate the Jeep® brand. Everything from the Convention Center exhibits and speaker series to the Overland Base Camp show just how passionate everyone is about the Jeeps, their heritage, and their legacy,” said Dean Shirley of  East Coast Overland Adventures.