Tag: sponsors

Toledo Jeep Fest Caps Milestone 10th Year as Its Biggest, Most Celebrated Festival Yet

August 20, 2026
Record-breaking parade, national media attention and a growing partnership
with Stellantis mark a landmark year for the Home of Jeep

TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Jeep Fest 2026 sported record attendance, its largest-ever parade, and a wave of international recognition that organizers say reflects not just the strength of the festival, but of the Jeep brand and Toledo itself.

More than 100,000 people filled downtown Toledo August 6–9 for a weekend built around the vehicle made in Toledo since the beginning. The festival’s All-Jeep Parade set a new record with more than 1,500 Jeeps — the largest parade in the event’s 10-year history, up from 1,400 in 2025 — representing 48 states, Washington, D.C., and eight countries. Forty-five of Ohio’s 88 counties were represented, and 36 Jeep clubs took part this year, up from 24 in 2025.

“This is a milestone year of 85 years of Jeep, and it showed in every part of the festival,” said Whitney Rofkar, Toledo Jeep Fest’s event director.

A Growing National Spotlight

This year’s festival also marked the first time Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, joined as a co-presenting sponsor — a shift The Blade pointed to as evidence of the festival’s growing stature. In an editorial titled “Best Jeep Fest Yet,” The Blade praised the 2026 event as the strongest in the festival’s history, noting that Stellantis stepping into a larger role helps validate the event and reinforces the bond between Jeep and its hometown.

Local experts also noted that Toledo Jeep Fest helps to tell Toledo’s story far and wide. In a recent piece titled “The Toledo Investment Thesis Is Getting Harder to Ignore,” business outlet Toledo Money pointed to Toledo Jeep Fest as a visible sign of the city’s economic momentum and proof that the region’s manufacturing heritage, workforce and infrastructure continue to draw outside attention.

“We built this event to celebrate Jeep and this community, but it’s become something bigger than that,” Rofkar said. “When national outlets are pointing to Toledo Jeep Fest as a reason to pay attention to Toledo, that tells you everything about what this festival, and this city, have become.”

A Weekend Built for Jeep Culture

Beyond the parade, this year’s festival brought Jeep fans face-to-face with some of the Jeep community’s best-known online personalities. Saturday’s parade was led by grand marshal Brad Kowitz, founder of the off-road YouTube channel TrailRecon. He shared the experience with 700,000+ of his followers. YouTube creators Matt Mohl and Ryan Hewett of Dirt Road Cred and Matt and Cara McClellan of Ozark Overland Adventures toured Toledo’s Jeep assembly plant and Dana’s World Headquarters, then greeted fans with a bun-signing at Tony Packo’s ahead of a weekend of meet-and-greets.

Jeepers drove from 48 states to attend. Kowitz drove 2,274 miles from the San Diego area to take part. The festival’s furthest traveler came even farther: a 13,300-mile round trip from South Korea.

The weekend’s Indoor Exhibit paired the old with the new, featuring Rance Miller’s restored 1943 Willys MB alongside multiple 2027 Jeep models on loan from Stellantis, plus military Jeeps like Jay Schramm’s 1954 Willys M38A-1.

Community and Economic Impact

Toledo Jeep Fest’s economic footprint continues to grow alongside its attendance. Organizers estimate the 2026 festival generated $8.5 million in local economic impact. The festival also featured 150 vendors and distributed more than 90,000 ducks to attendees.

The event’s community impact was driven in large part by its volunteer base: 350 volunteers contributed 4,200 service hours over the weekend to help make the festival possible.

“None of this happens without our volunteers, our sponsors and this community showing up every single year,” Rofkar said.

Looking Ahead

With a record-setting 10th year now in the books, organizers say Toledo Jeep Fest’s next chapter is already taking shape.

“Toledo Jeep Fest is a celebration of our city’s history, our people and a legendary vehicle that continues to bring us together,” Rofkar said. “We can’t wait to build on this year and keep telling that story.”

About Toledo Jeep Fest

Toledo Jeep Fest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the iconic Jeep vehicle and the city that helped shape its legacy. Founded in 2016, the organization produces an annual celebration that brings together Jeep owners, collectors, families and enthusiasts from across the country and around the world for a weekend of vehicles, exhibits, vendors, entertainment and community connection. The 2027 festival is set for August 6-8 in downtown Toledo. Learn more at www.ToledoJeepFest.com.

Toledo Money: Why Toledo’s Investment Thesis Is Getting Harder to Ignore

August 14, 2026

Every year, Toledo Jeep Fest fills downtown streets with thousands of Jeeps and tens of thousands of visitors. For many, it’s a celebration of an iconic vehicle and the city that builds it. But according to a recent article from Toledo Money, the festival represents something even bigger: a powerful signal that Toledo’s economic future may be stronger than many people realize.

In “The Toledo Investment Thesis Is Getting Harder to Ignore,” Toledo Money argues that a growing collection of developments are reinforcing Toledo’s position as one of the Midwest’s most underrated success stories. And at the center of that narrative is Jeep.

More Than a Weekend Festival

Toledo Jeep Fest has evolved into one of northwest Ohio’s premier events, drawing visitors from across the country and generating significant economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

But the impact extends beyond tourism.

The festival showcases something unique about Toledo: a globally recognized brand that remains deeply connected to the city where it was born. Few communities can claim such a strong relationship with a product that is known and admired around the world.

Every Jeep rolling through the parade is a reminder that Toledo is not simply preserving its manufacturing heritage. It’s continuing to build upon it.

A City Built on Real Assets

The Toledo Money article highlights a broader theme that many local leaders have been discussing for years. Toledo’s strengths are tangible.

We have:

  • A world-famous automotive brand with deep local roots.
  • A skilled manufacturing workforce.
  • Strategic transportation and logistics infrastructure.
  • Strong educational and healthcare institutions.
  • Continued public and private investment throughout the region.

Events like Jeep Fest make those strengths visible. What residents experience as community pride, visitors often see as evidence of a city with authentic economic momentum.

National Attention for a Local Success Story

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jeep Fest is how effectively it tells Toledo’s story.

Visitors come for the vehicles, but they leave with an appreciation for the city, its people, and its industrial heritage. The event provides a firsthand look at a community that continues to innovate while honoring the legacy that helped build it.

That visibility matters.

As Toledo Money notes, more investors, developers, employers, and entrepreneurs are beginning to recognize opportunities that longtime residents have understood for years. The city’s strengths are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Why Jeep Still Matters

For generations, Jeep has been more than an employer in Toledo.

It has helped shape neighborhoods, support families, fuel local businesses, and define the city’s identity. The continued success of Jeep production and the growing popularity of Jeep Fest demonstrate that the connection between Toledo and Jeep remains as strong as ever.

That relationship creates something valuable that cannot be easily replicated: authenticity.

In a world where many cities are searching for a defining identity, Toledo already has one.

The Bigger Picture

Toledo Jeep Fest is often described as a celebration of an iconic vehicle. It certainly is that.

But as Toledo Money points out, it’s also a reflection of something larger: a city that continues to invest in itself, attract attention, and build on a foundation that has been decades in the making.

The thousands of Jeeps that fill downtown each summer aren’t just celebrating history. They’re helping tell the story of Toledo’s future.

And if recent investments, growing national attention, and the continued success of events like Jeep Fest are any indication, Toledo’s investment thesis may indeed be getting harder to ignore.

Read the full Toledo Money article: https://www.tolmoney.com/p/the-toledo-investment-thesis-is-getting-harder-to-ignore

JobsOhio to Spotlight Ohio Manufacturing Excellence at Toledo Jeep Fest Supplier Showcase

July 29, 2026

One of Ohio’s most celebrated automotive events is adding an exciting new dimension this summer as JobsOhio joins Toledo Jeep Fest to support a dynamic Supplier Showcase highlighting the innovation, talent, and manufacturing strength that power Ohio’s automotive industry.

Located inside the Glass City Center during the festival (Aug. 7-9), the Supplier Showcase will bring together automotive suppliers, advanced manufacturers, workforce development organizations, educational partners, and industry leaders who help drive the future of mobility. The exhibit will offer festival attendees a unique opportunity to explore the people, companies, and technologies that keep Ohio at the forefront of automotive manufacturing.

As Toledo Jeep Fest welcomes more than 100,000 visitors from across the country, JobsOhio will showcase the incredible depth and diversity of Ohio’s manufacturing ecosystem, connecting Jeep’s rich Toledo heritage with the innovation shaping the next generation of vehicles and transportation technologies.

“Toledo Jeep Fest is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate Ohio’s manufacturing heritage while showcasing the companies, suppliers and skilled workforce that continue to drive our economy forward,” said Jonathan Bridges, Managing Director of Automotive at JobsOhio. “We’re excited to be part of an event that not only honors an iconic American brand, but also highlights the innovation, collaboration and career opportunities that exist throughout Ohio’s automotive supply chain. The Supplier Showcase is a meaningful way to connect with the public and inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent.”

Meeting Manufacturers and Suppliers

While Toledo Jeep Fest is widely known for its spectacular Jeep parade, Vendor Midway, and vibrant downtown atmosphere, the Supplier Showcase adds another layer to the experience by shining a spotlight on the companies and professionals behind the vehicles enthusiasts love. Attendees will have the chance to meet manufacturers and suppliers, discover cutting-edge technologies, and learn about the many rewarding careers available throughout Northwest Ohio and across the state.

The timing couldn’t be better. Ohio continues to earn national recognition as a leader in advanced manufacturing, mobility innovation, and automotive production. The state was also recently named the No.1 State in CNBC’s Top States for business, while the Toledo region remains one of America’s most important automotive hubs, supporting thousands of jobs across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology, and skilled trades.

Auto Industry Support

Visitors will also gain a deeper appreciation for the vast network of businesses that support the automotive industry. From robotics and automation companies to parts manufacturers, material suppliers, and technology innovators, these organizations are helping create the vehicles of tomorrow while generating exciting career opportunities today.

As Toledo Jeep Fest continues to grow and evolve, the addition of JobsOhio and the Supplier Showcase reflects the event’s expanding impact. What began as a celebration of an iconic vehicle has become a powerful showcase of Ohio’s manufacturing leadership, workforce excellence, and spirit of innovation.

By bringing together industry, education, workforce development, and community engagement under one roof, the Supplier Showcase will celebrate the people, partnerships, and possibilities that continue to make Ohio one of the nation’s premier manufacturing states—and Toledo the proud home of Jeep.

Mayco Ready to Celebrate 85 Years of Jeep at Toledo Jeep Fest

July 14, 2026

Mayco International is proud to continue our sponsorship of the 2026 Toledo Jeep Fest, taking place August 6–9.

As a global Tier 1 supplier and multi-time Supplier of the Year award winner, we are honored to support one of America’s most iconic and enduring brands. Our long-standing partnership with Jeep reflects a shared commitment to quality and helping deliver the legendary vehicles drivers know and trust.

As America celebrates 250 years of freedom and Jeep marks 85 years of heritage, we’re proud to be part of that legacy.

We look forward to celebrating with the Jeep community in Toledo this August.

Stop by and visit Mayco International on the Vendor Midway Aug. 7-9 during Toledo Jeep Fest in downtown Toledo.

North Star BlueScope Steel Brings 30 Years of Automotive Strength to Toledo Jeep Fest

May 5, 2026

For more than three decades, North Star BlueScope Steel has been proud to call Northwest
Ohio home. What started as a single-site steel mill in Delta has grown into one of the leading
producers of high-quality hot-rolled steel in the country, serving critical industries like
automotive, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.


This year marks a major milestone: North Star’s 30th anniversary. It’s an opportunity to reflect
not just on growth and innovation, but on the people and partnerships that have made it all
possible.


“At North Star, everything we do starts with our people,” said President Conrad Winkler. “We’ve
built a team that’s deeply committed to each other, to our customers, and to the communities
we’re part of.”


That commitment extends far beyond the mill. With hundreds of team members across
Northwest Ohio and a strong focus on community involvement, North Star has long believed
that being a reliable partner means showing up, both in business and in the places where their
employees live and raise their families.


A Natural Fit for Toledo Jeep Fest


Supporting Toledo Jeep Fest was a natural decision.


Nearly 40% of North Star’s steel supports the automotive industry, helping power the vehicles
that drive the economy forward. But the connection goes deeper than that. Jeep Fest represents
craftsmanship, durability, and pride in manufacturing, values that closely align with how North
Star approaches its work every day.


“Events like Jeep Fest celebrate the very best of this region, its history, its people, and its ability
to build things that last,” Winkler said. “That resonates strongly with our team.”


As the official steel sponsor and the presenting sponsor of Saturday’s concert and drone show,
North Star is proud to play a visible role in one of Toledo’s most iconic celebrations.


Investing in the Future, Together


As North Star looks ahead, the focus remains the same: continuous improvement, investment in
people, and a commitment to delivering high-quality steel with reliability and precision.


Recent investments in Northwest Ohio are expanding capabilities, supporting growth, and
strengthening the company’s ability to serve customers across key industries. At the same time,
partnerships with local schools and workforce programs are helping develop the next generation
of skilled workers—ensuring that the region’s manufacturing legacy continues for years to come.
“Thirty years in, we’re still building,” Winkler said. “Building better processes, building stronger
partnerships, and building opportunities for the communities we’re proud to be part of.”


Celebrating What Drives Us


Toledo Jeep Fest is more than an event; it’s a celebration of everything that makes this region
strong. And for North Star BlueScope Steel, it’s an opportunity to honor the shared connection
between steel, automotive innovation, and the people who make it all happen.


As the company celebrates its 30th anniversary, one thing remains clear: the same principles
that built North Star, quality, reliability, and community, continue to drive it forward today.