Toledo will be celebrating Jeep’s 75th year by presenting the Toledo Jeep Fest, a free public event that will take place on August 13, 2016 from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm.
One of the event’s key organizers and president of United Auto Workers Local 12, Bruce Baumhower said, “Jeep has played a huge role in the growth of Toledo and continues to provide many local jobs, this event will serve as a way to honor that piece of history and what it means to our city.”
The Toledo automaker, Willys-Overland improved the original design to the Jeep by adding a torquey engine. Willys won the full-scale production contract in 1941, which resulted in the contruction of 368,000 Willys MBs during World War II. After the war Willys started making many different versions of the Jeep brand including the Grand Wagoneer and different versions of the Cherokee. For a long time, Willys was the only place that made a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The organizers of Toledo Jeep Fest are hoping to get as many historic Jeeps to attend as possible. 
Some streets will be closed off for the daylong festival while other exhibits will be held at the SeaGate Convention Centre.
“Downtown Toledo is the perfect place to host this celebration of our history and future while bringing the community together to enjoy indoor and outdoor car shows, a parade, history displays, Jeep accessory vendors, and food and live music,” said Cindy Kerr, executive director of Downtown Toledo Improvement District.
Organizers expect the car show to attract between 800 and 1,000 vehicles.
Your Jeep does not have to be a classic model in order to participate in the parade, all Jeeps are welcome. It costs $15 per Jeep for registration, which allows you to participate in the parade, the car show, or both if you choose. You must register by July 15.
You can register for the parade, car show, or if you are interested in being a vendor at the following link:
https://www.cvent.com/c/express/e132a99c-e3b6-4259-bdf2-b85cf2a779eb
For more information about the event, volunteering, participation, or sponsorship, call 419-960-5337, email toledojeepfest@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ToledoJeepFest.
