Toledo Jeep Fest is an annual festival held in Toledo, Ohio, in celebration of the Jeep brand of sport utility vehicles. The three-day event includes a street fair, a car show featuring rare and historic Jeep vehicles, and a parade of more than 1,000 Jeeps.[1][2]
The first Toledo Jeep Fest was a one-day event held on August 13, 2016, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the original Willys MB, the first "Jeep" vehicle, built in Toledo.[3] It was organized by a group led by UAW Local 12, which represents workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex, where Jeep vehicles have been assembled since 1941.[4][5] Roughly 40,000 attended the inaugural event, and over 1,000 Jeeps took part in its parade.[5]
Following a hiatus in 2017, Toledo Jeep Fest returned as a two-day festival in August 2018.[6][7][8] It was also held over two days in 2019, with 70,000 in attendance.[9][10] A planned 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11] Since 2021, Toledo Jeep Fest has been held over three days on either the first or second weekend of August.[12]
Events
Toledo Jeep Fest is held on the streets of Downtown Toledo, with some events taking place indoors at the Glass City Center.[13] Most downtown streets are closed to traffic during the festival, with vendors on Jefferson, St. Clair and Summit Streets, and vehicles displayed on the other streets.[14] A parade of Jeeps is held downtown on the Saturday morning of the festival weekend. Inside the Glass City Center, a collection of rare, vintage, and concept Jeep vehicles is displayed.[15]
The festival has no admission charge. The 2024 edition was reportedly attended by 78,000.[16]
During the festival weekend, the Toledo Mud Hens play at nearby Fifth Third Field under the name "Toledo Mud Crawlers" in reference to Jeep, and offer Jeep-themed promotional giveaways to game attendees.[9][16][17]
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