6 Must-Do's at the Toledo Jeep Fest
Toledo may be known as the Glass City but it is also home to the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. Jeep has been built in Toledo Ohio since 1941 and has impacted the citizens of the city for generations. Annually the city celebrates its history with Jeep during the Toledo Jeep Fest. The event is massive and attracts over 70,000 visitors from across the United States and Canada.
To help plan your visit download the Toledo Jeep Fest App and consider these 6 must-do’s during the Toledo Jeep Fest.
Attend the Parade
The biggest event is the Jeep parade. Over 1,000 Jeeps participate in the event and rage from classics to fully decorated. A crowd favorite is Jeep stacking.
Go Ducking
All throughout the festival rubber ducks can be spotted. Event director Whitney Rofker shares why - “so, I don’t know the whole story but I do know these duck are a love note that you leave on someone else’s Jeep to say ‘hey man, really cool jeep'.’”
Fun for the Kids
There is plenty of fun for the whole family, even the kiddos. There is a kid zone with huge bubble wands, a duck pond and special guests. Another great activity is a remote control course located in the Glass City Center.
Attend a Lecture
While in the Glass City Center listen in on one of the lectures. Local historian Tedd Long shared the incredible story of women and Jeep. “By the time of Pearl Harbor women were working in some of the plants in different jobs but when all the men had to go to war women came to the forefront and jumped right in and held their own,” Tedd explained. When asked if women exclusively worked on Jeeps Tedd said “ no, they were involved in all kinds of things.” Tedd shared that women were most excited about aircraft production.
Support Philanthropy
The men and women of UAW Local 12 are the heart of Jeep production in Toledo. The Women’s Committee dedicates its time at the festival to give back to the community.
“We use our own money to donate [back into the community]” Tasha Barnes said. Sherese Williams expanded stating that the committee votes on who they will support/donate to during regularly scheduled meetings.
Off-Roading
Jeeps are more than just vehicles to get you from point A to point B they are toys that can go anywhere. Many jeepers like to go off-roading with their Jeeps and even do it in groups like the Glass City Crawlers.
Visit Toledo in August for the annual Toledo Jeep Fest and stay for the food, fun and incredible people.
The Toledo Jeep Fest is featured on the television series Finding Festivals now airing on PBS affiliate WGTE. You can stream the series here.
Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.