OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s a weekend that will feature nearly 1000 vehicles of an iconic brand with a history that spans more than 80 years.
Originally scheduled for October, Jeeptoberfest was postponed due to Hurricane Milton and is now set for Dec. 7-8 at the Florida Horse Park. A special Show-and-Shine event for pre-registered Jeeps will take place at the Mojo Grill & Catering Company, located at 4620 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, on Dec. 6. As of Nov. 27, more than 800 Jeeps were pre-registered, with organizers hoping to surpass last year’s turnout of over 1,000 Jeeps.
The event also serves a greater purpose, making a significant impact within the community. Additionally, it is one of the longest-running Jeep shows in the Southeast.
“The proceeds from us putting on Jeeptoberfest are what allow the Ocala Jeep Club to continue to support our charities,” says Kelly Hammond, Ocala Jeep Club of Florida vice president and incoming president. “We have four charities that we’re working for. We’re working toward helping them out. The club has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to these different charities. It’s nice to be able to put this event on and to help them out.”
The four charities benefiting from Jeeptoberfest are Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Wanda Cares Dog Rescue, Veterans Helping Veterans, and Bryan’s All Stars Challenge Sports.
“I sure appreciate all of our volunteers who made this happen for our charities,” says Hammond.
Jeeptoberfest will feature a series of fun events, where spectators will have a chance to see the iconic brand in action.
“This is our 27th year, and it’s an event you don’t want to miss,” Hammond shares. “There’s going to be fun and challenging obstacle courses. It draws in attendees from multiple states—we’ve had them from all over. There are two different stock courses. We have a modified course, an extreme course, and it’s built for those Jeeps that really want to take on a challenge. One of the biggest favorites is the mud pit.”
The event, designed to be spectator-friendly, offers something for everyone, featuring over 60 vendors and food trucks.
“Just because you don’t have a Jeep doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come out,” says Hammond. “I have watched more spectators have the greatest time watching these guys doing these challenges. We have a challenge called the Teeter-Totter for Jeeps, and it’s amazing watching them try to balance on that.”
Robert Bull from Jumbolair will be flying in a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter to conduct Operation Duck Drop at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, says Hammond. Bull will drop “a ton” of rubber ducks, now associated with Jeepers, from the chopper.
‘This is the first time this has ever been done,” says Hammond. “We’re looking so forward to it. It’s an added bonus to the fun that you can have when you’re there.”