Holmes County to welcome Jeep Jamboree

There’s something unique and inspiring about a Jeep.

Whether it is the ability to traverse rugged terrain, the open-air feel for the occupants or simply the Jeep’s look, the Jeep has driven its way into the hearts of many people over the decades.

Many of these Jeep aficionados will arrive and stay in Holmes County Sept. 7-9, and it shouldn’t be hard for locals to catch a glimpse of these vehicles as their owners arrive for the third annual Holmes County Jeep Jamboree USA event.

A total of 300 Jeep off-road enthusiasts driving 200 Jeeps will descend on the Jason Hawkins family property on Holmes County Road 27, just south of U.S. Route 62, for a private weekend of trail adventures and reconnecting with friends old and new who share a passion for Jeeps.

The Jeep Jamboree USA is set to storm back into Holmes County with events including hard-driving Jeep challenges, evening bonfires and a fundraising benefit for Holmes County Share-A-Christmas.

Jeep fanatics participating in the weekend festivities will be in the company of many who share their passion, which is a big part of the allure, according to Josh Cohen, who serves as the local coordinator for the Jeep Jamboree.

“We are excited to showcase this part of Ohio with the beautiful countryside, rolling hills and natural rocky terrain, and Jason’s property provides everything we want to experience in driving our Jeeps,” Cohen said. “We will drive on 1,000 acres of private land that will provide both fun and challenges for all levels. Our people will experience everything from creeks, mud, off-camber, and there will be some big rocks to climb. All of that is ideal for Jeepers.

“The Hawkins property has it all. It offers scenic and challenging trail rides, and we have the best trail guides in the industry leading the way.”

Cohen said Jeep enthusiasts will come from near and far, and they most likely won’t find a more natural and unique area to explore.

“This community rolls out the red carpet for us, and our sponsors have been awesome,” Cohen said.

Village Motors has served as the main sponsor for the event, and Holiday Inn in Millersburg and Berlin Grande Hotel in Berlin have been accommodating to the visiting Jeep crews that will inundate the county.

According to Cohen, there are many Jeep excursions located throughout the United States each year. He said the Holmes County trek is a fan favorite, and it shows by how quickly reservations are gobbled up.

“This event sells out in minutes after it’s posted,” Cohen said. “Much of that is because of the beauty of the area, and a lot of it has to do with how genuinely great the area is in getting behind our effort. It’s a wonderful experience for the members.”

Thursday, Sept. 7 will feature a more relaxed evening of signing in and fellowshipping with the other Jeep enthusiasts while Friday, Sept. 8 will feature a trail ride and dinner at The Round Top, where most of the action will take place. The night will end with a bonfire and live entertainment.

Saturday, Sept. 9 will feature a trail ride and lunch with a huge dinner at The Round Top. Another bonfire, entertainment, and awards and prizes will be presented that night.

In addition, there will be a registration cruise-in celebration at Village Motors on Thursday at 6 p.m., with food and music and plenty of Jeeps. Cohen said last year they had a Jeep parade through Millersburg, but it was so huge it caused some traffic issues, so this year they have opted to go with the cruise-in where people can check in upon arrival.

“Our trip is a closed, private event at the location, but if anyone wants to stop out and check out the Jeeps Thursday evening at Village Motors, they are welcome to do so,” Cohen said.

Another way the community rallies behind the event is a Friday breakfast that will be provided by the Glenmont Fire Department.

The Share-A-Christmas fundraiser is bolstered by a toy drive in which Jeep members are invited to donate toys to the local nonprofit organization. Cohen said the more toys they donate, the better their chances of winning some prizes.

While tackling the rugged terrain and enjoying the freedom of scrambling along challenging paths is alluring, Cohen said the real treasure for those who attend will be the friendships many of them have already made and the new friendships they will create.

“The Jeeping is the tool that we use to have fun, but what it really does is open doors to create lifelong friendships with those who share the same passion for Jeeps,” Cohen said. “A few years from now, these people may not remember what happened on a particular trail or any given day, but they will remember their friendships and the memories they created together and the fun and the camaraderie they have built with each other.”

The event will present an opportunity for the people of Holmes County to roll out the red carpet and welcome this group to the area.