Toledo Jeep Fest will drive 1000’s to town, and it takes loads of horsepower to make it occur

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – We’re a week away from an event that brings tens of thousands of people to downtown Toledo. The Toledo Jeep Fest is in full swing next Friday and it will take hundreds of volunteers to make it happen.

Summit Street will look very different at this time next week. It will be the heart of the Jeep Festival.

Jo An Matney worked at Jeep for 30 years. She is now the volunteer coordinator for the event. “Jeep is a passion, you get caught up in it.”

There will be over 300 volunteers on site for the Jeep Fest, and Matney says getting help was relatively easy.

“It’s not difficult to involve someone. All of our volunteers are community based and understand what Jeep means to this city. Initially, they will only register for three hours. Then come back and say what else can I do?

We met with a group of Jeep retirees on Friday who helped make everything possible. Terri Thompson worked at the plant for more than three decades. She enjoyed donating her time to an event that celebrates everything related to Jeep.

“Putting it all together is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. After working at the factory, Jeep really becomes part of your family. You have done me very well and I want to give a little back. “

Diana Spalding is a third generation Jeeper. She worked at the factory for thirty years and is the UAW Local 12 historian.

“Jeep offers more than just the vehicle. It really is a family, and it affects a lot of the city because of all the companies that make parts for the Jeep. Jeep affects everyone in some way. We will have an exhibit on Jeep’s rich history at the SeaGate Center. It was fun putting it together. “

Thompson says all volunteers love to see the full size vehicle they love.

“It’s amazing how far people get for it and how different every Jeep is. It’s also fun to see how much people are enjoying the upcoming Jeep Fest. It is a warm feeling when you know that you have been part of it. “

And it’s not too late to take part, we are still looking for volunteers. There are many different ways you can help. To learn more click here.

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