WILMINGTON — An army is preparing to make its annual invasion of Wilmington — four-wheel drive style.
Jeep Jam presented by Muddy Buddys is an annual weekend-long celebration of Jeep and off-road adventure set for this weekend.
The Jeep invasion kicks off 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 as this year’s annual Friday Cruise-In has moved to J.W. Denver Williams Jr. Memorial Park in Wilmington.
It’ll features Jeeps galore on display, and live music beginning at 6 p.m. with featured group Filo Beddoe.
Organizers promise plenty of vendors and plenty of food and soft drinks. Admission to the cruise-in is free.
“They’re anticipating a couple thousand Jeeps to be there,” said Susan Valentine-Scott, Executive Director of the Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, in reference to the Jeep showcase on Friday.
The Jeep Jam then moves to the Clinton County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, featuring the Jeep museum, on-site and off-site trails, stock and built Jeep obstacle course, vendors, a beer garden and of course the Jeep mud pit.
On Saturday Jammin’ at the Jam featuring live national music acts gets underway at the Clinton County Fairgrounds when Ashley Martin takes the stage.
Soul Circus Cowboys fire up the stage at 7 p.m.
The country rap duo The Lacs will power things up at 9 p.m..
All the Jeep Jam music is sponsored by the Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Valentine-Scott told the News Journal that it’s exciting to see the event grow every year.
“It’s great to see people coming from all over for the event,” she said. “Looking at an economic development standpoint, it’s great that they’re eating in our restaurants and staying in our hotels.”
She hopes many more will come and bring their families.
The Jeep Jam hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds. Spectator passes are $5 per person/per day (children 12 and under free).
More information is available — for Jeep owners and for spectators — at www.jeepjam.net .
