Jeep Jamboree returning to Williamsburg next week

Dozens upon dozens of jeeps are set to converge on Williamsburg next week for the 29^th Annual Gateway to the Cumberland Jeep Jamboree event.

There are currently about 178 Jeeps registered for this year’s Jeep Jamboree, which is a bit of a decline from last year’s participants, though Williamsburg Tourism Director Alvin Sharpe said that was something that event organizers had been expecting this year.

“We don’t have any trails that can handle more than 15 Jeeps, so we had to cut the numbers down,” said Sharpe.

Due to the trail limitations, Sharpe said that many Jeeps were having to wait around at the start of trails until they had cleared before more could enter. Despite the lower numbers, this year’s Jeep Jamboree will still be the largest in the United States and the world, according to Sharpe, who said Monday that he just received confirmation this week. The Gateway to the Cumberlands Jeep Jamboree has held that record for the past several years.

The event officially gets underway Thursday, Oct. 20, with registration and inspections, which will be done at Kentucky Splash Waterpark, and is followed by two days of trail rides on Friday and Saturday.

Bubby’s BBQ is set to cater with a fish fry dinner Thursday night at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center. David’s Steakhouse will then take over catering for the Friday and Saturday night meals.

In addition to bring a large influx of tourists who spend money at local establishments, Jeep Jamboree also aids some local groups with fundraising opportunities.

The Williamsburg High School cross-country team will help with registration Thursday and assist in serving during that night’s dinner. The Williamsburg High School girls basketball team will take over serving duties for the Thursday and Friday night dinners.

In addition, Immanuel Baptist Church will be providing Jeep washes on Friday and the Williamsburg High School cheerleaders taking over on Saturday.

Sharpe noted that there is still a need for additional land for the event. Not only has the large number of participants slowed access to the trails in recent years, but some of the beginner’s trails have become more rugged over time and not suitable for novices anymore.

Jeep Jamboree USA is an organization out of California that conducts jamborees all over the United States. The events usually include Jeep enthusiasts from all over the country turning out for off-roading fun in their four-wheel drives. You must have a Jeep to participate in the Jeep jamborees.