Muddy Buddys’ Annual Jeep Jam Proves to Be Good, Dirty Fun

Good times rolled at the Jeep Jam
PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Hughes

The Muddy Buddys Jeep Wrangler Club’s annual Jeep Jam happened August 16-18 in Wilmington, Ohio and the event went off without a hitch. “Friday the 16th was the first time we had a Jeep show in the city and we had about 150 Jeeps!” says Rob Eldridge, club president and co-founder. “The result was we were asked to continue to have the Jeep show to kick off Jeep Jam each year.”

Trail rides, an enormous obstacle course, vendors selling Jeep Wrangler accessories, and a show and shine with live music were among the event’s highlights. Around 400 Jeeps attended last year’s Jam and this year there were 513 Jeeps at last weekend’s festivities. Jeeps from New Jersey, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia attended the Jam and the Muddy Buddys added an impressive 33 new members to their Jeep club.

“The local restaurants, gas stations, and camping grounds were very busy,” says Eldridge. “Jeep Jam helped raise money for the Chester Township Fire Department as well as our neighbor Sharon United Methodist Church.”

A decade ago, the Dayton, Ohio-based Muddy Buddys Jeep Wrangler Club was created by Rob Eldridge, Rob Forsha and Jim Mitchell. As Jeep Wrangler owners with young children, they saw a need for a family fun club dedicated to Jeeping pursuits. “Since Camp Jeep stopped in 2007 our Jeep club does everything we can to keep this type of family event alive,” says Eldridge.

The turnout for the 2013 Jeep Jam was through the roof

Organized as a LLC as well as a non-profit, the Muddy Buddys donate to various charities including Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, and smaller youth and children’s groups and charities. Jeep Jam funds raised pay for the event and allows the club to present other events throughout the calendar year.

David Beran is a Copywriter at 4WD