http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2016/08/13/Toledo-Jeep-Fest-under-way-with-parade.htmlLOCAL Rain fails to dampen Toledo Jeep Fest events Huron Street crowded with Jeep enthusiasts, 700 vehicles in parade
BLADE STAFFPublished on Aug. 13, 2016 | Updated 6:03 p. m
A morning downpour and the threat of on-again, off-again rain showers wasn’t going to keep Jill Fyock away from Jeep Fest.
Mrs. Fyock came downtown from her Temperance home with her husband, who works for Ford. When the skies opened up around 10:30 a.m., there was no panic, even though they forgot to bring one of their five umbrellas.
They simply stood under an awning.
“Eh, it’s warm,” Mrs. Fyock said. “You’ll just get wet. At least it’s not snow. We drove our Jeep here with the top down. I’m sure it’s soaked now.”
The Fyocks were two of the thousands of people who flocked to Toledo for Jeep Fest. The festivities began with a four-block parade of Jeeps down Huron Street. The procession included more than 800 Jeeps of all years, models, colors, shapes, and sizes.
A series of U.S. armed services Jeeps were first in line. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Ohio) stood in a Jeep waving to parade-goers that lined Huron Street, and a Lucas County Sheriff’s Department Jeep drove by with its lights on.
“Jeep sets Toledo apart,” said Mrs. Fyock, who previously lived in Toledo. “It’s stood the test of time. It’s a source of pride. I can’t believe they haven’t done this before. Anytime you can get the community to rally around something positive is great.”
The event is a celebration of the Jeep brand’s 75th anniversary and its relationship with the city of Toledo. It’s targeted for the entire family, with Jeep shows, vendors, food trucks, children’s events, live music, and beer gardens.
Organizers believe every model year from 1941 to 2016 is present.
Jeremy Heyerly brought five of his eight kids to partake in the parade, view some displays, “stop by a food truck or two,” he said, with approval from the kids.
“Hopefully they do this annually,” Mr. Heyerly, 47, added. “It helps bring some life to downtown. It’s always good to have events down here.”
