(Photo provided) Ohio Valley Jeep Club is hosting an all-inclusive family friendly event for Jeep lovers across West Virginia and Ohio on May 31 at West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells.

MINERAL WELLS — Ohio Valley Jeep Club is hosting an all-inclusive family friendly event for Jeep lovers across West Virginia and Ohio on May 31 at West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells.

This public event, playfully named “Jeep Jam,” is expected to draw in more Jeeps and Jeep lovers than any event ever held in this region.

With gates opening at 10 a.m., this event will offer visitors more than 25 vendors, including food trucks, local artisans, small businesses and nearby Jeep dealerships.

“We have been working with numerous vendors to get a variety of displays and items for Jeepers to visit,” said Missy Plumly, OVJC Event Coordinator. “We have several food trucks coming so visitors will have a variety of food options while they enjoy the day at the fairgrounds.”

Jeep related activities will officially kick off at 11 a.m. with a “Sparkle and Shine” Jeep show, open to all Jeeps in attendance. The first 100 Jeeps set up for the show will receive a dash plaque in honor of the event. Additional trophies will be awarded later in the day.

(Photo Provided) A Jeep from the Ohio Valley Jeep Club maneuvers over a tire. The club will host Jeep Jam on May 31 at the West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells.

“The Sparkle and Shine will give Jeepers a chance to show off their rigs,” said Plumly. “Visitors and fellow Jeepers will be able to see some really unique modifications and maybe give them ideas on ways to upgrade their vehicles.”

A special Jeep safety and recovery presentation will begin at noon, provided by OVJC administrators and ambassadors. This presentation will include information for new and inexperienced Jeepers on how to hit the trails safely, including winch use. Following the presentation, Jeepers will get a chance to test out their vehicles on the “Jeep Playground,” designed by OVJC and WV Interstate Fairgrounds.

“The playground has numerous obstacles, large and small, for Jeeps of all sizes to test out their rigs,” Plumly said. “The fairground little pit, big pit and speed pit will also be open for Jeepers. We will also have activities set up in the demolition derby area.”

The club will also have a Ramp Travel Index (RTI)for Jeepers to test their vehicle’s ability to “flex” and balance boards to test drivers’ ability to handle their Jeeps.

Because Jeeps aren’t just for grown ups, a special Junior Jeepers section will be set up, with various activities for children.

(Photo Provided) A Jeep from the Ohio Valley Jeep Club maneuvers over a tire. The club will host Jeep Jam on May 31 at the West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells.

“Being a Jeeper isn’t something that is just for adults,” said OVJC president Brad Hackney. “We want to instill the love of jeeps in children too. Our Junior Jeepers area will be filled with fun, engaging activities for children.”

Entry into Jeep Jam is $20 per vehicle and includes all activities, except for food.

Each Jeep will receive a ticket for a chance to win a 13K Rough Country Winch. Door prizes will be presented throughout the day, including special gift bags to the first 40 Jeeps entering the Fairgrounds.

OVJC is one of largest Jeep clubs around, with more than 6,000 members. As a 501c nonprofit, the club’s mission is to help provide support to our local communities through food bank donations, providing needed items for the homeless, supporting organizations that support our veterans, and youth. Half of each entry fee to this event will directly benefit the WV Interstate Fairgrounds.