WTOL 11 The streets of downtown Toledo were filled with Jeeps, families and thousands of Jeep enthusiasts on Saturday as Toledo Jeep Fest celebrated its 10th anniversary and Jeep's 85th year in the city. About 100,000 people are expected to travel to the Glass City throughout the weekend for the annual event, which organizers say generates about $8 million in economic impact for local hotels and businesses. Jeep Fest Event Director Whitney Rofkar said the event was created a decade ago to celebrate Jeep's 75th anniversary in the city. Advertisement Advertisement "It's really special," said Rofkar. "It's incredible the amount of momentum we've gained and the amount of attendees that keep on rising." The festival's centerpiece Saturday was the all-Jeep parade, with about 1,400 Jeeps rolling through downtown Toledo. Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken said the event has come a long way since its first year, when about 45,000 people attended. "Every year we've grown it," Gerken said. "You can go anywhere in the world and they know two words in English, one is Coke and the other is Jeep." For Gerken, however, the festival is about more than its economic impact. Advertisement Advertisement "It's about a connection of that plant to this community," said Gerken. "The Jeep built this town, and this town is building the Jeep back." That connection was on display throughout Saturday's parade, as families lined the streets to watch the customized Jeeps pass by, with some participants throwing rubber ducks and other items to spectators. For Jonathan Knedrick, Saturday marked his first Jeep Fest with his wife, Krista, and their son. "This is the first year I've had my 18-month-old, so exciting to, you know, start new traditions with him," said Nedrick. Jeep's connection to Toledo also remains important to the company itself. Advertisement Advertisement Richard Cox, senior vice president of Jeep product, said the event demonstrates the strength of the brand's relationship with its owners and the Toledo community. "The way that they embrace our vehicles, the way that they customize them. And to do it right here in Toledo, the home of Jeep. We've been building in Toledo for as long as Jeep has been a brand," said Cox. Cox said he was attending Jeep Fest for the first time this year and even participated in the parade. The event also featured more than 100 outdoor vendors and more than 100 indoor vendors, food trucks, live music, concept vehicles and other activities throughout downtown. Advertisement Advertisement The festival has continued to grow from the small event launched 10 years ago. Zach Heisey, who works in performance and power sports at Dana Inc., said the festival has transformed from a small show in a few parking lots into a major event. "It's grown from just a little bitty show," said Heisey. "It's grown into a major event that draws people from all over the country and all over the world." Jeep Fest continues Sunday, with festivities beginning at 9 a.m. and the closing ceremony scheduled for noon.
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