(Aug. 24, 2017) The eighth annual Ocean City Jeep Week begins today, Thursday, with a wide range of activities including beach crawls, vendors, parties, monster truck rides and an obstacle course in Berlin.
The event brings thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts to the resort each year, with four days of activities, through Sunday, Aug. 27.
“This event grows every year and has been getting nationwide attention,” said Brad Hoffman, creator of Live Wire Media, a host of the event. “It is one of the best motorized events we have in Ocean City without a stigma attached to it and it brings people to town on a weekend where it’s generally not as crowded.”
This morning, the first beach crawl of the weekend began at 7 a.m. on 29th Street, when 250 pre-registered Jeeps were expected to drive south along the coastline to the inlet. Spectators were encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the beach parade of Jeeps, which launches from Jolly Roger Amusement Park on 30th Street and Coastal Highway.
“It is our sandy carpet ride of Ocean City Jeep Week and a great parade to start off your day,” Hoffman said.
Jeep Week headquarters will have activities taking place at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street all weekend. Highlights include monster truck rides, live entertainment, a display of vintage Jeeps, show specials, a kid’s zone, free giveaways and an appearance by Kenny Hauk, creator of Hauk Designs and star of the History Channel television show, “Road Hauks.” He will be at the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Take a picture next to some of his wild designs that are featured on his new hit television show,” Hoffman said. “He built a steam-powered Jeep and a Jeep that looks like a fighter jet.”
Hauk’s custom-designed, off-road parts will be for sale during Jeep Week.
“We have durable high-quality products and will be bringing a Bronco with a Coyote motor. It is on tracks for snow and sand,” Hauk said.
In addition, attendees can check out a Viking-themed Peterbilt made from an old towing rig, which was featured on an episode of “Road Hauks.”
“They master fabricate and build things out-of-the-box,” Hoffman said.
Also at the convention center, Tom Bostic from “Junkyard Empire” will be showcasing one of the world’s biggest Jeeps.
“These guys are our featured celebrities and are totally genius with tools and fiberglass,” Hoffman said.
An indoor Jeep exhibit with vintage rides and at least 75 vendors, including Exotic Sound and Tint, Berlin Jeep, CC Customs, Jones Junction, JC Whitney, Kicker, Alpine and Steinjager, round out the attractions at the convention center.
“Jp Magazine and TEN, an off-road oriented nationwide media company, are sending a film crew to the event,” Hoffman said. “Kicker is bringing a 90-foot interactive tractor trailer, which will be on display at the convention center. There will be sales and specials going on. Large giveaways where we will be raffling off bumpers, tires, rims and systems.”
The Trick Trucks booth will have a free tire giveaway at the convention center all weekend long.
“We are loaded up for 4×4 enthusiasts with Jeep services, parts and off-road vehicles,” Hoffman said. “With over 1,200 registered Jeep manufactures coming from all over the country, it’s the ultimate Jeep vacation.”
Berlin Jeep will have new models on display for attendees to test drive.
“You can test drive a new Jeep and see if it will be your next car,” Hoffman said.
Other Thursday highlights include Jim’s Jeep Show and Shine from noon to 3 p.m., which is presented by Jim’s Marine. A number of Jeeps will be on display and competing for prizes.
In Berlin, the annual Jeep Jam kicks off at 9 a.m. at Berlin Falls Park on Old Ocean City Blvd. across from Burley Oak and behind CC Customs. There will be a large obstacle course that includes a mud pit, rock crawls, big and small boulders, telephone poles, log climbs and a “mild-to-wild” trial ride. Participants must be officially signed up for Jeep Week at the convention center to participate.
“The course has something for all skill levels and we have trained staff on-site to guide you on the course,” Hoffman said.
Additionally, a free shuttle will take attendees from Jeep Jam to downtown Berlin on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Back in Ocean City, a welcome party will take place at Fish Tales on 22nd Street on Thursday night from 6:30-10 p.m. There will be free appetizers, drink specials, live music, raffles and Jeeps on display in Fish Tales’ parking lot for registered participants.
Another beach crawl kicks off Friday’s festivities at 7 a.m. on 29th Street, and the Jeep Jam will take place all day in Berlin from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Irie radio personality Big Al Reno commentating the action.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, Jeep owners and enthusiasts can check out Jeep Week headquarters at the 40th Street convention center, which is open until 5 p.m.
CC Customs Show & Shine takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where vehicles are judged and receive awards in categories such as modifications, functionality and cleanliness.
Hoffman expects 300 Jeeps to participate in the contest, “from older and restored, to modified with lift kits and tires,” he said.
Blind Wind will perform live outside of the convention center at 3 p.m.
On Friday night, there will be a family fun mixer and buffet dinner for registered participants at Hooper’s Crab House at the Route 50 entrance to Ocean City, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature live acoustic entertainment, raffle items and door prizes.
In addition, a Jeep beach bash will take place at the Clarion Hotel on 101st Street beginning at 6:30 p.m., with drink specials for registered participants on the oceanfront bar and deck. Half a dozen Jeeps will be on display at the party, which is hosted by Ocean City Jeep Club, Kicker and Under the Sun Inserts.
To close out Friday evening, Jeep Week participants can gather at the Greene Turtle on 116th Street, for a nightly power hour, with drink specials from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, the beach crawl begins at 7 a.m. Jeep Week headquarters is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and continued Jeep Jam action in Berlin starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.
From 6-8 p.m. the Jeep Jam will feature, “King of the Pit,” when organizers hand select some of their favorite Jeeps to go through the mud pit. Heavy metal stalwarts Forsaken will perform.
“It is a fun, spectator sport and people enjoy watching,” Hoffman said. “For three days, some of the baddest Jeeps on the East Coast will see if they can make it through. For several years in a row no one did. There is a $250 purse and bragging rights.”
Stop by Ropewalk on 82nd Street next Saturday for a wrap-up party from 10 p.m. to midnight presented by Wicked Coastal and the Ocean City Jeep Club.
Jeep Week concludes on Sunday, Aug. 27 with a final beach crawl at 7 a.m., followed by a send-off gathering at Berlin Jeep on Old Ocean City Blvd. from 10 a.m. to noon.
From 4-7 p.m., a pool party will take place at the Tidelands Caribbean Hotel pool bar with live entertainment and drink specials.
Registered Jeep Week participants will receive free entry to Jeep Week HQ and the Jeep Jam. Unregistered spectators are welcome at both events. The cost is $10 for a day pass, $15 for a two-day pass or $20 for a weekend pass, children 8-12 pay $5.
Jeep Week began eight years ago when a group of local Jeep enthusiasts decided to put together a weekend event for Jeep owners in town.
“There are professionals and factory representatives who are there to help take your 4×4 or Jeep to the next level or in the right direction,” Hoffman said. “I want to thank the Town of Berlin, the Town of Ocean City, my staff, family and the local Jeep clubs for their support.”
Visit www.OCJeepweek.com for more information, a full list of events and to purchase tickets.
The event brings thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts to the resort each year, with four days of activities, through Sunday, Aug. 27.
“This event grows every year and has been getting nationwide attention,” said Brad Hoffman, creator of Live Wire Media, a host of the event. “It is one of the best motorized events we have in Ocean City without a stigma attached to it and it brings people to town on a weekend where it’s generally not as crowded.”
This morning, the first beach crawl of the weekend began at 7 a.m. on 29th Street, when 250 pre-registered Jeeps were expected to drive south along the coastline to the inlet. Spectators were encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the beach parade of Jeeps, which launches from Jolly Roger Amusement Park on 30th Street and Coastal Highway.
“It is our sandy carpet ride of Ocean City Jeep Week and a great parade to start off your day,” Hoffman said.
Jeep Week headquarters will have activities taking place at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street all weekend. Highlights include monster truck rides, live entertainment, a display of vintage Jeeps, show specials, a kid’s zone, free giveaways and an appearance by Kenny Hauk, creator of Hauk Designs and star of the History Channel television show, “Road Hauks.” He will be at the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Take a picture next to some of his wild designs that are featured on his new hit television show,” Hoffman said. “He built a steam-powered Jeep and a Jeep that looks like a fighter jet.”
Hauk’s custom-designed, off-road parts will be for sale during Jeep Week.
“We have durable high-quality products and will be bringing a Bronco with a Coyote motor. It is on tracks for snow and sand,” Hauk said.
In addition, attendees can check out a Viking-themed Peterbilt made from an old towing rig, which was featured on an episode of “Road Hauks.”
“They master fabricate and build things out-of-the-box,” Hoffman said.
Also at the convention center, Tom Bostic from “Junkyard Empire” will be showcasing one of the world’s biggest Jeeps.
“These guys are our featured celebrities and are totally genius with tools and fiberglass,” Hoffman said.
An indoor Jeep exhibit with vintage rides and at least 75 vendors, including Exotic Sound and Tint, Berlin Jeep, CC Customs, Jones Junction, JC Whitney, Kicker, Alpine and Steinjager, round out the attractions at the convention center.
“Jp Magazine and TEN, an off-road oriented nationwide media company, are sending a film crew to the event,” Hoffman said. “Kicker is bringing a 90-foot interactive tractor trailer, which will be on display at the convention center. There will be sales and specials going on. Large giveaways where we will be raffling off bumpers, tires, rims and systems.”
The Trick Trucks booth will have a free tire giveaway at the convention center all weekend long.
“We are loaded up for 4×4 enthusiasts with Jeep services, parts and off-road vehicles,” Hoffman said. “With over 1,200 registered Jeep manufactures coming from all over the country, it’s the ultimate Jeep vacation.”
Berlin Jeep will have new models on display for attendees to test drive.
“You can test drive a new Jeep and see if it will be your next car,” Hoffman said.
Other Thursday highlights include Jim’s Jeep Show and Shine from noon to 3 p.m., which is presented by Jim’s Marine. A number of Jeeps will be on display and competing for prizes.
In Berlin, the annual Jeep Jam kicks off at 9 a.m. at Berlin Falls Park on Old Ocean City Blvd. across from Burley Oak and behind CC Customs. There will be a large obstacle course that includes a mud pit, rock crawls, big and small boulders, telephone poles, log climbs and a “mild-to-wild” trial ride. Participants must be officially signed up for Jeep Week at the convention center to participate.
“The course has something for all skill levels and we have trained staff on-site to guide you on the course,” Hoffman said.
Additionally, a free shuttle will take attendees from Jeep Jam to downtown Berlin on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Back in Ocean City, a welcome party will take place at Fish Tales on 22nd Street on Thursday night from 6:30-10 p.m. There will be free appetizers, drink specials, live music, raffles and Jeeps on display in Fish Tales’ parking lot for registered participants.
Another beach crawl kicks off Friday’s festivities at 7 a.m. on 29th Street, and the Jeep Jam will take place all day in Berlin from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Irie radio personality Big Al Reno commentating the action.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, Jeep owners and enthusiasts can check out Jeep Week headquarters at the 40th Street convention center, which is open until 5 p.m.
CC Customs Show & Shine takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where vehicles are judged and receive awards in categories such as modifications, functionality and cleanliness.
Hoffman expects 300 Jeeps to participate in the contest, “from older and restored, to modified with lift kits and tires,” he said.
Blind Wind will perform live outside of the convention center at 3 p.m.
On Friday night, there will be a family fun mixer and buffet dinner for registered participants at Hooper’s Crab House at the Route 50 entrance to Ocean City, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature live acoustic entertainment, raffle items and door prizes.
In addition, a Jeep beach bash will take place at the Clarion Hotel on 101st Street beginning at 6:30 p.m., with drink specials for registered participants on the oceanfront bar and deck. Half a dozen Jeeps will be on display at the party, which is hosted by Ocean City Jeep Club, Kicker and Under the Sun Inserts.
To close out Friday evening, Jeep Week participants can gather at the Greene Turtle on 116th Street, for a nightly power hour, with drink specials from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, the beach crawl begins at 7 a.m. Jeep Week headquarters is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and continued Jeep Jam action in Berlin starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 8 p.m.
From 6-8 p.m. the Jeep Jam will feature, “King of the Pit,” when organizers hand select some of their favorite Jeeps to go through the mud pit. Heavy metal stalwarts Forsaken will perform.
“It is a fun, spectator sport and people enjoy watching,” Hoffman said. “For three days, some of the baddest Jeeps on the East Coast will see if they can make it through. For several years in a row no one did. There is a $250 purse and bragging rights.”
Stop by Ropewalk on 82nd Street next Saturday for a wrap-up party from 10 p.m. to midnight presented by Wicked Coastal and the Ocean City Jeep Club.
Jeep Week concludes on Sunday, Aug. 27 with a final beach crawl at 7 a.m., followed by a send-off gathering at Berlin Jeep on Old Ocean City Blvd. from 10 a.m. to noon.
From 4-7 p.m., a pool party will take place at the Tidelands Caribbean Hotel pool bar with live entertainment and drink specials.
Registered Jeep Week participants will receive free entry to Jeep Week HQ and the Jeep Jam. Unregistered spectators are welcome at both events. The cost is $10 for a day pass, $15 for a two-day pass or $20 for a weekend pass, children 8-12 pay $5.
Jeep Week began eight years ago when a group of local Jeep enthusiasts decided to put together a weekend event for Jeep owners in town.
“There are professionals and factory representatives who are there to help take your 4×4 or Jeep to the next level or in the right direction,” Hoffman said. “I want to thank the Town of Berlin, the Town of Ocean City, my staff, family and the local Jeep clubs for their support.”
Visit www.OCJeepweek.com for more information, a full list of events and to purchase tickets.
Jeep Week Schedule of Events:
Thursday, Aug. 24
7-9:30 a.m. — Beach crawl, beach from 29th Street to the inlet
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Jeep Jam, Old Ocean City Blvd. in Berlin across from Burley Oak and behind CC Customs
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Jeep Week headquarters open, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 40th Street
6:30-10 p.m. — Welcome party at Fish Tales, 22nd Street
Friday, Aug. 25
7-9:30 a.m. — Beach crawl, beach from 29th Street to the inlet
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Jeep Jam, Old Ocean City Blvd. in Berlin across from Burley Oak and behind CC Customs
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Jeep Week headquarters open, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 40th Street
6-9 p.m. — Family Fun Mixer, Hooper’s Crab House, Route 50
6:30 p.m. — Jeep Beach Party, Clarion Hotel, 101st Street
10 p.m. — Jeep Week After Party, Greene Turtle, 116th Street
Saturday, Aug. 26
7-9:30 a.m. — Beach crawl, beach from 29th Street to the inlet
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Jeep Week headquarters open, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 40th Street
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Jeep Jam, Old Ocean City Blvd. in Berlin across from Burley Oak and behind CC Customs
10 p.m. to 12 a.m. —Wrap-up party at Ropewalk, 82nd Street
Sunday, Aug. 27
7-9:30 a.m. — Beach crawl, beach from 29th Street to the inlet
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Jeep Week sendoff, Berlin Jeep
4-7 p.m. — Jeep Week Pool Party, Tidelands Hotel Pool Bar, 5th Street