Photo provided Jeeps will be showcased at Jeep Playground for the Ohio Valley Jeep Club anniversary event on Saturday.

MINERAL WELLS — The Ohio Valley Jeep Club and the West Virginia Interstate Fairgrounds are putting the final touches on Jeep Jam 2025, which takes place Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds on Butcher Bend Road near Mineral Wells.

According to OVJC Events Director Missy Plumly, this will be the biggest event of its kind in the Mid-Ohio Valley, offering Jeepers and spectators a wide variety of activities throughout the day. Brain Freeze and Sunset Slush will be on site, providing drinks and other snacks.

“We will have a variety of food items available to fit the desires of all guests,” Plumly said. “We also have some good, traditional food vendors like Triple B Eatery and Leslie’s Grub Shack. We also have Sherry Gibboney available with her locally made pepperoni rolls.”

Over 25 vendor booths will also be open as Jeep Jam kicks off, including both large and small businesses. Jeep-related items will be for sale, along with a variety of handmade items. From crocheted ducks to Jeep detailing services, there is something for everyone, according to Plumly.

“We have vendors who have travelled as far west as Missouri to look for specialty Jeep items to sell,” Plumly said. “We have one vendor who will have die-cast Jeeps that have not been seen locally.”

The gate opens at 10 a.m., and the first 50 Jeeps through the gates will receive gift bags with goodies from South Parkersburg AutoZone. The first 100 Jeeps participating in Sparkle ‘n Shine, a large Jeep show, will receive a free dash plaque commemorating the event.

“There is no additional charge to participate in our Jeep Show,” said OVJC Vice President Scott Jones. “We will be handing out first, second and third place trophies along with a kids’ choice trophy. All children attending the event will be given a special duck to use to ‘vote’ for their favorite Jeep. The best part is that everyone will get to see some interesting Jeep modifications and get ideas for their own rigs.”

The Sparkle ‘n Shine begins at 11 a.m. along with the opening of the Jeep Playground, Ramp Travel Index (RTI ramp), and Jeep balance boards.

“Some people want to get their Jeeps muddy while others prefer to just show off their clean rigs” Plumly said. “For those who like both, there will be plenty of time to go from the Sparkle ‘n Shine show to the Jeep Playground to play.”

One of the biggest selling points for Jeepers to come to Jeep Jam is to have the chance to try out how their vehicles will react to the challenges of a closed course, which includes rock climbing, mud runs and other obstacles. Both the big pit and “little big pit” used during fairground mud bogs will be open and ready to try out, in addition to the speed pit.

“We will provide a lesson on Jeep recovery and winch use around noon,” Plumly said. “People trying out the pits will be in charge of pulling themselves out if they get stuck. We are excited to see just which Jeeps will be able to make it through the pits.”

In addition to activities for adult Jeepers, Jeep Jam will also have a special section set up for children to play in, according to OVJC Ambassador Ronda Bragg. This area will include free games and activities, like a large bounce house, small obstacle course with play cars as well as an area that parents can bring their children’s Power Wheel Jeeps to play in. The first 100 children in attendance will receive a special rubber duck for “Let’s Go Ducking,” where children will get to visit the Sparkle ‘n Shine and place their duck on their favorite Jeep. The Jeep with the most ducks wins the Kid’s Choice award.

Bragg said there will be a face painting vendor and slushy vendor in the Junior Jeeper zone available for a small charge.

Entry into Jeep Jam is $20 per vehicle, with gates opening at 10 a.m. All vehicles will receive a ticket for a chance to win a 13K Rough Country Winch, which will be drawn for at 3 p.m. Several door prizes will be given away throughout the event.

Visitors are encouraged to bring cash to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win both large and small prizes donated from local businesses. There will not be an ATM machine on site.

OVJC President Brad Hackney says this event is expected to be the biggest fundraiser for the club this year. Half of all gate fees will benefit the WV Interstate Fairgrounds, according to Fairground Treasurer Ponnie Sampson. The rest of the gate fees, vendor fees and raffle collections will be used by OVJC later in the year as donations for community events and activities.

OVJC is one of largest Jeep clubs in West Virginia and Ohio, with more than 6,700 members. As a 501c nonprofit, the club’s mission is to help provide support to local communities through food bank donations, providing needed items for the homeless, supporting organizations that support our veterans, and youth.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community,” Plumly said. “Last year we provided Christmas to Washington County teens in foster care, along with making a substantial donation to local food banks. We have also provided donations to Toys for Tots and surrounding humane societies. For our club, it is about giving back to our community. Jeep Jam is going to help us not only have a great time with other Jeepers, but it will also provide us with funding to continue to support our community.”