Aiken is inviting Jeep enthusiasts and newcomers to attend the community’s first Jeep Invasion on historic battlegrounds this Saturday, May 18, starting at 9 a.m.
With a focus on celebrating the spirit and culture of Jeep enthusiasts, event organizer Tracy Hall said the premiere event will combine thrilling activities with entertainment and community engagement – all within the historic ambiance of Aiken.
“I thought why not try a Jeep event here so people don’t have to drive so far for others,” Hall said. “The Jeep community is literally unlike any other group. They get together and they help each other work on their broken rigs, and they help modify them – it’s family oriented.”
A personal Jeep fanatic, Hall said he was inspired to create an Aiken Jeep gathering after attending so many others and meeting several community members who also had a passion for the car.
“I have been a Jeep enthusiast since I got my first one in 1985, and I’ve had a Jeep continuously since then.” Hall said. “I’ve been to a lot of the bigger ones like Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam and Smoky Mountain Jeep Jam – stuff like that – and in Aiken you can’t drive two miles without seeing a Jeep.”
After gates open at 8 a.m., the Jeep Invasion festivities will take place all day at 1210 Powell Pond Road, and will include: food vendors, a DJ, a Show and Shine competition, an exhilarating obstacle course and a flex ramp challenge.
“We’re going to do ours a little differently, because we’re going to do our Shine and Shows by class,” Hall said. “If you’ve got one of those old military Jeeps, you’ll be in a class by themselves. If you’ve got one of those old Jeeps from back in the 70s and 80s, you’ll be in a class.”
While community members are invited to attend the event for free, tickets for Jeep participants are $25 per car and will include access to all Jeep-related activities.
Alongside the day’s activities, a Swap Meet will be available for attendees to find great deals and rare finds on Jeeps. The event will also offer several opportunities for participants to “fabulous prizes” through various raffles, Hall said.
The first 100 to register online will receive a swag bag at check-in, and raffle tickets are only $1 each.
As dusk falls, attendees will gear up for an evening filled with country music from artist Jacob Bryant as he takes the stage at 7 p.m.
Known for growing up in a musical family playing bluegrass music, Bryant is rural North Georgia native that earned his reputation playing honky tonks, auditoriums and fairs until his grand debut February of 2024.
Attendees for the concert are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of music under the stars.
With both events acting as a combined fundraiser for the upkeep and maintenance of the battlegrounds and the restoration of soldiers’ graves, Hall said the concert will be open to all, whether or not one participates in the Jeep activities.
Tickets for the Bryant concert are selling for $25 each, while attendees 12 and under allowed free admittance.
Attendees are also invited to make the fun last all weekend by camping on the battlegrounds starting on Friday, May 17, at 4 p.m. and stay until Sunday at 6 p.m.
While there is plenty of room for tent camping, the grounds only offer a limited 25 spots for RVs. Water and electric hookups will be available.
Vendors interested in participating can also secure a spot online for $20.
“This is your chance to be part of the inaugural Battlefield Jeep Invasion – a day of community, adventure and music that promises to be a staple event for years to come,” stated a press release from Hall.
For more information about the Battlefield Jeep Invasion or to secure tickets online visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battlefield-jeep-invasion-tickets-882582236227?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
