Hundreds of Jeeps are expected to arrive in Williamsburg this week for the 31st Annual Gateway to the Cumberlands Jeep Jamboree, though this year’s event will have an added function as it is going to also double as a relief effort to help victims of the recent hurricanes.
The jamboree is among Williamsburg’s biggest events every year, with people coming from all over the country to participate in experiencing the many trails that Whitley County and the adjoining areas have to offer. For that reason, Mayor Roddy Harrison said that a coordinator with Jeep Jamboree USA reached out to the city to inquire about organizing a donation drive for hurricane victims.
As a result, the city, Williamsburg Tourism, Hometown Bank and Jeep Jamboree USA have joined forces, with the help of several local churches, to take up donations during this year’s Jeep Jamboree event.
Harrison said that he reached out to Josh Spurgeon, the preacher at Trinity Baptist Church in Newport, Tennessee, who has been a main point of contact for churches in the area providing donations to the hurricane victims, to learn what was needed the most. According to Harrison, the best thing that people who are interested in helping can give is gift cards.
Many of those in need have already been provided with essentials that are often first thought of, such as hand sanitizer or clothes.
“They need groceries and supplies to help do repairs,” said Harrison. “These people have been brought to tears by being able to go get what they need.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation can take them to Williamsburg City Hall, the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center or Hometown Bank in Williamsburg. Collections are being accepted through this Friday.
Harrison noted that participants in this year’s Jeep Jamboree have also been notified to bring donations with them if they are able.
As of Monday, 350 people had registered for this year’s event along with 232 Jeeps.
The event officially gets underway Thursday, Oct. 17, with registration and inspections, which will be done at Kentucky Splash Waterpark, and is followed by two days of trail rides on Friday and Saturday.
A special send-off will be held Friday morning at the waterpark, as is done yearly, where city and county officials will address those in attendance before seeing them off to their respective trails.
Jeep Jamboree USA is an organization out of California that conducts jamborees all over the United States. The events usually include Jeep enthusiasts from all over the country turning out for off-roading fun in their four-wheel drives. You must have a Jeep to participate in the Jeep jamborees.
