The Canada Jeep Show at the Essa Agriplex attracted a mixture of Jeep fanatics and featured more than 300 of the popular vehicles on dispaly Saturday.
The event had a collection of Jeeps spanning all years and makes for enthusiasts and owners alike to enjoy.
“Everybody loves a Jeep,” said Dan Ruffolo, the organizer of the show. “There is a freedom to driving one and it becomes a small circle, too, so you get to events like this and connect with each other maybe making long-time friends.”
With many people taking photos and videos of the many Jeeps, Ruffolo said the show is put on for a bigger reason than any shiny vehicle selfie could match.
“Our charity today is Sick Kids (The Hospital for Sick Children), something not only near and dear to me but to pretty much anyone you meet,” said Ruffolo. “We came out in droves to support that event today with $20 per Jeep no matter how many people are in it and anyone coming out to take it in is asked to make a donation to Sick Kids.”
There are a number of awards that will be handed out at the end of the day including Best Vintage Jeep, Best Modified Jeep, Muddiest Jeep, Best His & Hers Jeeps, Best in Show and more.
The Best Chick Jeep award may very well go to Amanda Brackett, who was at the event today to show off her 1993 Jeep Cherokee.
The vehicle catches everyone’s attention with its bright pink paint job. Brackett said she couldn’t possibly drive anything else.
“It’s been modified quite a bit but definitely makes people take a second look because of the colour,” said Brackett. “I’ve been in the Jeep scene for about five years now, mainly by my boyfriend who had a Cherokee when we met and now, I’m just hooked.”
Brackett isn’t just any casual Jeep driver as the 24-year-old from Norwood, Ontario competes in the TMR off-road race series, which has four races across Ontario.
“There are quite a few women in the Jeep scene for sure, but in the races, there are only two of us girls,” said Brackett. “That's the reason I had my Jeep painted pink ... so that people knew this was a woman driving. I wanted it known loudly that we are in this industry and passionate, too.”
The Canada Jeep Show continues until 4 p.m. today.
