GATE CITY – Parking was crowded in Gate City Saturday, with more than 110 Jeep models ranging from 1945 to 2025 lining downtown Jackson Street.
The fourth annual town Jeep Jamboree – sponsored by Gate City Frontier and the town - featured live music, vendors and open downtown stores, food and a day-end caravan of Jeeps touring Scott County.
“We’re happy to have everyone in the downtown area supporting our local businesses and vendors, said Gate City Frontier Chairman Donnie Alley. “We’ve got a wonderful day, a lot of people here and we just appreciate having everyone in the community support this.”
Jeeps ranged in style and decor from stock models and a Jeep Wagoneer to more customized ones with off-road gear like large tires, brush guards, heavy-duty bumpers and other custom touches.
Several Jeeps featured pop culture touches from the 1960’s, 70s and 80’s.
A Jeep adorned with classic Hanna Barbera cartoon figures featured Captain Caveman on the doors and a stuffed caveman on the front bumper.
Grace Vette from Bristol, Virginia brought “Showtime” – a “Beetlejuice” themed white 1997 Jeep TJ with a sandworm from the original 1998 Michael Keaton horror comedy. The worm erupted from the hoop and threaded its wat through the roof and out the rear window.
“I’m a major Beetlejuice fan, always have been and I love the sandworm,” Vette said. “This is my first time here and I’m excited.
Gary Woodruff brought 30 of his fellow Axios Offroad club members with their Jeeps and his pride – a Tonka yellow Jeep rigged for offroad travel.
“I still have Tonkas from when I was a child,” said Woodruff with a laugh. “I’m 47 and have most all of the Tonka vehicles. It was my favorite toy growing up and I try to connect with the kids.”
Four more Axios members parked next to Woodruff. Robbie and Deanna Hall from St. Paul brought their “Goonies” themed Jeep Gladiator in honor of their favorite childhood movie, while their son Nathan and girlfriend Raleigh showed their love of “Top Gun” with a Maverick-themed Jeep.
Some Jeeps brought a touch of Disney, including a “Maleficent “ jeeps with horns like those work by Angelica Jolie. Another Jeep caried a “Jungle Book” theme along with a stuffed Baloo bear on the bumper.
Emily and Tony Stevens drove from Mount Airk, North Carolina with their dogs Choo and Layla to enjoy the weather and the other Jeeps.
“We saw it on Facebook,” said Tony.
“And we just decided to go,” Emily finished.
Gate City was not the Stevens’ first jamboree. They said they had been to one in Myrtle Beach and were enjoying Gate City.
“I absolutely love it,” Latisha Heath of Chilhowie said as she polished the fender on “Fancy.” “We’ve had a lot of friendly people here today,”
Don Baker had the two oldest and least customized Jeeps at the jamboree – a 1945 Willys MB restored in the markings of the 29th Infantry Division’s 116th Regiment, and a Korean War-period 1951 M38 Both still have their original electrical systems - 6 volts for the Willys and 24 volts for the M38.
“I painted the Willys in 29th Division markings to honor Hubert Robinette and several other Scott County men who also served in the 116th,” Baker said, pointing to a Scott County Historical Society display featuring Robinette’s tunic and memorabilia.
“I think the Jeep Jam is a wonderful event,” said Gate City Vice Mayor Kevin Bartnett as he worked Saturday as a Gate City Frontier board member and event volunteer. “We draw a good crowd; it’s one of the biggest events we do and the public loves it.”
Events like the jamboree are getting Gate City noticed more by Scott County residents and by people looking at starting businesses in the town.
“I have people approaching me and asking, “Hey, do you have any buildings available? I’d like to start a business in town,” said Barnett. “It’s making a change for the better for everybody.”