Jeep Jamboree USA starts 2007 season
 

Jeep Jamboree USA starts 2007 season

Jeep Jamboree USA has kicked off the 2007 event calendar with a winter
Jeep Jamboree trip to Alaska and has added two other new trips to its
U.S. itinerary. The family-oriented four-wheel-drive outings are
designed for all levels of expertise -- from beginner to seasoned off-
roader -- and provide instructional guidance over the course of two
full days (Fridays and Saturdays) in a variety of locations in
America's backcountry.
It all started when Mark A. Smith and a group of Rotarians in
Georgetown, Calif., organized the first Jeepers Jamboree, crossing the
Rubicon Trail in 1953, as a way to boost the local economy. The
concept made history.
In 1954 Willys Motors -- then the maker of Jeeps -- became
involved, but Mr. Smith made it a lifestyle. Today thousands of Jeep
enthusiasts have attended Jeep Jamborees, now held in nearly three
dozen locations throughout the country. In fact, nearly 7,000
enthusiasts ranging in age from 4 months to 86 years participated in
Jeep Jamboree adventures in 2006.
There are also offshoot 4WD events in Canada and Mexico. Mr. Smith
also has helped organize other Jeep Jamborees, in locations ranging
from Australia to South America.
New locations for 2007 include the Northern Lights Jeep Jamboree
in Alaska and the Sea of Cortez Jeep Jamboree in Mexico's Baja.
Events run February through October and cover every region of the
country with destinations selected for scenic and historical value as
well as four-wheel-drive trails. While most participants are Jeep
owners, Jeep Jamboree USA provides information about rentals for
attendees, who must drive a Jeep vehicle on the trip. Trails, which
are rated on a scale of 1-to-10 for difficulty, accommodate both stock
and modified vehicles, although the program emphasizes a "family
friendly," not "hard-core" image. In some locations, tow hooks are
recommended or required.
For further information about Jeep Jamboree USA programs, contact
530/333-4777. To receive a free 2007 guidebook, call 800/925-JEEP. The
Jeep Jamboree USA guidebook, with event dates and details, is
available on-line at www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.
Jeep Jamboree Date/City/State
Texas Spur; March 23, 24, 25; Llano, Texas
Sea of Cortez with Mark A. Smith (new); March 29, 30, 31/April 1, 2;
San Felipe, Baja California
Arch Canyon; April 20, 21, 22; Blanding, Utah
Tennessee Mountains; April 20, 21, 22; Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Cajun; April 27, 28, 29; St. Francisville, La.
Top of the Ozarks; April 27, 28, 29; Seymour, Mo.
Palo Duro; May 4, 5, 6; Amarillo, Texas
Land Between the Lakes; May 4, 5, 6; Marshall County, Ky.
Big Bear; May 18, 19, 20; Big Bear Lake, Calif.
Pine Barrens; May 18, 19, 20; Hammonton, N.J.
Oak Ridge; June 1, 2, 3; Nelson County, Va.
Paragon Adventure; June 1, 2, 3; Hazleton, Pa.
Canyon de Chelly; June 8, 9, 10; Chinle, Ariz.
Drummond Island; June 15, 16, 17; Drummond Island, Mich.
Killington (new); June 15, 16, 17; Killington, Vt.
Alaskan Adventure with Mark A. Smith (new); June 21, 22, 23, 24, 25;
Palmer,Alaska
Penn's Woods; June 22, 23, 24; Bradford, Pa.
Ruby Mountains; June 29, 30, July 1; Elko, Nev.
Snowshoe Mountain; July 20, 21, 22; Snowshoe, W.Va.
Rubicon Trail; Aug. 17, 18, 19; Rubicon Trail, Calif.
Mark A. Smith Rubicon Trail Adventure No. 1; Aug. 24, 25, 26; Rubicon
Trail, Calif.
Mark A. Smith Rubicon Trail Adventure No. 2; Sept. 7, 8, 9; Rubicon
Trail, Calif.
Fall Texas Spur (new); Sept. 14-16; Llano, Texas
Ouray; Sept. 14, 15, 16; Ouray, Colo.
Catskill Mountains; Sept. 21, 22, 23; Monticello, N.Y.
Northwoods; Sept. 28, 29, 30; Crandon, Wis.
Maine Mountains; Sept. 28, 29, 30; Bethel, Maine
Appalachian; Oct. 12, 13, 14; Murphy, N.C.
French Lick; Oct. 12, 13, 14; French Lick, Ind.
Gateway to the Cumberlands; Oct. 19, 20, 21; Williamsburg, Ky.
Moab; Oct. 19, 20, 21; Moab, Utah
Salton Sea (new); Oct. 26, 27, 28; Salton Sea, Calif.
Ouachita; Oct. 26, 27, 28; Hot Springs, Ark.
(Schedule is tentative)