Geauga County – On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield held an extremely successful JEEP invasion event benefitting local veterans.
Led by Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand, his deputies, other law enforcement agencies, many military Jeeps, more than 140 Jeeps began at the Mayfield Road DriveIn and headed east to tour some of the most scenic areas of the county.
Each entrant paid $20 to participate and was given a “goody bag” with snacks and souvenirs. Masks were worn by all workers and all department of health guidelines were followed with the drive-in theater providing free access to the facilities so that each could tune in over private radio channel within the vehicles enjoying music and announcements. The highlight of the tour through beautiful Geauga County was provided by our friends at the Geauga Park District allowing driving access to about 5 miles of the Maple Highlands hike-and-bike trail with single vehicle access over two of the trail’s covered bridges. Many had never seen or had access to the trail or this incredible part of our county and raved about all the natural beauty they encountered. Perfect weather was another bonus as most jeep owners removed or lowered their tops for an even better outdoor experience on the trail.
After contestants returned to the drive-in, Lynn Alferi, head of the Geauga Veteran’s Food Bank, and Barbara Titus, vice president of Sheoga Hardwoods (a major sponsor) and member of the Board of Directors of the Valor Retreat veterans support group spoke to Rotary and the crowd and thanked all involved for their generosity in supporting their organizations. Rotarians Stuart Miller and Geauga County Commissioner James Dvorak drew tickets and passed out dozens of prizes to event participants and lucky ticket holders.
Major sponsor, Junction Auto Family supplied several of their exciting new Jeep models and participated in the drive. A very special thanks to O’Reilly Trailer Sales for supplying trailers for this event and other equipment whenever Rotary asks, the Mayfield Road Drive-In Theater for donating the use of their facility and the very neat and clean restrooms, plus the sound system, all of the law enforcement agencies that donated their time and vehicles to block intersections and turns to allow the 140-Jeep-driving parade to continue uninterrupted around the county, the fire departments that provided the American flag tribute at the Veteran’s Memorial near UH Geauga Hospital, Director John Oros and the Geauga Park District for allowing us to briefly use the hike and bike trail. Our apologies to the many hikers and bike riders that were briefly inconvenienced by all the Jeep traffic. It was all for a great cause as Rotary continues to support and honor our veterans. We can’t wait till next year when Rotary can present an even bigger and better GEAUGA JEEP INVASION.
