Sunday, Oct. 11th, was the seventh annual Jeep Invasion put on by the RC of Burton-Middlefield (BMR). The Mayfield Rd. Drive-In Theater was again our gracious host as 100 Jeep Wranglers filled the parking slots and showed off their individual Jeep “stuff”. Since we are near Halloween there was a plethora of cleverly decorated Jeeps. The local American Legion Honor Guard presented the colors and were saluted by the numerous veteran Jeep owners. The goal of the entire event is to raise money for the veteran support programs funded by BMR. The generous sponsors, led by The Junction Auto Family, support the event along with entry fees for each Jeep, 50/50 raffle ticket sales ($380. The winner’s share of which was donated back), and raffle basket ticket sales. All in all nearly $20,000 is raised, all of which goes to BMR veteran support in the county. Recent support has included financial donations to the local veteran’s food pantry, support of veteran home improvements and the recent support of the new elevator project at the local American legion Lodge 459 in Burton village.
The Jeep Invasion day started with a dire weather forecast of torrential rain but as often happens the local weather forecasters must have been looking at some other map as we were blessed with a dry, beautiful day. The 100 Jeep train followed Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand in his cruiser on a 25 mile loop through Geauga County. Sheriff deputies block off all major intersections so the train of jeeps can maintain its integrity and keep continuously moving. The first patriotic themed spot on the tour was the drive under a giant American flag which was displayed between two large fire dept. ladder trucks at the Geauga County Veterans Memorial. The route once again was given permission from the Geauga County Park Board to use a portion of the Maple Highlands Trail which provided some of the most beautiful fall scenery and landscape in the state and is otherwise off limits to vehicles. The frosting on the cake was a two mile route through the Best Sand pit in Munson Twp. What the Jeep drivers and passengers got to see is always off limits to vehicles and something that is rarely visible to the public. The view is a vast mining operation that provides fine silica sand for glass production. Mine employees came to the pit on a Sunday to man their giant machines and wave to the thrilled Jeepers and give it a human and active appearance.
This year for the first time instead of remaining at the drive in theater and working the event I got to go on the tour and rode with the Sheriff in the lead car. Now I know why everyone returns from the tour and raves about how incredible it was. In speaking with some of the participants I was amazed how many were taking part in their 2nd., 3rd., and 4th. tours and expressed that they can’t wait for next year’s event. All Rotarians involved want everyone to know that the true winners from the event are the many Geauga County Veterans.
Bob Johnson, PDG
Secretary, The RC of Burton-Middlefield
