CLUB: OFF-ROADING FOR A CAUSE
Jeepapalooza 2019 combined trail riding action with open hearts to raise an overwhelming $36,500 to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation!
SIX YEARS AGO, in 2014, the Comox Valley Jeep Club devised a plan. The goal was to bring together likeminded Jeep enthusiasts to support and raise proceeds for Cancer while providing the chance to explore the rolling back country of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. It was then that Jeepapalooza was born and has since evolved into an acclaimed, action-packed 4x4-only event that’s hosted by the Comox Valley Jeep Club, the Jeepapalooza Association of BC and the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC.
An annual, family-friendly power extravaganza that marked its sixth year in 2019, Jeepapalooza is held over the Victoria Day Weekend in Courtenay, BC. Even though it began with just 38 vehicles and Jeep-only enthusiasts, the event has grown exponentially in the last six years. It now welcomes 4x4 vehicles of all makes and models and this year’s event attracted 350 registered vehicles with more than 700 attendees!
In fact, off-roaders came from all across BC and North America, from as far east as Ontario and as far south as Arizona with even more interest
from major aftermarket vendors. Most importantly, the attendees bonded together over the three-day event to raise an impressive $36,500 to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, bringing the total amount to more than $100,000 since the event’s inception. Proceeds for this year’s Jeepapalooza were put towards the purchase of IV pumps to expedite the delivery of treatments for those fighting the fight.
Highlights of the Three-Day, Three-Night Event
While raising proceeds for the BC Cancer Foundation is the true focus, what makes Jeepapalooza so exciting is its series of activities. For instance, camping is set on a beautiful private acreage bordering a provincial park with rivers, waterfalls and walking trails. Plus, there is a 50/50 draw, live entertainment, an auction, a huge raffle, and a barbecue pig roast on Saturday evening. Other highlights this year included scavenger hunts, “name that part game,” a parts swap, and of course, many trail runs rated from beginner to difficult.
When it came to off-roading, we joined with Timberwest Forest Corp. to access its lands that included structured trails for all skillsets of drivers. To ensure the utmost safety, expert trail crews were on site with fire extinguishers, spill kits, communications, as well as first aid supplies. Registration for the event takes place on-site upon arrival and with the help of the trail crew, enthusiasts can sign up and choose what trail what suits them best. To round out the event, awards were presented for the youngest wheeler, the most carnage, furthest traveled, most mechanically modified, most accessorized rig and most vintage.
With a huge media presence including local radio promotions and broadcasts, plus exposure through the Internet and social media, the event commonly sells out before March every year with ticket sales beginning January 1.
Since Jeepaplooza is preregistration only, walk-ins are not permitted for safety and insurance purposes and all ticket holders receive a wrist band, are asked to sign a waiver and provided with a welcome bag full of fun stuff from our vendors.
For all the details visit www.jeepapaloozabc.com