DAYTONA BEACH — Speedweeks, the Daytona 500 and Bike Week are in the rearview mirror, but there’s another automotive-themed celebration ready to unfold on the world’s most famous beach.
Now in its 19th year, the annual Jeep Beach will draw tens of thousands of devoted fans of the iconic car brand for its week-long run from April 25 to May 1 in Daytona Beach.
And while not every invasion of vehicle lovers has been warmly received in Volusia County (Daytona Truck Meet, anyone?), Jeep Beach has become a beloved event due to its commitment to supporting worthy area charities.
Since 2012, Jeep Beach has donated over $2 million to such organizations through the event’s week-long fundraising efforts. Recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties; NASCAR Foundation; the children’s cancer fund, which week as more than 30 additional non-profit groups.
In case you missed it:Gear up: Limited-edition Jeep coming for Daytona’s Jeep Beach Week event
The event’s spirit of community awareness is illustrated by its annual closing Jeep Beach Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for May 1, with jeeps scheduled to hit the beach at 8 a.m. via access ramps from International Speedway Boulevard to Dunlawton Avenue.
As part of the ritual, drivers also participate in the Jeep Beach Sweep to pick up and dispose of trash to leave the beach better than they found it.
If you’re a Jeep owner or lover, or even if you’re not, here are other events worth catching:
JB22 5K Fun Run
This annual event takes place on April 24th, one day before Jeep Beach’s official opening. Registration for runners and walkers opens at 8.00 and the race starts at 9 a.m. on the sand behind Landshark Bar and Grill, 471 S Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
It is a Wave Start event, with participants grouped by estimated pace per mile. Afterwards, registered attendees can enjoy a free beer and sliders at Landshark.
Entry fees are $30 before April 15; $35 from April 16-22; and $40 race day. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/DaytonaBeach/JeepBeachWeek5kRunWalk.
Jeep Beach Food Truck Festival
Tasty treats from 20 food trucks will be the big draw at this event from noon-18 April 24 in the north parking lot of the Tanger Outlets mall, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd, Daytona Beach.
There will be VIP parking available for all Jeeps at the event.
In addition to the food, the event will feature a lineup of vendors, bounce houses, a craft zone and face painting for the kids.
Jeep Beach Gives Back Charity Softball Game
This family-friendly event from features a celebrity softball game, children’s activities, raffles and appearances by both the Jeep Beach and Daytona Tortugas mascots. It runs from 6-9 pm April 25 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave, Daytona Beach.
The event is also a celebration of charities supported by Jeep Beach, with representatives of many of the organizations on hand at the ballpark.
Jeep Beach in boots
Jeep Beach-goers are encouraged to wear their favorite boots and jeans (or shorts and flip flops) for a family-friendly Jeep-themed gathering at 6-9pm on April 26 in Victory Circle at One Daytona’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex. across the street from Daytona International Speedway.
The country band Hayfire will provide music. There will also be a salute to first responders and community heroes that includes an honor guard presentation, bagpipes and the national anthem.
Jeeps at the Rock
This all-day beach party, a two-day event on the sand behind the Hard Rock Hotel, starts at 9 a.m. April 27 and 28 on the beach behind the hotel at 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
Activities include a surf school, beach games, Tug-A-War vendors, hourly prize drawings, lunch and drink specials and a pool party with DJ Flip.
Jeep Beach Main Event
Sponsored by Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram & FIAT, this event features more than 200 vendors spread across seven acres of infield on April 30 at Daytona International Speedway.
The gates open at 9, with entry through Gate 70 for jeeps with JB22 registration stickers. For other spectators, there is a $15 admission to enter through the front of the Daytona International Speedway.
Visit JeepBeach.com for more information on these events and others.