The ultimate Jeep experience returns to the resort August 24-27
Written by Brian Shane | Photos by Live Wire Media & Events
When it comes to Jeep and 4×4 events, Brad Hoffman is the man with the plan. Throughout his career of producing automotive events, one of his proudest accomplishments has been to take Ocean City Jeep Week from a small, local event to a nationally recognized 4×4 and offroad festival for the mid-Atlantic Jeep community.
“I enjoy the smiles, the families, and the friends who come together, because we produce this event for them,” says Hoffman. “You can feel it when the Jeeps roll into Ocean City once a year. It’s a true celebration of the Jeep community.”
The centerpiece of “the ultimate Jeep vacation” is the Beach Crawl, which sees hundreds of Jeeps riding down the Ocean City shoreline. More than 1,200 Jeeps take the three-mile “sandy carpet ride” at sunrise over the event’s four days.
One of the most-anticipated parts of Jeep Week is the outdoor 4×4 expo at the Ocean City convention center, where vendors and factory reps offer Jeep parts, services, and sales. The OCJW “vendor village” is the spot to outfit your Jeep or 4×4 with audio upgrades, LED lights, new rims, tires and more.
Another exciting element is the Sand Course, a football field-sized obstacle course where Jeeps swoop and slalom right on the beach in downtown Ocean City. Registered participants also enjoy exclusive access to Show & Shine competitions at the convention center.
FUN IN THE SAND
Jeep owners from all across the country descend on Ocean City each August to celebrate their legendary vehicles, their clubs, causes and one another.
LARGER THAN LIFE
Ocean City Jeep Week producer Brad Hoffman, right, with his wife, Mary Pat, daughter, Molly, and extreme Jeep builder Tom Bostic.
“The Jeep community has a camaraderie unlike any other automotive group,” Hoffman says. “They name their Jeeps, they support their clubs, and each other. They love gathering once a year in Ocean City, and the town loves them back.”
Hoffman’s production company, Live Wire Media & Events, is now focused on brand building beyond just Ocean City. Last fall, he launched a successful sister event called VA Beach Jeepfest, which returns for its second year Nov. 10-12 in Virginia Beach.
Hoffman says it takes a whole team working year-round to plan this event, with the help of the Town of Ocean City.
“I’m grateful for our team, and their efforts. I want to thank my wife, Mary Pat, and my daughter, Molly, for supporting this event and all my endeavors, and being there to celebrate with me,” he says. “This event makes me proud to be a part of the Jeep community.” CS