An annual gathering of antique Jeeps dating back to pre-war prototypes is planned for next month in Columbus.
This year’s Spring Willys Reunion, May 19-20 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 2480 W. Jonathan Moore Pike, is the event’s 25th anniversary. It will feature more than 70 Willys Jeep vehicles, along with displays and demonstrations of specialty Willys equipment, including farm, industrial and working Jeeps.
The event begins with registration each day, at 9 a.m. May 19 and 8 a.m. May 20 at the hotel.
A swap meet featuring Jeep parts vendors selling new and old stock parts and other Jeep-related items starts at registration time each day. Lunch will be available on grounds.
As part of the anniversary celebration, a hog roast is planned at 6 p.m. May 19 at the playground area shelter in the front of Mill Race Park, 50 Carl Miske Drive. The roast is free with registration.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, a banquet dinner with a special presentation of the 25th anniversary of the reunion, by Dennis Caraway and Paul Barry, will be conducted. Cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for those without vehicles to show and $25 with a Jeep.
There is also a spectator donation of $5 requested and a $15 registration fee for vehicles during the two-day event.
For more information, contact Bob Christy at 330-715-5310 or [email protected], or Jeff Petrowich at 217-246-5438 or [email protected].
