The small town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, became a 4×4 magnet for three days in early July 2025. The attraction was the 38th Annual Steve Shannon Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree, which drew 1,611 participant vehicles and 13,850 spectators to the 227-acre Bloomsburg Fair facility. If you’re a fan of analytics, that’s a 17 percent increase in vehicles and a 7 percent increase in spectators compared to the 2024 event. The result was an even bigger hive of off-road-centric activity that offered something for every four-wheel-drive fan.

About The 4-Wheel Jamboree Series

Before we dig into the highlights of the 2025 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree, we need to set the stage by acknowledging the 4-Wheel Jamboree Series’ lengthy history. It has spanned more than 40 years and has been a staple in the 4WD world since 1982. Originally created by Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road magazine, it was most recently purchased by a company made up of former employees from the original 4-Wheel Jamboree management team. You can read an in-depth overview of the Jamboree Series and the new owners HERE.

The bottom line is that the new team is on a mission to grow the event series. They’re doing this by leveraging their extensive hands-on experience and by incorporating input from participants and spectators, among other efforts. So far, it appears this approach is working as proven by the increase in participants and spectators.

• 
• 
• 
• 

These four images offer an example of the wildly varied collection of 4x4s in the Show 'N' Shine area. From a mega-clean Jeep YJ to a beefy Cadillac-bodied creation to a lightly dented Ram to a vintage Dodge Ramcharger.

Show ‘N’ (It Doesn’t Necessarily Need To) Shine

There are many facets to a 4-Wheel Jamboree, and one of the largest is the Show ‘N’ Shine area. Quite simply, it’s where participants park their 4x4s and show ’em off. It’s one of the main draws for spectators, offering the opportunity to meet the owners of the 4x4s on display, talk shop, or simply peruse the machines.

For 2025, Bloomsburg’s Show ‘N’ Shine included everything from tricked-out, impeccable rigs to trail-built machines festooned with dirt and dents. Interestingly, there were also a number of vintage 4x4s. Is old iron the new hotness? Well, if the Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree is any indication, it appears so.

Another feature of the Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree is that it doled out scores of awards to participants, including vehicle-specific awards selected by experienced judges. This is a cool facet of the Show ‘N’ Shine because it recognizes the work put into the vehicles by their owners. You can read the list of this year’s award recipients at the conclusion of this story.

• 
• 

Performance Marketplace: Shop ‘Til You Drop

Another growth area at the 2025 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree was the Performance Marketplace, a collection of vendors. In fact, it grew by 23 percent compared to the 2024 show. The 55 vendors included companies like Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, Skyjacker Suspensions, and National Tire & Wheel, as well as Wolfbox, Toyo Tires, Steve Shannon Tire, 4×4 Suspension & Gear, and many more.

The Performance Marketplace offered participants and spectators the opportunity to speak directly with company representatives and see products firsthand. In a way, it was like a show within a show.

• 
• 
• 
• 

The infield of the Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree was the place to be for action. These four images offer a glimpse at the Monsters of Destruction monster truck racing, tough truck racing, mud bog racing, and tire-melting burnout competition.

Infield Racing Action

Another big draw for participants and spectators was the racing action, which took place in the infield of the Bloomsburg Fair facility track. For example, seven Monsters of Destruction monster trucks were on hand: High Roller, Hotsy, Predator, Ramdemption, Raminator, Virginia Giant, and War Wizard. Bracket racing was held each day (including the wildly popular freestyle competition), and the Ram Rebel-bodied, Hemi-powered Raminator dominated the weekend with an overall win each day.

Mud bog racing drew a lot of interest from competitors this year. Nearly 60 drivers in six classes pointed their rigs into the mire. Tough truck racing—a Jamboree staple and crowd favorite—featured head-to-head competition in stock and modified classes. Eleven vehicles hit the track during racing sessions on Saturday and Sunday. In the end, Brad Mertz won the Stock Class, while Charles Wagoner took home the win in the Modified Class.

In addition, infield action included a Burnout Competition, side-by-side racing, mud bog fun runs, and more.

But Wait, There’s More

Other features of the Summer Jamboree included kids’ games, a cornhole competition, monster truck rides, Saturday night fireworks, and a Cruise Route that offered the opportunity to see participant vehicles in motion. On-site camping was also available for both spectators and participants.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Festival-Like Atmosphere, Positive Vibe

The Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree had a festival-like atmosphere and a positive vibe from both participants and spectators. The only thing that kept us from getting completely bummed out when the show ended was knowing that the Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree in Danville, Indiana, is coming up fast—September 19–21, 2025.

Click the links below to check out some of the 4x4s we photographed at the Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree. It’s a fascinating collection that includes a monstrous overlanding rig based on a vintage Ford C-750 ex-firetruck, a sweet Cummins-powered Ford F-250 High-Boy, an envy-inducing four-door vintage Chevy pickup, and more.

This 1974 Ford C-750 4×4 Went From Salvage To Savage

Cummins-Powered 1975 Ford F-250 High-Boy: Old Soul, New Snarl

1963 Dodge W200 Power Wagon: An Ex-Firetruck That Still Brings The Heat

Chevy Never Made A 1972 K20 Crew Cab, This Truck’s Owner Fixed That

This Beastly 1973 Classic Ford Bronco Has Been Beautifully Restored

• 
• 
• 
• 

2025 Summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Show ‘N’ Shine Results

Best Kiddie Carts: Jaxson Mengle & Cheyenne Brink

Oldest Participant: Robert Fry Sr., 82 years of age

Youngest Participant: Sara Ray, 17 years of age

Best Military Vehicle: John English, 1968 Kaiser Jeep

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (10, no particular order)

1. Brandon Bower, 1978 Ford
2. Sarah & Dale Derr, 1990 Ford
3. Caleb Appleby, 1979 Chevy
4. Steven Craven, 1970 Scout
5. David Watters, 2013 Dodge
6. Greg Koziol, 2021 Chevy
7. Kurt Wertman, 1979 Ford
8. Tom Gass, 2016 Jeep
9. Gary Knight, 1972 GMC Camper
10. Cliff Bower Sr., 1972 Ford

DAILY DRIVER AWARDS (10, no particular order)

1. Nathaniel Russ, 1975 Dodge
2. Josh Mengle, 2021 Jeep
3. Rob Sauers, 1986 Ford
4. Jim Yancik, 2003 Chevy
5. Kristen Wolfe, 1996 Ford
6. Fred Worton, 1988 Ford
7. Nick Riddel, 1986 Dodge
8. Donna Brown, 2014 Jeep
9. Jasmine Mengle, 2025 Jeep
10. Trace Burgess, 1974 Chevy

STREET ZERO (0 Areas Modified)

Best Jeep

1. Carol Ann Kopec, 2019 Jeep
2. Kevin Sterowski, 2018 Jeep

Best Ford 

1. Nate Wenger, 1978 Ford
2. Mike Kopec, 1983 Ford

Best GM

1. John Baker, 1972 Chevy
2. David Ellenberger, 1985 Chevy

Best Mopar

1. Tony & Becky Picillo, 1963 Dodge
2. Elijah Donnini, 2016 Ram

Best of All the Rest

1. Jay Christian, 1988 Suzuki
2. Dom Mainolfi, 2023 Toyota

STREET (0-1 Areas Modified)

Best Paint

1. Blake Christian, 2010 Toyota
2. Gina Bryk, 2020 Jeep

Best Engine/Compartment

1. Jeremy Dawson, 1978 Ford
2. Paul Thompson, 1978 Ford

Best Interior

1. Derrick Brest, 2018 Ford
2. Eric Schlitzer, 2000 Ford

Best GM

1. Arlon Springer, 1986 Chevy
2. Randy Jeremy, 1985 Chevy

Best Ford

1. Tommy & Angela Ventilli, 2001 Ford F250
2. Robert Fry Sr., 1989 Ford

Best Mopar

1. Russell Graff, 2017 Ram
2. Ray Fink, 2003 Dodge

Best Jeep

1. Joe Osircle, 2024 Jeep
2. Taylor Keller, 1998 Jeep

Best of All the Rest

1. Scot Bonstein, 1988 Toyota
2. Christie Wicharowski, 2024 Toyota

MODIFIED (2-3 Areas Modified)

Best Paint

1. Randy McFarland, 1990 Ford
2. Bob Agans, 1975 Ford

Best Interior

1. Smoke Jones, 2000 Ford F250
2. Del J. Grabley, 1975 Jeep CJ-5

Best Engine/Compartment

1. Charlie Herring, 1990 Ford
2. Jesse Webster, 1979 Ford

Best Ford

1. Chip Simon, 2006 Ford F250
2. Till McDonald, 1999 Ford

Best GM

1. Andrew Hunt, 1992 GMC
2. Frank Buouainto, 1987 Blazer

Best Jeep

1. Ed Ferguson, 1979 Jeep
2. Craig Huffnagle, 2008 Jeep

Best of All the Rest

1. Hunter Christian, 1992 Toyota
2. Chris Anicito, 1990 Hummer

PRO CLASS (4 & Up Areas Modified)

Best Paint    

1. Dale Steigerwalt, 1979 Ford

Best Interior

1. Bart Kilraine, 1979 Ford
2. Jim Williams, 1974 F-750

Best Engine/Compartment  

1. John Kovach, 1992 Chevy

Best Engineered   

1. Mike Pugh, 1982 Toyota

Best Jeep

1. Freddie Crankenstein, 1951 Willys
2. Walt Brennan, 1995 Jeep

Best Ford

1. Rob Fry, 1983 Ford
2. Kevin Filan, 2000 Ford

Best GM  

1. David Riddell, 1988 Chevy

Best Mopar  

1. Scott Bogart, 2001 Dodge

Best Of All The Rest    

1. Bob Kistler, 1985 Toyota

Street Zero Grand Champion: John Baker, 1972 Chevy

Street Zero Grand Champion Runner Up: Nate Wenger, 1978 Ford

Street Grand Champion: Tommy & Angela Ventilli, 2001 Ford F-250

Street Grand Champion Runner Up: Derreck Brest, 2018 Ford

Modified Grand Champion: Chip Simon, 2006 Ford F-250

Modified Grand Champion Runner Up: Smoke Jones, 2000 Ford F-250

Pro Grand Champion: Mike Pugh, 1982 Toyota

Pro Grand Champion Runner Up: David Riddell, 1988 Chevy

Photos by Jeff Luckey and Ken Brubaker