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There are events within the four-wheel-drive community that stand the test of time. You know, events that have drawn 4×4 fans for decades. One is the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals. And now, there’s attention-grabbing 4-Wheel Jamboree news. The big news is that the event series is under new ownership and the new owners have significant experience with the Jamboree series dating back to its largest and most exciting years. They have major plans to ramp up the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in 2024 and beyond.
One of the unique things about a 4-Wheel Jamboree is that it draws a variety of 4x4s, from show trucks like this vintage Ford, to daily drivers, and race-ready rigs.
The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Has Been A 4WD Staple Since 1982
The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals have been a staple in the U.S. since 1982. It is comprised of events that are off-road-centric. Each event is basically a celebration of four-wheel drive and off-roading in general. For example, each stop on the event tour offers several forms of racing on dirt or mud, a Show ‘N’ Shine, Performance Marketplace, and much more.
Over the years, Jamborees have rolled into locations across the U.S. They’ve been held as far west as Arizona, and as far east as Vermont. As far south as Florida, and as far north as Minnesota. Other states: Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado, and more. Point is, in its 44-year history, the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals has covered some ground. But even though the locations have been numerous, the focus has remained on off-road.
Through the years there have been many notable features of the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals. For example, the Penda Points Series of monster truck racing and NMRO mud racing. The Nashville Network (TNN) recorded many of these races and they were a staple of the Trucks & Tractor Power television show. Another big draw of the Jamboree Nats was tough truck racing, which, if we remember correctly, debuted at the Union Grove, Wisconsin Jamboree in the early 1990s. And in 2000, the Rock Fest Challenge swept into the Canfield, Ohio Jamboree. This brought competitive rockcrawling to the Jamboree and later, to select other Jamborees.
Mud, in some form, is almost always a part of a 4-Wheel Jamboree. These vintage mud racing photos were taken decades ago at a Jamboree. For 2024, each Jamboree will feature six classes of head-to-head mud bogging.
About The New Owners
The first 4-Wheel Jamboree dropped in 1982 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine created the Jamborees, but eventually Petersen’s and The Promotion Company came to an agreement for the latter to take over the shows. For most of its 44-year history, the 4-Wheel Jamboree Series was owned by one company. That company, originally known as The Promotion Company, and later, Special Events, eventually became Family Events. In 2014, the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals was sold to a company that owned it until February of 2024, which is when it was purchased by Events Inc.
This new ownership change has brought the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals full circle. You see, Events Inc. is a company comprised of a group of former employees from the original 4-Wheel Jamboree management company. For those of you who have been regular Jamboree-goers, you may recognize the names: Lee Collins, Christy Gasparovic, Karen Hume, Leonard and Megan Hunter, Andy Miller, Mike Moore, Joe Pagano, and Eric Rowles. This group is an all-star team with big plans for the Jamboree series.
If we remember correctly, 4-Wheel Jamboree tough truck racing began in the early 1990s. It has morphed a bit over the years, but has retained its position as a crowd favorite. These tough truck photos were taken in the late 1990s or thereabouts.
A Clear Mission
Events Inc. says its mission is clear: To restore the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals to its former glory. One way the company will accomplish this is by leveraging the knowledge of its employees. These are folks that have the experience and understanding of what made the 4-Wheel Jamborees a go-to event for off-road fans. Consequently, the company plans to reintroduce the original “spirit and excitement” of the Jamboree series and its classic elements, while incorporating fresh, innovative ideas. Furthermore, Events Inc. is dedicated to supporting the 4×4 community. Its aim is not only to create events that become a tradition, but also to inspire the younger generation. The company believes in the power of the Jamborees to foster a sense of unity.
As shown in this vintage photo from a past Jamboree, one of the big draws is the chance to peruse the collection of 4x4s in the Show ‘N’ Shine and check out aftermarket vendors in the Performance Marketplace.
Gratitude To Loyal Jamboree Participants And Spectators
Mike Moore, President of Events Inc., says, “We would like to express our gratitude to the loyal participants and spectators of the 4-Wheel Jamborees. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout the years have been instrumental in shaping the event’s vital and dynamic community. The 4×4 community is a strong and passionate group, known for their dedication and hands-on approach to maintaining and improving their vehicles. Enthusiasts often gather for ‘wrenching parties’, where they work on their trucks together, sharing knowledge, tools, and techniques. This is what the 4-Wheel Jamborees and 4×4 community is about, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that is integral to the 4×4 culture.”
It’s typical that you’ll see some big players in the automotive world at a 4-Wheel Jamboree. For example, in the early 2000s, Delphi was on-site demonstrating its new Quadrasteer all-wheel-steer system. This system later went into production on GM trucks and SUVs.
So, What’s On Tap For 2024?
The 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals has two stops on its 2024 tour. The first is the Steve Shannon Tire 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, July 12-14. The second is the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, September 13-15.
Update: The 2024 Bloomsburg Jamboree has concluded. It offered six classes of mud bog racing, monster truck racing and freestyle, tough truck racing, a Show ‘N’ Shine 4×4 show, and a Performance Marketplace that included aftermarket vendors. Furthermore, there was an on-site cruise route, monster truck rides, a burnout competition, fireworks show on Saturday night, and more. Next up is the Indianapolis Jamboree.
For more information on the 2024 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals including a detailed schedule for each event, visit 4wheeljamboree.com.
