This past Saturday, September 14th I had the time of my life capturing a ton of fun that was happening at the 11th Annual Great American Jeep Rally held at Valley Truck and Off Road located on Lower Butcher Road right here in Ellington, Connecticut.
Jeep enthusiasts traveled from all over the northeast to show their appreciation for Jeeps of all kinds…military, antique, new as well as old, stock to even heavily modified. There were multiple raffles given by the generous sponsors and seven different trophy awards for a variety of categories including “Best in the Show”. There were over 750 jeeps (a new record) that attended this event and as an attendee they were able to test their Jeeps articulation on one of the RTI Ramps and play in the Rock Garden just to name a few of the events. Driving their jeeps through the mud pit seemed to be quite the thrill for many. There was entertainment for folks of all ages throughout the day. Great food vendors, vendors selling Jeep ware and local organized wheeling clubs.
So why the Rally? To raise money for charity and continue its efforts in supporting The Northeast Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. (NEA4WDC). This organize, established in 2001 has twenty-two member clubs with a combined membership of over 3,000. Its mission is to protect and promote environmentally responsible Off-Highway Vehicle recreation…YES! However, maintaining a harmonious relationship between OHV enthusiasts and landowners. To support and educate our Local, State and National agencies in the preservation of OHV recreation.
The member clubs in the NEA4WDC have been enjoying Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation on permission granted land for several years. These clubs and others similar have removed tons of illegally dumped garbage from our natural areas. I love that…protecting our beautiful environment. The members practice the principles of Tread Lightly®, respect private property and always leave with more than they come with.
One of the charities for this year’s event was “Helping Hands Monkey Helpers for the Disabled”. An organization established in 1979, and the only non-profit organization in the world that raises and trains capuchin monkeys to provide daily, in-home assistance to people living with spinal cord injury or other mobility impairments. More information can be found at www.MonkeyHelpers.org.
Enjoy browsing through the photos to get a glimpse at the excitement I witnessed. I took many, many photos and they will all be available for purchased with 20% of all profits going directly back to The Great American Jeep Rally Organization. Please click here to see all photos for sale.
These first four images I just LOVE because of the way the processing came out. What great posters they would make!