Spring sun smiles on ‘topless’ Jeeps

Published 6:10 am Tuesday, May 21, 2024

LONG BEACH — LBP 4×4 Jeeps Go Topless Day, a one-day rally on May 18, brought hundreds of Jeep enthusiasts to the peninsula to drive the “World’s Longest Beach.”

Pleasant weather allowed many vehicle owners to comfortably drive around with hard- and soft-top Jeeps in “convertible” mode.

Increasingly an early add-on to the traditional Memorial Day start of Pacific County’s peak tourism season, the weekend also included the Peace of Mind Pacific County Wellness Walk, the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center fundraising dinner, the low-key Surf Perch Derby and other events, such as Ilwaco’s Saturday Market.

The Jeep rally, the fourth annual beach parade and party, benefited animal welfare and mental health awareness. The free event included included a kite fly, Jeep “show and spell,” coastline Jeep parade, evening street meet, sunset bonfire party and glow show, roving entertainment, DJs and more.