It's a Jeep thing: Local enthusiasts gather at Battle of Aiken park for Jeep Invasion

May 19—"When you buy a Jeep, you don't just buy a vehicle, you buy a family."

This is what Jennifer Pearson, a Jeep owner of three years, said on the morning of the Jeep Invasion Event located at the Battle of Aiken Park — an inaugural event hosted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans' Brig. Gen. Barnard E. Bee Camp No. 1575.

Tracy Hall, the event director who has been a "Jeeper" since 1985, said that the event is a fundraiser which will help support local grave and monument restoration efforts, and will also go towards improving the Battle of Aiken Park grounds.

"The Jeep community in Aiken is so huge ... The Jeep community is a very strong community. You have the different clubs and if one person's vehicle breaks, you know, everybody comes together to try to help them out," said Hall.

Guests at the event had the chance to enjoy prize raffles, vendors and an obstacle course, plus a chance to have their vehicles judged in a Show and Shine competition.

The event finale was a concert by rising country musician Jacob Bryant.

One guest, Erica Goodwin, said that she was one of several who came out to support members of Aiken's Black Flag 4x4 Jeep Club.

"We're crazy," she said. "People don't understand unless you have a Jeep!"

Leia Holbrooks said she got her first Jeep in December as a Christmas present.

"We are just here to hang out with our friends and to, of course, look at all of the different Jeeps, the way that people set them up and decorate them, I think it's a great way for them to express their personalities," she said.

With Leia was Aaron Holbrooks, who said this was their first time attending a Jeep event. "We're getting to know what it's all about," he said.

Jeep owner Monica Arthur talked about her love for adding accessories and changes to her vehicle.

"You always want to do upgrades ... I'm always seeing something that I want," she said.

"Hopefully after today, we'll go to a lot more," she added.

Hall added his thoughts on the significance of an event like Jeep Invasion. "With this world as crazy as it is right now, it's good to get a bunch of like-minded people together to just enjoy some good conversation," he said.