Jeeps & Broncos Invade and Stampede in August

The Smoky Mountains is revving up for car shows in August

The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede is Aug. 15, 16 and The Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion is August 21, 22, 23. Bring your vehicle to show off, do some swapping or just enjoy the shows, along with the beauty and fun of the Smoky Mountains. Here’s all you need to know. 

Check out the horses! 

The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede is an expo for everything Ford Bronco. Bronco enthusiasts and clubs throughout the U.S are welcome, along with Bronco parts and accessory vendors, and off-road-related product vendors. The event, now in its third year, is open to Broncos of all years, makes, and models. 

When: Aug. 15-16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 

Where? The LeConte Center at 2986 Teaster LN Pigeon Forge, TN 

Cost: $15 per person, $5 per child aged 5-12, and ages 5 and under are free – only available in person. 

More details can be found here. 

An American classic! 

The Bronco SUV, introduced in 1965, was the first automobile called out specifically as a “Sports-Utility Vehicle.” 

The first model was in three body styles: a roadster (with doors and a top as options), a two-door pickup, and a hardtop wagon with seating for up to five. Until the automaker added a V8 to the options sheet in March, 1966, the lone powertrain was an inline-six paired with a three-speed manual transmission. 

Ford has built every generation of the Bronco at its assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan. Today, the factory employs 4,900 workers and also assembles the Ranger midsize pickup truck, according to Ford. 

Hidden surprises! 

Did you know there are design “easter eggs” hidden throughout Broncos made from 2021 on? These practical and history referencing surprises are hidden in Broncos' interiors and exteriors, just waiting to be found. 

Some are so easy to find - the tiny bigfoot on trim badges of Broncos with the Sasquatch package; while others require more hunting. The "Bronco EST. 1966" is hidden behind the rear bumper license plate and the bucking bronco symbol is engraved in the plastic along the edge of the LED daytime running lights, and another in the middle of the light fixture in the rear of the car. Behind the fuel tank door, find a visual representation of how much the SUV has changed over the years with the phrase "EST. 1966," along with silhouettes of the early Bronco models — U13 roadster, U14 half-cab, and U15 wagon. 

Another Easter egg with a functional purpose is a lasso symbol marking the rear tie-down loops inside the trunk. What a fun treasure hunt! 

Beep, Beep! Who’s got the keys to the Jeep? 

Jeep enthusiasts will enjoy the 13th annual  Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion for top jeep parts and accessories, as well as Jeeps from all over. Open to all Jeep fans and Jeep clubs throughout the country, the event celebrates all things Jeep. 

When: Aug. 21, 22, 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 

Where? The LeConte Center at 2986 Teaster LN Pigeon Forge, TN 

Cost: $20 per person, $10 per child aged 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free – only available in person. 

More details can be found here. 

Born in battle 

The first Jeep Quad 4x4 was introduced in 1940. In 1941, America was a war and Jeep went with it, introduced on the fields and beaches of World War II. Since then, that classic style remains a popular off-road vehicle, though the most popular model is the Jeep Cherokee, according to Indy Auto Man. 

Today, the Jeep brand is owned by Stellantis – a multinational corporation formed from the merger in 2021 of the Italian American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group.

 Check out more Jeep history here. 

Where Are Jeep Vehicles Built and Assembled? Predominately, Jeep production and assembly is located in the United States. Domestic production of current Jeep models includes: 

Toledo Assembly Complex, Toledo, OH: Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Wrangler 4xe 

Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, MI: Jeep Grand Cherokee 

Mack Avenue Assembly Plant, Detroit, MI: Grand Cherokee L 

Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, IL: Jeep Cherokee 

Special cruising event Sunday! 

On Sunday, Aug. 24, join The Smoky Mountain Jeep Club for a special ride called “Jeeps Invade the Cove.” Take a ride through the Cades Cove Loop Trail, one of the most scenic drives in all of The Smokies. Meet at 10 a.m. on August 24th at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN and leave at 11am. The ride is two to four hours, depending on traffic. More details here. 

Have you been ducked? 

If you know you know, but we’ll tell you if you don’t! Ducking is a recent trend in the Jeep community whereby a rubber duck is placed on a fellow Jeep driver’s vehicle. It has become a worldwide movement! 

Ready to book a cabin and get started on your getaway? 

Find a cabin near all the fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, whether you are looking for something for you, your family, your friends, American Patriot Getaways has a cabin for you. 

Be sure you check out all our amazing, featured deals. 

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