Now in its 10th year, the Stony Lonesome Jeep Jamboree has become a staple for Jeep enthusiasts and regularly attracts an impressive crowd.

BREMEN — Droves of Jeeps swarmed Stony Lonesome OHV Park this past weekend all in pursuit of one thing — a good, slow-speed thrill ride.

The 10th annual Cullman Stony Lonesome Jeep Jamboree welcomed Jeep enthusiasts from across the country. Traversing trails of varying degrees of difficulty, drivers got to see (and through a few bumps and jostles — feel) the 1,400-plus acres that make up Stony Lonesome Park.

Rick Holeman, coordinator of the Cullman Jeep Jamboree, said conditions couldn’t have been more ideal.

“Dusty, dry and worthy of putting your mask on,” Holeman said of the blue-skies and sunshine that welcomed riders to Cullman Saturday.

The tradition of bringing Jeep enthusiasts together for an entire weekend of off-road fun dates back to 1953 when 4×4 pioneer Mark A. Smith organized the first-ever Jeep Jamboree and voyaged across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the old Rubicon Trail. One year later, Willys Motors (the original manufacturer of Jeep vehicles) created Jeep Jamborees and paved the way for the off-road tradition.

One of the best parts of hosting the Jamboree every year, Holeman said, is getting the opportunity to introduce the sport to newbies interested in picking up the hobby.

“My greatest reward is that person whose mouth hits the floor when I tell them we’re driving up that hill and he doesn’t think it’s possible,” Holeman said. “Then, when we do, he grins from ear to ear and says ‘I get it.’ That moment, that’s what I look forward to most.”

Led by trained guides who know the trails and their terrain, participants got to ride through varying elevation, rocky surfaces and winding paths that not only tested their vehicle, but also their skill.

“As you move up in experience, the trails definitely get tougher and steeper with bigger rocks and bigger mud holes,” Holeman said.

Thanks to dry weather, this year’s Jamboree offered a little less of a challenge for riders. If Mother Nature would have delivered some showers, however, it would have been a different story, Holeman adds.

“This stuff grows teeth when it gets wet,” he said, pointing to the layer of dust and dirt that blanketed the park Saturday.

Tyler Lindsey, manager of Stony Lonesome Park, said the ride has become an annual favorite for both locals and out-of-towners alike. You’d be surprised, Lindsey said, how many Jeep enthusiasts journey to the area every year just to ride Stony Lonesome.

“Some people spend more on their Jeeps than they do on their kids,” Lindsey said with a laugh. “It’s a big deal.”

As drivers began to peel out of the park Saturday morning, it was obvious that the Jamboree had put another successful ride in the books.

“It’s just a slow-speed thrill ride,” Holeman says. “It’s a unique sport, and we’re glad we get to come here every year.”

Sept. 21: Jeep Invasion

Sept. 21: Night Ride

Oct. 12: Guided Ride

Oct. 12: Night Ride

Oct. 26-24: Hour Night Ride

Nov. 9: B.O.G. Wheelin’ to Help

Nov. 9: Night Ride

Nov. 29: Black Friday Night Ride

Dec. 14: Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Dec. 28: Night ride