By Darlene Brace
On Sunday July 28th, join in the adventurous fun and excitement on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, as the Lakewood Rod and Gun will be hosting the first Lakewood Jeep Jam- Go Topless and Ride the Lake. This Jeep Jam is a rain or shine fundraising event, and it will feature jeeps and motorcycles cruising around beautiful Chautauqua Lake. Registration will be at the Rod and Gun at 9am. The Lakewood Police Department will escort the beginning of the ride as engines rev up for the adventure around the lake, starting at 11am. The ride concludes back at the Rod and Gun, where there is an awesome daylong celebration. 
As people ride approximately 40 miles around the lake, there are four stops that the riders may choose to stop at. These businesses are in coordination and support of this event. The four stops are The Bemus Point Golf & Tap House, The Green Door Tavern, Lakeview Hotel and Restaurant, and Southern Tier Brewing. The participants are not required to make these stops and can just ride around the lake, or they can choose to stop at one or more of the stops.
Back at the Rod and Gun, the bar inside will be open throughout the celebration, but the kitchen will be closed. When you have worked up an appetite, the ride participants as well as other attendees, can enjoy some delicious food from four amazing food trucks. The food trucks featured will be Chiavetta’s Barbeque, Best of Buffalo by Byron, Giavonna’s Gourmet Coffee, and Mystic Smoke BBQ. The food trucks will be open and serving food from 12pm-5pm, but Giavonna’s will also be open in the morning, since they specialize in a delicious variety of hot and cold coffees and other beverages.
To highlight the celebration there will be live music behind the building, under the covered patio, and overlooking the scenic view of the lake. The opening act, Interstate Daydream, is a talented duo playing a wide variety of music. They will perform from 12pm-2:30pm. Headliner Hollywood Nights: The Bob Segar Experience, will be rocking the docks starting at 3pm. In and near the covered patio area will be a limited amount of reserved VIP seating, and you can reserve them early if you want priority seating. Otherwise, bring your own lawn chairs or sprawl out on a blanket to sit and enjoy this fabulous show. This show will get you moving to the beat in your seats, or maybe dancing on your feet along the shore of the lake.
For participants that are riding around the lake, there is a $30 registration fee per vehicle. There is no fee for other attendees, but they are hoping that people will be generous and participate in the fundraising activities and give their support. As part of the fundraising efforts, there will be silent auctions, a 50/50 raffle, and other prizes and giveaways. You can also enter a drawing for a chance to win a large, framed painting by world renowned artist Michael Israel, that’s valued at $2,500. Tickets for this drawing are on sale now and will continue to be on sale, including the day of the event. The proceeds of the Lakewood Jeep Jam will go to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department and the Lakewood -Busti Canine Unit, so please join in the fun and give generously.
This event has been coordinated by committee members Michelle Turner, Bonnie Ridgeway, and Gregg Pietrocarlo. The committee has been working hard for months planning and organizing this event. They would like to give a special thank you to Dave Warren Autogroup, who is the presenting sponsor, as well as supporting sponsors Fredonia Jeep, Rock City Jeep, Randy’s Ride, and the Lakewood Rod and Gun. The committee would also like to thank the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation as well as the Village of Lakewood for their continued support. Without the sponsors and all their support, this event would not have been possible.
If you have questions, want more information, or to reserve VIP tickets, you can contact one the committee members. Remember to purchase your VIP tickets soon as there’s limited availability. You can also look for Lakewood Jeep Jam on Facebook for updated information and messaging.
So, all you jeep riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, get fired up and come join in this exhilarating community fundraising event. There will be great rides, great food, and great music, all while coming together to support our local heroes.