From VISIT BG OHIO
Visit BG Ohio has announced that it was awarded a “Citation of Excellence” as the second-place winner for “Best New Experience: BG 4×4 Fest” at the 2025 Ohio Conference on Travel. The award was presented during the RUBY awards luncheon on Oct. 2 at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, which celebrated excellence in Ohio’s tourism industry. The 2025 RUBY awards recognized achievements across 17 categories and saw a record-breaking 241 entries submitted from across the state.
“This event represents the heart of Bowling Green – fun, community pride, and future-focused investment. We’re honored to have these efforts recognized on a statewide level,” said Mary Hinkelman, executive director of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and Visit BG Ohio.
The inaugural BG 4×4 Fest drew more than 1,750 attendees, delivered an estimated economic impact of over $250,000, and ultimately raised scholarship funds for students pursuing careers in agriculture and skilled trades.
“It was amazing to see our community and local organizations come together to create such a fun, family-filled day for the greater good of Bowling Green. This event wouldn’t have been possible without that teamwork, and together we were able to raise funds for four scholarships supporting local students pursuing careers in agriculture and the skilled trades,” said Rachael London of Thayer Family Dealers & Local Drive.
The award-winning entry for BG 4×4 Fest was prepared by Brandee Brossart, marketing and engagement lead for Visit BG Ohio, with supporting documents provided by BG 4×4 Fest organizers. Visit BG Ohio recognized the following individuals and organizations who helped bring the event to life:
- Rachael London – Thayer Family Dealers & Local Drive
- Kris Henninger – Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers Association
- Bryce Hamilton – Thayer Family Dealers
- Amanda Barndt – Truland Equipment
- Laura Westgate – Wood County Fairgrounds
- Mary Hinkelman – BG Chamber of Commerce/Visit BG Ohio
For its second year, BG 4×4 Fest is a free, family-friendly event that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Wood County Fairgrounds. The festival aims to celebrate outdoor adventure and off-road culture with a 4×4 convoy, park & shine, mud pit, sled pulls, food trucks, local vendors, and a dedicated kids’ activity area. Guests are encouraged to register early to participate in the sled pull, convoy, mud pit, and park & shine competitions.
Festivities will kick-off the night before with a “Hype Event” hosted by Flag City Jeepers on Friday, Oct. 3, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Thayer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The evening features car crushing, an obstacle course, and food trucks, along with extended hours for convoy swag bag pick-up until 9 p.m.
To learn more and discover how Visit BG Ohio’s “Tourism Grant Program” helps power events like BG 4×4 Fest, visit VisitBGOhio.org.
