CAROLINA BEACH—Hundreds of Jeeps will head to Freeman Park this Saturday for the 2018 Carolina Beach Jeep “Go Topless Day,” the largest in North Carolina.
Go Topless Day was founded in 2012, when 72 Jeep owners dropped their tops and headed to Freeman Park; the inaugural event raised $1,200 for local charities. Last year, nearly 650 vehicles hit the sand, allowing the organization to raise over $32,000.
The event has traditionally benefitted the Carolina Beach Help Center, founded in 1985 and based in St. Paul’s Methodist Church; the Help Center “has helped residents in need of food, clothing, help with utility bills, rent and anything else it can afford. This center is a way to help residents of Pleasure Island who may not qualify for other assistance programs stay put in the community,” according to its website.
According to Go Topless Day organizer Andrea Phillips, the event also benefits other charities – Go Topless Day hopes to benefit Sea Turtle Rescue this year.
Go Topless Day is holding a pre-event pickup, allowing participants to pick up event passes and day passes to Freeman Park, as well as “swag bags” and raffle tickets. Local Jeep clubs will also be on hand to collect donated canned goods; four canned goods canned be redeemed for a free raffle ticket.
The pre-event pickup held at the Fort Fisher Aquarium on Friday, May 18, from 7 to 10 p.m., the event includes free entry to the aquarium.
The event itself will be held rain or shine, and will begin earlier this year than in the past.
The Jeep convoy will assemble at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the Ashley High School off of Carolina Beach Road. Registration will be open until 7:30 a.m.
The convoy will leave Ashley High School for the beach at 8 a.m. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and Carolina Beach Police Department will assist with traffic control. There will be considerable traffic Saturday morning through the northern part of Carolina Beach.
Organizers remind participants that a valid event registration and valid Freeman Park pass is required.
For more information, including registration details, visit the Carolina Beach Go Topless Day website.
On the map: Ashley High School/convoy meet-up location
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