UTV Takeover brings dunes enthusiasts together

The UTV Takeover attracts 30,000 to 40,000 people to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for a variety of UTV activities, group rides, concerts, games and more.

The latest UTV Takeover happened Tuesday, June 25 through Sunday June, 30. The event is touted as the largest and most fun, family-friendly UTV event on the Oregon dunes.

Utility vehicle enthusiasts took part in events, or watched as a spectator, as drivers raced through the sand, hucked themselves into the air, performed long distance wheelies, and climbed up steep hills.

At the entrance and headquarters of the UTV Takeover, Boxcar Campground, event-goers could explore different utility vehicle brands, manufacturers, performance shops and vendors. Organizers describe this Vendor Row as “the candy store for everything UTV.”

Those who came to the UTV Takeover could also take part in activities like happy hour meet and greets, cornhole tournaments, daily benefit raffles, rock-n-roll bingo and more.

The benefit raffles help support local groups such as AMVETS Bay Area Post 10, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, fire, rescue and youth sports organizations, Oregon Bay Area Beatification and Oregon Volunteer Dune Patrol.

Event Coordinator Curtis Green said the UTV Takeover has grown exponentially every year since its’ inception in 2015 around a campfire.

He said, over the years, the people who go to the UTV Takeovers have become a “sand family.”

“This is a very tight community. We all know each other. We look forward to it every year to catch up with the people just as much as the event itself,” Green said.

The event coordinator said The UTV Takeover wouldn’t happen without the dedication of staff and volunteers who come together every year.

“We are in this industry because of our passion and our love for the outdoors, and the partnerships with our sponsors and vendors. But most importantly – when you camp next to someone and meet them, and now, your kids are playing together – it’s just makes for a really cool community,” he said.