In 2015, Kari Saunders, an enthusiastic Central Iowa MINI Club member, planned a fun night at the Valle Drive-In Movie Theater in Newton. It was such a success we did it again last year, despite the threat of rain. Although Kari passed away this year her spirit lives on and in her honor we’ll carry on with MINIs at the Drive-In. Rain or shine, despite what movie is playing, we’ll head to Newton for dinner at Moo’s BBQ and Blues then on to the show!

We’ve changed the date to Saturday September 23 in hopes of avoiding an all R rated bill as was the case on our original date.

We’ll first meet at the east parking lot of the Hy-Vee Food Store at 108 8th Street SW in Altoona around 3:30 and we plan on departing as a convoy from there at 4 PM sharp! If you miss us there you can catch up with us at Moo’s, it’s just north of I-80 off Exit 164. Additional details and the featured movies (does it really matter?) will be announced as the date approaches. Let’s inundate the Drive-In with MINIs!!

This Drive In Run isn’t for movies; it’s for FOOD as we take over the iconic George the Chili King on August 29.The Chili King has been a Des Moines staple since 1952 and is the last remaining classic car hop drive-in in the metro. In the 50’s and 60’s it was the epicenter of the hot rod scene in Des Moines and more recently was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with host Guy Fieri getting one on one with George himself.  You can view the episode at http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/episodes/oldies-but-goodies . We’ll gather at 6:30 PM and plan on filling the drive in slots with MINIs! This should be a fun evening for socializing and basking in the vintage vibe.

WHEN: Tuesday August 29, 6:30PM 
WHERE: 5722 Hickman Road (SE Corner of Hickman, Merle Hay and Merklin Way)

Plan on joining us on Sunday July 16 for our Fourth Annual Central Iowa MINI Club Barbecue Party. We’re changing things up a bit this year with a new location at Cottonwood Recreation Area, and a new food provider, our own Wizard of the Weber Mike Gilbert.
This year the festivities will be happening at Site #9 in Cottonwood Recreation Area, just south of Saylorville Dam, on Sunday, July 16th, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Be aware of construction in the area, although it shouldn’t be too bad on a Sunday. We secured a nice big shelter by the river, with a volleyball court and a large open area for badminton, tossing around a football, little bean bags or whatever. Modern bathrooms are just a short walk down the road.
As luck would have it our At-Large Board of Directors member, Mike, likes to dabble in BBQ’ing so he’s graciously volunteered to cook us up some beef and pork. Who would want to miss that? Club merchandise will be available; t-shirts (sorry, no 3XL), grille badges and window clings. And one never knows if we’ll have some swag for you too! Oh yeah, the treasurer will be on hand if you’d like to ‘officially’ join the club ($20/family). If you are not a paid member and don’t know yet if you want to be, please feel free to join us anyway, it’ll only cost you $5 a person.

Direct link to Site #9 info, which includes directions from I-35 and GPS info too!

Please RSVP no later than midnight on Sunday, July 9th.
If you RSVP on Facebook be sure to include the number in your party. You are always welcome to reply and/or direct any questions to me via email
(Laura Rettig ljjr101@hotmail.com)

What: CIMCs 4th Annual BBQ
Where: Cottonwood Recreation Area, Site 9
When: Sunday, July 16th from 11 AM – 4 PM
We’ll Provide: BBQ Beef & Pork on slider buns, Homemade BBQ sauce, Mac n Cheese, Baked Beans, & Assorted Fruit, Dessert, Water, & Table Service.
You Bring: Yourself and whomever, a lawn chair (if so desired), and something to drink if you prefer something other than water. If you have a yard game you’d like to bring please feel free. And if you’re not a paid member it’ll cost you $5.
Questions??? Shoot Laura Rettig an email at ljjr101@hotmail.com.
Don’t forget to RSVP so we have enough grub.
See you soon and motor safely!

OK MINIacs get ready to tour the countryside looking for Burma Shave signs, America’s classic roadside advertising poetry!

Driver’s meeting will be at MINI Of Des Moines at 12:30pm on Sunday June 4. Then we’re off to Menlo, Bridgewater and St. Charles to check out 3 sets of signs. We’ll stop in Dexter at Drew’s Chocolates, in business since 1927! Another stop on the way into St. Charles at the beautiful Winterset Winery and then our last set of signs. Get your 2-ways and camera’s charged and ready to go! Don’t forget to RSVP. It’s going to be a spectacular motoring adventure. See you Sunday!

Charge up the cameras, grab a buddy (preferable) and meet us Saturday April 22 at 1:00 pm at MINI Of Des Moines.  Who knows what Jeremy has in store for us this year but he’s never let us down yet! Will it be harder to get 10 answers than 25? Join us and find out!

Join us Saturday April 1st for a chance to do some spring cleaning on your MINI!

MINI of Des Moines have invited us to use their car wash, service bays and cleaning equipment for a DIY clean up of the winter grime. Please let us know if you plan to attend via our Facebook page.