[yellowminijim]

Dear MINI People,

I've been in touch with Yoda, but wanted to suggest a possible MINI meet in August 2003 to everyone out there. Alliance, Ohio has a 1-1/2 hour long (lots and lots of units) parade in August of every year to celebrate the scarlet carnation, the official flower of the State of Ohio. Why Alliance? It was an Alliance flower expert who gave the scarlet carnation to William McKinley when he was campaigning in Canton. He continued to wear one every day until, you got it, the day he was shot in Buffalo.

Anyway, I'm working with a not-for-profit agency in town, Youth Music Alliance, which is working to provide band instruments for low-income kids to use at little or no cost so that they can participate in their school's instrumental program when they might otherwise not have been able to do so. The organization will be having a flatbed with a dixieland band to raise awareness of YMA, and encourage people with instruments in the attic to donate them. I have been in touch with the manager of our local large-screen theatre, who can get a good-quality print of The Italian Job, the old Michael Caine flick in which classic minis play a most prominent role. I'm trying to start early and hope to drum up some interest in a MINI (minis welcome too!!!!) meet in Alliance in August to participate in the parade. THis would give us a chance to show off the cars and support Youth Music Alliance. THe Italian Job would be showing at the Mount Union Theatre that weekend.

If you think you might be interested, please subscribe to the thread and let's stay in touch.