It’s the time of year to enjoy Jolly Holiday Lights with our MINI’s!!

The plan: Sunday, December 19th, 2021 at 5:15pm….

We will meet in the parking lot of the Altoona Cinemark Theater (2227 Adventureland Dr NW, Altoona). Jolly Holiday Lights starts at 5:30 so we can roll from the parking lot right over to the entrance and once there, we can line up and enter as a group. There’s plenty of space for us, in case we get split-up on the drive over. If you want to purchase tickets ahead of time, it’s a little less money, but the proceeds go to a good cause either way. If anyone wants to get a bite to eat beforehand, Culver’s is in the lot right next to the theater. We could stop in around 4:30 for an early supper. Nothing official, but it’s an option that’s really, REALLY close. 

Hope to see many of your smiling faces there. 

Saturday April 25 2 – 5 PM
MINI of Des Moines 9900 Hickman

Jeremy, once again, has volunteered to host our yearly photo scavenger hunt.

The details of the hunt are kept under wraps until that day. Jeremy is thinking we could do this as a ‘never have to get out of your car’ event. We could dust the cobwebs off our walkies and use those! Or some other form of technology….

We’ll gather in the service drive behind MINI of Des Moines at 1:45 pm for the “No Contact” drivers meeting and proceed from there. Laura promises an awesome prize for the winner!

Remember to keep your distance, wear your mask and be very mindful of others. Stay safe MINIacs and here’s hoping to see you all for our first event of 2020!!

Sunday January 19
1:00 PM
Tavern II Pizza – Pasta – Grill
1755 50th Street (Across from Lowe’s)
West Des Moines

Our first meeting of 2020 is an important one as we will be determining our Board of Directors for the 2020 season. Five of the current board members have offered to stay on the board in 2020, if the members so vote. That leaves us one opening to fill. If you are interested in helping direct the club this year you can contact a current board member to find out more or just come to the meeting and express your interest.

We also need someone to step in and lead the club next year. Someone to take charge in planning & leading the board/general meetings and events, to name a few. So think about it and remember someone has to do it so it might as well be you, right?

Let’s gather on Sunday, January 19, 2020, at 1 PM at The Tavern II on 50th in West Des Moines (across from Lowe’s). You can take care of your 2020 dues, we’ll take care of business, have some food, and as always, great conversation with fellow MINIacs. Please RSVP via Facebook or email to Laura by midnight Wednesday January 15, 2020. And don’t feel you can’t join us if you’ve stored your MINI for the season or if you haven’t joined the club yet. Anyone is always welcome, it’s how we roll.

A night of food, fun and support for Make A Wish Foundation. Mark your calendars for Monday, December 2. We’ll meet for dinner at Perkins, 2621 Adventureland Drive in Altoona, at 6:00 PM and then head on over to the show. Jolly Holiday lights is a 2.5 mile cruise through over 100 holiday themed light displays. All that for a mere $20 per car! Show your support for an awesome cause and join us. Please RSVP via Facebook or email to Laura by midnight Friday, November 29.

If you’re unable to make dinner but would still like to join us for the tour meet us at the entrance to the park at 7:30 PM.

Saturday October 12, 9:00 AM at HyVee, 1005 E. Hickman Road, Waukee

Join us at 9am at the Waukee Hy-Vee parking lot. We will drive to Drew’s Chocolates, down White Pole road , stop for lunch to be determined (Oinkers or Weitzel’s) then off to the Villisca murder house

The Villisca axe murders occurred between the evening of June 10, 1912, and the early morning of June 11, 1912, in the town of Villisca in southwestern Iowa. The six members of the Moore family and two house guests were found bludgeoned in the Moore residence. All eight victims, including four children, had severe head wounds from an axe. A lengthy investigation yielded several suspects, one of whom was tried twice. The first trial ended in a hung jury and the second ended in an acquittal. The crime remains unsolved. Many believe the house is still haunted by the ghosts of the victims.

On Sunday September 29 the Central Iowa MINI Club has been invited to tour Skunk River Restorations in Ames. Steve Myers, the owner, has offered to have our club visit and view his amazing collection of vehicles and his business. Steve started out with British cars, and he has many, but he also has many other types of cars too. I don’t think I would be incorrect if I said he has at least 100 vehicles.

Address is 709 Airport Road in Ames for those that want to meet us at 3:30.

We will meet at the Fareway store parking lot at 2:45 pm which is on the north edge of Ankeny. Address is 3205 N Ankeny Blvd, aka highway 69. If you come into Ankeny from I35, take the 36th St exit and go west. We’ll depart from there for a group drive to Ames for the tour.

Around 5pm, or after the tour, we will then depart for the Mucky Duck Pub for supper. (NOTE THE CHANGE. Was previously planned for Hickory Park, now the Mucky Duck).

Mark your calendar for Sunday September 29 and we hope to see you there.

Sunday September 22

Jud Stover and the lady Helen will be leading us on a drive to West Bend to view the incredible Grotto of the Redemption. After West Bend we’ll be stopping in Ames for lunch at the Mucky Duck Pub, a British themed eating and drinking establishment. The Mucky Duck is especially noted for their excellent fish and chips and other British fare and also have a shop with a variety of products from across the pond.

We’ll leave MINI of Des Moines at 8 am. After visiting the Grotto we will return through Ames and gather at the Mucky Duck at about 2pm. FYI the Grotto is free but they do encourage donations.

Be sure and bring your fully charged walkies and RSVP by midnight Tuesday, Sept 17th, with the number in your party.