50 Years of Spridgets, Lake of the Ozarks, MO (Jun 26-29, 2008) - Pictures

This was a very special event, not only in that it occurs but once in 50 years, but that it was conceived for those who have a special place in their hearts (and garages) for the beloved Sprite and/or Midget. The 1600 mile round trip was a small price to pay for the the joy of participating in the 50th anniversary celebration, along with a couple hundred of my new best friends. The cars were the stars, but many new friendships were also made and a good time was had by all. There was something for everyone...as long as your desires were for things Spridget! I trailered my '73 Midget to the event and that in itself was an undertaking. As I motored along a stretch of historic Route 66 outside St. Louis, my mind wandered back to a simpler time. Arriving at the lake the scenery was spectacular. Even rain couldn't dampen spirits very much; it was a hearty and pleasant bunch of folks. The day of the car show I was so wrapped up in the cars that I completely forgot about taking photos; I did manage to snap a few later that afternoon, between showers, and you can view them here. My Midget was given the honor of spending one rainy evening on display in the hotel lobby. This was a first for me and my car and was really a great idea. We shared the privilege with three Bugeyes that also did lobby duty on other days.

Of all the events I've attended, this ranks as a most memorable. The planning and execution are a tribute to the work of a few very talented folks, and the cars seen and friendships made, a life-long blessing.

MG International 2006, Gatlinburg, TN (Jun 21-25, 2006) - PICTURES

     This MG only gathering occurs but once every five years. This is the third such convocation; MG1996 was held in Indianapolis, IN and MG2001 in St. Paul, MN. The event is a combined effort of the national MG registers (NAMMMR - North American MMM Register, NEMGTR - New England MGT Register, NAMGAR - North American MGA Register, NAMGBR - North American MGB Register, and AMGCR - American MGC Register. The local host club for MG2006 was the East Tennessee MG Drivers Club. With the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a backdrop and the facilities available in Gatlinburg, TN, this had to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Click on the PICTURES link for a photo tour of the MG2006 car show. For additional information go to http://www.mg2006.com/.

Euroautofest 2005, Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (Oct. 14-16, 2005) - PICTURES

     The Euroautofest is amazing. Never have I seen the quality, variety and number (400 est.) of European vehicles. I attended the event in 2004 but had just purchased the '73 Midget and did not show it. I went back the year with the car; had a GREAT day, saw some awesome cars, met some really nice people, and took "First In Class" for MG6 - Midgets. This annual event is hosted by BMW at the huge, new, assembly plant located between Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina on I-85. Plan to attend!

Independence Day Parade, Colbert GA (Usually on July 4th, this year on the 2nd) - PICTURES

The Varsity, Athens GA (monthly during the summer) - 06/04/05 Cruise - PICTURES

     I did my first Varsity Cruise on August 7, 2004...it was a blast. The event is put on by Streetmaster's Car Club of Athens, GA and took place on a Saturday afternoon at the Varsity. For those who don't know, the Varsity is a landmark in both Atlanta and Athens, GA. An old style drive-in; dogs, fries, and frosted orange; 50s-60s tunes blaring; and 140 cars from mild to wild; what more could you want? I was in the company of a lot of big block Chevys, Fords, and Mopar...and one little MG...DISTINCTIVE! It was a great day with good company and lots of fun. One lady and her daughter walked up, she gazed for a LONG time at the MG; first under the hood, the trunk, and finally the interior. After several minutes she looked up from across the car to where I was sitting, the music was loud so I couldn't hear what she said, but I could read her lips...M Y    F I R S T    C A R !!! I walked over and said "mine too, '65, red with black interior". Another fellow stopped by chat; said he had done several local cruises in his 1971 Midget, but was so outnumbered. He did say he'd make the next one, if I promised to be there...safety in numbers. Turns out that John is one of the finest people you'd ever care to meet; I look forward to hanging out with him at every event possible. Then there was the gentleman from Dacula, a small town between Athens and Atlanta. Seems that last year he followed up on a two line ad in the Atlanta Constitution and found in Macon the proverbial car in the barn. His find was a '59 Bugeye Sprite that he's now restoring. Oh, and Larry from Carnesville, 40 minutes north of Athens. He's had an MG TC for a number of years and has gotten into the British Car tool business as a result of trying to find tools for his car. I could go on. All in all a great day.

     I'll be doing as many cruises to the "V" as possible this and every summer...its great.

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PEP Boys, Athens GA (Sept. & Oct., 2004) - PICTURES

     This is the same venue as the Varsity Cruise, just an alternate location used on days when the Georgia Bulldog fans are in town. The Sept. 5, 2004 cruise was great. In spite of the hurricane in Florida, the weather in Athens was superb. The cruise was put on by the same folks that do the Varsity Cruise (above), Streetmaster's Car Club of Athens, GA, so it was a good time. From 1 to 4:30 in the afternoon, it should have been HOT, but in fact, never made it to 90!

The Mitty (historic racing), Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, (April/May) - PICTURES 2005

Atlanta British Motorcar Day at Chateau Elan - 2005 -  I-85 Between Atlanta and Commerce GA (May) - PICTURES

     This was my first major event to show the Midget, and what an event it was. "British Motorcar Day" is an annual event; this one took place May 7, 2005 and is hosted by Chateau Elan in conjunction with several Atlanta car clubs including the Peachtree MG Registry. This is a large event that draws 400+ cars, vendors, and lots of spectators. Be sure to check out the pictures to see some amazing cars and to find out how the Midget did.

Cruise on the Square - Washington, GA May 12, 2005 - PICTURES

     This is one of those events that's just plain fun. A small town where everyone knows each other and you couldn't begin to guess what will show up at the cruise, from a 1954 Mack Diesel truck to a Jag "D" Type. The photo page will give you an idea of what I'm talking about. This is a twice a year event, spring and fall, that I do not intend to miss.

Elberton, GA Cruise-in - 2005 - PICTURES

     A fun cruise to a small town square; all types of cars, trucks, and motorcycles...and a wonderful mix of some really fine folks...small town USA!

E-mail Ray at ray@raysmg.com about MG interests you may share.