Each February people from all over the country get together for one of Florida's largest
all Mini/MINI events, Spring Thing organized by FLAME also known as Florida Mini Enthusiasts.
It's hard to believe it started with just a handful of Minis back in 1996 long before BMW 
introduced the new MINI.  Considering the poor economy, we had a decent turn out with over 
85 cars registered. Past events have brought well over 100 cars.   We had attendance from as 
far away as Chicago and Scotland that joined us in sunny Cocoa Beach for the weekend's events.   
Cars and trailers started rolling in Friday for early registration.  Each car that registered 
received a goodie bag and a colorful beach towel printed with the FLAME logo. That evening 
everyone got together for dinner at Fishlips Waterfront Grill for some local grub and live 
entertainment.

    Saturday morning the swap meet was held in the hotel's Northwest parking lot.  A few of us
cleaned out our garages to make room for more Minis.  We made some money while others searched 
for bargains.   Around 10a.m. we lined up for the scavenger hunt planned by our locals Rocky 
and Janet.   It was an enjoyable and scenic drive around the Cocoa Beach area.  The rally ended 
at Kelly Park for a fabulous lunch by the bay.  The afternoon brought on the funkana in the 
Southeast parking lot back at the hotel.   Dion, Melanie, Dean, and Malcolm organized the 
timed relay which had to be run in a new or classic Mini.  The theme was "Beach Party".  
Drivers  and passengers had to work together to stay within the cones, get out and dance with 
Melanie to some beach tunes, shoot some hoops, drag a surf board, then end on the lounge chairs 
where everyone had to get out of the car and soak up some sun.  The fastest time with the least 
cones knocked over received a trophy.  It was as much fun to watch as it was to drive the course.  
That night we all gathered around the registration room to view some Mini themed movies including 
the Bank Job. 

    Sunday is what we had all been waiting for, to show off our cars.  We had a great mix of Mokes, 
pick-ups, Riley's, Clubman's and convertibles.  The trophies, hand crafted by Paul and Joyce were 
a reflection of the beach party theme.  The weather was beautiful.  It turned out to be a mildly 
warm and sunny day.   Nick's hot wheels Woody and Dean's camouflage Moke were some of the unique 
trophy winners.  Our friends from the South, Minis of Miami also cleaned up at the awards show.  
We had a silent auction with items donated by our generous sponsors and FLAME members.  
The auction helped raise over $660 for the American Cancer Society and Junior Diabetes Research
Foundation.  

    We hope that you will join us next February 2011 where Spring Thing 16 is scheduled to be held
in Cocoa Beach, Florida.  To see more on this or future events visit  www.flamemini.net.
 
									Gwen Bowen