1. 33 cars!
2. 5 states represented!!
3. Lots of new friends!!!

1. We had a great time and hope you did as well.
2. Please give us your honest feedback by completing this survey so we can improve on this event.

1. For those that took photos at this event and would like to share, please contact me.
2. View 3 of Clubs Photos here!

On a sunny and warm Friday evening (July 23, 2010) thirty-two colorful Miatas assembled at the Route 66 Hotel in Springfield, Illinois for the 2nd Annual 3 of Clubs event. This year it turned into 3 of Clubs times two as there were cars representing Badgerland, Windy City, Gateway, Big River, Peoria, and the hosts, Abe Lincoln Miata Clubs.

The festivities kicked off at 5 p.m. with a pool party hosted by Abe Lincoln himself. Abe greeted guests and initiated activities that involved tossing Miata beach balls around the pool and bringing everyone together for a group photo. A cash bar added to the fun. Then at 6 p.m., guests dined on hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans until they could eat no more. Some enjoyed the pool while other visited and made new friends.

Saturday morning saw folks cleaning, drying, and papering their little cars then lining up for guided drives. At 8 a.m., all 19 cars with their tops down, left for the northern drive led by Kent Newton. After crossing the Illinois River, the caravan stopped at Dickson Mounds for a short respite. We crossed the river again and made our way through old downtown Havana which features a historic brick water tower. A few curvy roads later, we stopped and dined at a wonderfully staffed eatery called "The Shed" in Biggsville, which is the twin city of Goofyville, IL. The food and service (as well as the lively conversation) was delightful. We were content to take a short siesta but we trekked on to more twisties and lakeside panoramic views with a final stop at the "Trading Post" in Oakwood before returning to Springfield.

Nine cars opted to join Phil and Sally Schafer on a shorter drive with a first stop at the War Memorials and Lincoln's tomb. Then it was off to New Salem to view a short film and wander the reconstructed village. Lunch was at the Morning Star Mercantile and Cafe in Salisbury. On the way back to Springfield, some stopped at the Dana Thomas House (a Frank Lloyd Wright creation) while others returned to the hotel.

Some cars (and their drivers) chose to do a self drive. Following city maps and a set of descriptions of point of interest, they made their way at their own pace to the sites of their choice.

After cooling off and cleaning up, guests gathered for a cool drink and a plentiful buffet dinner of chicken, pork chops, spaghetti and meatballs, veggies, salad and au gratin potatoes. The highlights of the evening included door prizes donated by Mazda (everyone was a winner) and a three-piece combo to provide background music during dinner and dancing after that.

On Sunday, people said good-bye to new friends and old and headed home. The Abe Lincoln Miata Club would like to thank everyone who participated in this, our first ever multi-club event.

--The Abe Lincoln Miata Club

There is another GREAT event coming up very soon.

September 10-12, 2010 is the eleventh annual Midwest Miata Gathering and this year it's being sponsored by the Gateway Miata Club in St. Louis, Missouri! All the details can be found here!!