The evening also featured breakdancing and DJ performances, graffiti show, go karting, raffles, charity BBQ, and a “fashion shoot,” where Mini lovers could pose with a special 50th Anniversary Mini.
The event also raised money for The Remix Project, an organization that gives so-called “at risk” youth a second chance, by allowing them to explore arts and culture, and mentoring them on how to run businesses in the art and culture industries.
Cappella told us that the event was the brainchild of Jason Huang, Mini Operations Manager, Central Region. Huang was also the main organizer.
Cappella also noted that once the event was on, and advertised on a special website looking for registrants… “It basically filled up in about 24 hours.”
Many of the registrants sent pictures, depicting many aspects of Mini culture, such as getting pulled over by the police, slogging through snow, and carrying large objects on the roof.
“All fun stuff, which gets to the heart of the Mini,” says Cappella. “People just love it, and love having fun with it.”
Jack Empson and his wife, Laurie, were one of several that drove from New York State to attend the birthday party in Toronto.
He echoed Cappella’s assessment of Mini’s essential characteristic, that of “fun provider.”
“It’s just a lot of fun to drive… I’ve had a lot of cars over the years, but never one that drives like this… It’s as much fun to drive as a go kart, and it’s street legal.”
Another way people enjoy the Mini, is through customizing. Every Mini in attendance, whether first generation or the current one, seemed to make a personal statement on behalf of its owner; like the person who made a computer in the exact image of his red Mini.
Owners like that contribute to the Mini legend, and made it a fun for everyone who attended this event, the largest Mini gathering in Canadian history.
photo:Mike Goetz
 |
| The stars were definitely out for the occasion. Austin Powers seemed happy to be there, though didn’t say much. |
The event also raised money for The Remix Project, an organization that gives so-called “at risk” youth a second chance, by allowing them to explore arts and culture, and mentoring them on how to run businesses in the art and culture industries.
Cappella told us that the event was the brainchild of Jason Huang, Mini Operations Manager, Central Region. Huang was also the main organizer.
Cappella also noted that once the event was on, and advertised on a special website looking for registrants… “It basically filled up in about 24 hours.”
Many of the registrants sent pictures, depicting many aspects of Mini culture, such as getting pulled over by the police, slogging through snow, and carrying large objects on the roof.
“All fun stuff, which gets to the heart of the Mini,” says Cappella. “People just love it, and love having fun with it.”
Jack Empson and his wife, Laurie, were one of several that drove from New York State to attend the birthday party in Toronto.
He echoed Cappella’s assessment of Mini’s essential characteristic, that of “fun provider.”
“It’s just a lot of fun to drive… I’ve had a lot of cars over the years, but never one that drives like this… It’s as much fun to drive as a go kart, and it’s street legal.”
Another way people enjoy the Mini, is through customizing. Every Mini in attendance, whether first generation or the current one, seemed to make a personal statement on behalf of its owner; like the person who made a computer in the exact image of his red Mini.
Owners like that contribute to the Mini legend, and made it a fun for everyone who attended this event, the largest Mini gathering in Canadian history.
 |
| This trio arrived early, to get second row “seats” for The Italian Job. Left to right: Michael Smith, Bonita Hakim, Jelena Tolusic. |
photo:Mike Goetz
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