Trip to Winona - Part 2

After checking into our hotel, not the event hotel (too expensive and we found a sweet deal for 1/2 for the price...turned out to be corporate rate... whatever, cheaper none the less!), we headed over to the event hotel to register. Unsure of what to expect, the parking lot was a sight to see. Beside the front entrance, two Minis were getting beautified. Unfortunately, the main entrance to the hotel parking lot was a bit of a disaster for a small, low-to-the-ground car. A massive bump lead to some scraping and the holding of breath until a check that no fluids and/or exhaust had been left behind came up clear. That was soon forgotten as the side parking lot appeared and so did the Minis. All makes, models, colors and license plates were sitting side-by-side creating a Mini-lover's paradise. We parked the car and began the tour. Being the only old Mini in our town, to see so many in one spot was almost too much to behold. We soon met up with friends from Manitoba and compared travel stories and then went over to the Welcome Reception. There was definitely a buzz in the air as food and drinks were served, people chatted and movie clips containing Minis were posted on the big screen. Mini Meet Day One came to a close and we looked forward to what Day Two would bring... the Show & Shine.