Snowman Village plays host to many festivals over the summer months, but when dozens of \u201cMinis\u201d drive in to town next week it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the only year that an East Meets West Mini Meet will be held in Snowmass Village,\u201d said Robert Montoya, a member of Minis of the Rockies and organizer of the local event. \u201cMinis of the Rockies previously hosted an East Meets West Mini Meet in 1999 in Colorado Springs.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the Mini Meet isn\u2019t just an ordinary car show.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mini is a cute car that everyone seems to love,\u201d Montoya said. \u201cIt\u2019s a British icon that is one of the most influential cars of the 20th century.\u201d <\/p>\n
Indeed, Minis of the Rockies member Peter Kyte\u2019s entire life has long been influenced by the Mini.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s simple \u2014 it was my first car,\u201d the British native said. \u201cAnd then when I immigrated to the states and saw one in Seattle, I had to buy one. And then another and another.\u201d<\/p>\n
By way of background, Minis were introduced in August 1959 as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor by the British Motor Corp., so this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Mini. According to Montoya, the same basic body style was used for 41 years until the end of production in October 2000; BMW recently introduced a new Mini.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll cars are fun, but the Mini car has its own spirit,\u201d Kyte said. \u201cMinis are simple, but they\u2019re built to go fast around corners \u2014 and that\u2019s fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the East Meets West Mini Meet, spectators can expect to see 80-plus Minis cruising around town, up Independence Pass and toward the Maroon Bells. Then, on Tuesday, the Mini enthusiasts \u2014 who are coming to Colorado from places as far-flung as Victoria, British Colombia, Florida and elsewhere \u2014 will stage their cars at Town Park Station for spectators to enjoy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to have Mini Meet in Snowmass,\u201d said Rose Abello, director of Snowmass Tourism. \u201cSnowmass is the perfect place for car enthusiasts and car clubs like Mini because we have such easy access to spectacular drives and gorgeous scenery. Not to mention, they are only a quick drive away from all the activities and events Snowmass has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Montoya agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSnowmass Village and the surrounding region offered everything we were looking for as far as a venue for us,\u201d Montoya said. \u201cA central location, great mountain views, and all of the amenities a resort can offer.\u201d <\/p>\n