Yes indeed, after many years the two MG clubs in Chicago joined forces again for a real MG Holiday Party. The weather cooperated, something that we haven't enjoyed the last couple of years. Therefore we had no traffic related last minute cancellations. And we had more reservations than ever. In total 81 people from the Vintage MG Car Club of Chicago and the Chicagoland MG Club came to the Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. The program for the evening follows a more or less similar pattern every year. And that's exactly why I personally like the event so much. The bar opened at 6:30 and everybody enjoyed seeing so many old and new faces in the spirit of the Holiday Season. It is always great to welcome the members that somehow didn't make it to a lot of activities this past season, or

members who moved out of town are only able to join us once in a while. It was actually so nice that the owner of the establishment had to come out and help the waiting staff to get us seated so that they could start serving the food.
After the dinner, Jim Evans and Win Gould, President Elect of the Vintage group spent a few words to welcome all of the guests. And soon it was time for the Abingdon Players and the Singing Magnettes. This spontaneously casted troupe has no time to practice and there is no specific theater or musical experience required. Jim and Lois Evans carefully select the cast while sipping on their cocktails before dinner starts. And they always find the greatest actors and singers among the members and guests. This year, Gene and Becky Cooper (members since the very early beginnings, who flew in from Minneapolis to celebrate with their home town club) played the main roles in The Lucas Zone, a special rendition of the Wizard of Oz. Jim also picks a few supporting actors and the Singing Magnettes do a quick practice run in the ladies room with Lois. The result is always outstanding and this year the musical was very much enjoyed by all.

A few drinks at TJ’s after the Holiday Party

We also had the usual grab bag raffle and door prizes, donated by the two organizing MG clubs, Triple C, Classic MG Magazine, University Motors, and Victoria British. And with a great team of assistants to pick and deliver the prizes it wasn't boring or took too much time. After the formal festivities a few groups, who were lucky enough to have a designated driver, were able to meet for a couple of drinks at TJ's Halftime, a small sports bar right down the street from the banquet place. And as always, at the end of the evening I was fully engaged in the Holiday Season. I was ready to go shopping the next morning while still thinking about another great MG holiday evening.
Thanks to Diana for being the co-organizer, David Ransom for working with the banquet facility, The Abingdon Players and the Singing Magnettes for the entertainment and, Shirley and Henneke for making the raffles run so smoothly.

Left: Gene and Becky star as Mary and John in the “Lucas Zone”