IFLBCC’s 3rd Annual Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic to be published in the November issued of British Marque Car Club News. By Brian Davis

Temperatures were inching their way down into the mid-fifties and the leaves were starting to turn brilliant red, yellow and orange as the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club members gathered for their 3rd Annual Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic.

Each year the Club sponsors the cookout at the Sugar Grove Nature Center’s (SGNC) firepit and pavilion. Alan Kleinschmidt made all of the arrangements and somehow even managed to reserve a perfect evening for sitting around the blazing oak fire.

The SGNC is in a beautiful sugar grove, near Funks Grove, IL, off historic Route 66. The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies.

The Flatlander’s arrived around 4:00 in a nice collection of LBCs including MGBs, Jaguars, an Aston Martin and a Mini. Alan already had the firepit blazing as folks started catching up and finding seats on the stone ring that borders the firepit.

Everyone brought their favorite cookout goodies and plenty to share. Jane Chamberlain came prepared with a “boxed beverage” and Denny Elimon provided all of the Smore’s fixings.

As the fire started to die down around 7:00 we made our plans to meet again in a couple of weeks for the 8^th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise on Saturday, October 29. This year we’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way, that MYSTERIOUS private collection they do NOT want to miss!

Upcoming Events

October 29 – 8^th Annual Halloween Cruise. Details at https://iflbcc.club/schedule-of-events/

November 8 – IFLBCC Natter ‘n Noggin. Details at https://iflbcc.club/schedule-of-events/

Drives, Special Events

8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise – October 29, 2022

October 12, 2022 iflbcc

WHAT: A Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!

FOOD AND DRINK: We’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way . . . . that MYSTERIOUS private collection that you do NOT want to miss!

WHERE: The cruise will begin forming at the Circle K station, 2302 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61705, Saturday, October 29th at 10:00 am. We will depart Circle K promptly at 10:15 am. If you can’t make the cruise, please feel free to join us at Haynes on Main for lunch!

After lunch, a group will drive to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. When leaving the Vineyard, those who want to head back can take Rt 9 to Bloomington. Those who want more adventure, you can follow us back along Old Peoria Road and more scenic roads.

WHEN: October 29th, 2022. Lunch at Haynes on Main, Mackinaw, IL will begin approximately 12:00 PM.

WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, our “Surprise” private collection stop, lunch and then our final stop at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 State Rt. 9, Mackinaw, IL with a glass of wine and good friends.

RSVP: RSVP is important so that Haynes on Main can get set up for us. If you have any questions or comments about the event please email Alan Kleinschmidt at [email protected] or call Alan at 309.824.6490

Haynes on Main Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HaynesOnMain/

Mackinaw Valley Winery: https://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/

Special Events

3rd Annual IFLBCC Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic – Sugar Grove Nature Center (Funk’s Grove) – Sat. October 15th

October 10, 2022 iflbcc

WHAT: Join us for the IFLBCC Cruise-in and Picnic at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Historic Funks Grove! The Sugar Grove Nature Center (SGNC) pavilion and firepit provide the perfect Fall setting for a safe and “socially distanced” gathering.

The pavilion has lots of picnic tables and can be partially sheltered if necessary.
SCNC provided privies are available nearby.
Please bring whatever you would like to eat & drink, along with table service for yourselves.
Weiner roasting sticks will be available for use at the FIRE PIT!
Limited seating on the fire pit ring. (Tip: Bring camping chairs?)

From the SGNC website:

The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies. Imagination Grove will not have nets, containers, or toys available for public use. You may bring your own, but please take them with you, along with any trash or other items that you have brought. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and please practice social distancing.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15th, 2022 from 4:00PM to 7:00PMWHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, an afternoon lunch and some Natter ‘n Noggin around the fire with good friends.

BONUS:BRING THOSE BRITISH CARS!

RSVP: If you think you’re coming, please click GOING on the IFLBCC Halloween Weiner Roast event:

https://fb.me/e/1PDffBae7
Sugar Grove Nature Center:https://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/