Fans of the iconic MINI flocked to Montreal recently to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of MINI in Canada. This was the fourth, big, MINI Invasion. Owners and fans of the brand gather together to celebrate all things MINI. The inaugural event took place in 2010 in Toronto. Since then, MINI fans have also “Stormed the Fort” in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2014, and “Headed for the Hill” in Ottawa in 2015. The 2017 event kicked off at various rally points across Ontario and Quebec, though some cars came from as far away as Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Boston and Cleveland.

MINI fans then rallied to Circuit ICAR for a parade lap on the race track and a show-and-shine with the rest of their MINI family. Attendees could see what a MINI is truly capable of by taking a drive around the track with Alain Lauziere of the Canadian Touring Car Championship. They could also see which MINI won the MINI Invasion Design Competition, a contest which challenged MINI retailers to create the ultimate custom MINI using original MINI parts, accessories and unique customizations. After the votes were tallied, a 2017 MINI Cooper S 3 door from MINI Markham earned the title “Best Dressed MINI.” Boasting a Volcanic Orange and Carbon Fibre exterior, a Carbon Black Leatherette interior, a JCW ProSport Brake Retrofit Kit and a 17-inch Track Spoke Wheel Set, it was a great example of the inherent spirit associated with MINI vehicles and the MINI community.

The day concluded with an exclusive party at Arsenal in the heart of Montreal. Featuring great food, live entertainment, a caricaturist, and various prizes, MINI fans from six to sixty celebrated well into the evening. In total, 324 MINIs and 593 people participated in the weekend’s festivities.

“This was an amazing celebration,” said Andrew Scott, director, MINI Canada. “MINI Invasion confirmed what I’ve known all along: That MINI has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the industry. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have such a strong community, and were absolutely thrilled to celebrate this incredible brand with them.”