Southern Illinois Mustang Association Celebrates 25th Anniversary

        June 12, 2002 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Southern Illinois Mustang Association.  The inaugural meeting was held at Belk park at Wood River, IL.  Since then over 300 SIMA members have praised the Mustang tradition.  Early members enthusiastically promoted our beloved pony car by holding picnics, shows, car washes, swap meets, rallies and tours.  High performance Mustangs excelled (accelerated) at the Drag strip as well as on the street.  SIMA Caravans were formed to travel to National Mustang shows.  SIMA was well represented when they showed, whether at home or across the borders.

            Our 25th Anniversary Mustang car show & swap meet was held at Roberts Ford in Alton, IL on July 19 & 20th.   We had an increase of approximately 50 Show cars over 2001.  SIMA along with its neighboring Mustang clubs  sponsored Route 66 cruises to the show site on Friday, July 19.    Each show participant received a free show "T" shirt and a free lunch.   Although the weather is always hot at our annual show, area Mustang enthusiasts turned out this year in record numbers.  We give special kudos and thanks to the Stallions Mustang club of St. Louis and the Central Illinois Mustangers of mid- Illinois.   Also special kudos and thanks to all who helped judge at this years show.