Story by Dwight Dawson, Photos by Dale Schiller, Gary Sandusky, Mike Gentry & Bob Chalker

It was a special weekend in October for the HMGCC, being our privilege to host the 2019 Fall Gathering of the Faithful. The Texas-sized event that MG aficionados enjoy once or twice a year was held at old Downtown Katy and several other nearby locations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 17-19, 2019.

Arriving at the Holiday Inn - Katy

The Holiday Inn at Katy Mills Mall was our home base and registration center. Most participants from Dallas, Austin, and other cities north of us stayed there and enjoyed meals and adult beverages in nearby restaurants. The festivities began Thursday with a Nacho & Rita party at Los Cucos, a short walk from the hotel. 

Thursday Night Dinner at Los Cucos

Then Friday morning’s tour on swooping country roads west and south of Katy challenged driving skills in many of the MGs present. In the afternoon, participants enjoyed visiting Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, where owner John Hovas houses an amazing collection of American muscle cars, neon signs and memorabilia in the largest timber structure in Texas. 

The GoF crowd touring Hemi Hideout

Back in Katy, the No Label Brewery was an evening gathering place for thirsty drivers and navigators.

Before the sun was up Saturday morning, heavy dew was being wiped from pristine MG paint of every color. Organized chaos ensued as nearly 70 LBCs were lined up for the caravan to the show site in old Downtown Katy. 

Sunrise over MG's

Every MG stopped en route for a photo with the caboose at the MKT Railroad Museum.

MKT meets MGTD

Photos attest to the wide display of the various classes of MGs parked on the streets near Katy’s historic City Hall. Street vendors of all description filled the Katy Market Day stalls, ensuring sauntering foot traffic from hundreds of admirers of our now little-seen British sports cars.

A couple great views of the show field

MG Expert and Technical Guru John Twist from Michigan spent hours at the show in his “rolling tech session.” A number of lucky GOF participants shared time under the tent with John as he made minor mechanical adjustments. His endless recitation of MG facts and recommendations were informative and entertaining for all who gathered around. 

John Twist sharing his expertise

The traditional awards banquet followed at Midway Barbecue as the sun retired for the day. A silent auction provided distraction during the cocktail hour and a generous buffet dinner followed. The evening closed with awarding of trophies to the winners in the show competition, along with more live auction fun and camaraderie.

A sold out banquet at Midway BBQ

Back at the hotel, participants extended their evening of socializing and storytelling on the patio and other gathering spots. Sunday morning provided yet another great breakfast as MGs rolled out at leisure for the road home.

Back at the hotel, participants extended their evening of socializing and storytelling on the patio and other gathering spots. Sunday morning provided yet another great breakfast as MGs rolled out at leisure for the road home.

The expansive efforts required to plan and produce a GOF were fully realized by Ron Redding, Bob and Kim Chalker, and the dozens of volunteers from the Houston MG Car Club. We have enjoyed the organization and hospitality of other clubs for many years and were pleased to take the lead this year as hosts of the 2019 Fall Gathering of the Faithful. GOFs occur twice a year, and we encourage all HMGCC members to attend and enjoy these great events filled with delicious food, friendly folks and twisting roads. It is truly a time-honored tradition. 

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Departing the Hemi Hideout