Since the event was cancelled and we already have swag prepared for this year’s event, we’ve called an audible and set up a store to order the goods. The store will be live for 2 weeks and close on June 24th. Shipping and handling is a flat $9 per order. We aim to have them in your hands by the originally planned dates of MATG XXIV.
As an added bonus, the first 100 orders of the MATG Swag Pack (MATG XXIV T-shirt, MATG XXIV 3.5″ decal, and MATG keychain), will receive a MATG XXIV dash plaque for free. The dash plaque is not available separately, and can only be obtained by being one of the first 100 to order the Swag Pack.
We also have added a new MATG t-shirt that we are planning on stocking for future events. The design of this one WILL change in the future, so get this design while it’s available.
The store is hosted by Square, a well known and trusted credit/debit card processing company, so security is top-notch.
The store is available here:
https://miatasatthegap.square.site/
After much trial and tribulation, we’ve come to the hardest decision we’ve had to make in quite some time. Due to a confluence of unfortunate circumstances outside of our control, it is with heavy hearts that we are cancelling MATG XXIV.
As you may already be aware, there have been a few rumors about the status of our host, Fontana Village Resort. We are saddened to learn that the situation is as bad as we all feared. Fontana Village, Inc. has decided to cease operations, and to terminate the lease they hold with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which owns Fontana Village’s land and buildings. The TVA, as well as our host community of Graham County, NC, have been very open and honest with us throughout the past few days. We appreciate their candor and coordination with us throughout the process.
It has become apparent that finding a new operator for the resort village in time to open lines of communication, establish relationships with the new staff, and negotiate on behalf of all of you would be impossible to realize. This, combined with the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic will allow for safe reopening to outdoor gatherings of more than 25 but no more than 100, leaves us with no other option.
We are making this announcement as soon as possible in the hope that anyone who has a reservation, and/or purchased gift cards from Fontana Village Resort, can seek a refund and make alternative plans for the time normally spent with us. You can contact them at info@fontanavillage.com, or by calling 800-849-2258.
We understand that our decisions don’t necessarily dictate yours, and that many people may still plan to attend the most Unofficial Official Miata gathering of all time. We ask that all of you represent MATG by being respectful, keeping it between the mustard and the mayo, and patronizing all of the local establishments that make this area the wonderful sports car destination it is.
In closing, we are saddened to make this announcement. Miata owners are a great community, and we do what we do because we love to enrich, support, and grow along with you. We were looking forward to unveiling some new things to you in 2020, but as this year continues to do, a curve ball was headed down the pike. We look forward to seeing you all in 2021 for MATG’s 25th anniversary, and what we know will be the biggest and best MATG yet.
Safe travels, and we’ll see ya when we see ya on the Dragon.
With just over two months (!!!!) to go until we descend upon our favorite mountain roads we would like to invite all of you to share your favorite, and even less than favorite, MATG images with us! We have been compiling all of our images and would love if you added yours to our Flickr so everyone can reflect back on how much fun was had over the past 24 years!.
You can find our Flickr group at the link below to get started.
Like our favorite hairstyle to make fun of; business up front; and well more of a PSA than a party out back… We plan to see all of you coming up in August; please make sure to follow our main page and also mark that you’re interested or going to the event on Facebook to keep up with the latest information from MATG!
Now, while we normally like to be happy-go-lucky, there are occasionally some things that need to be addressed. We would like to do a bit of a PSA to our fans and anyone else who may come across this post as it has been a hot topic on social pages for the area lately.
The single MOST important rule on this public road is to “Keep it between the mustard and the mayo”, colloquially. In other words, STAY IN YOUR LANE. The entire 11 mile stretch of US 129 and many of the other roads in the area are marked as No Passing. While the coast may look clear there is never any guarantee that someone isn’t coming the other direction at a high rate of speed.
We need to remember that after all, this is a public road with many tourists, cruisers, rockets, Miatae and other vehicles that all have a family that wants us to come home safe.
Out of an abundance of caution…. no, wait, that’s not right. With only 84 days left until Dragon Hunting Season, we thought we’d take a minute to discuss lunch plans during MATG.
Due to an overwhelming positive response, we will be issuing gift cards again in the swag bags from registration. The gift cards are good for food and beverage (no alcohol or gratuity) anywhere in Fontana Village. This includes the Marina, Pitstop, Wildwood Grill, General Store, Pool Bar, and the Bistro. Cards are valid for 1 year.
Hope to see you in August at the 24th annual MATG!
Don’t fret just yet, MATG XXIV is still planned to continue as scheduled.
With 86 days remaining until Miatas at the Gap 2020, we thought we’d provide a little update on the situation around Graham and Swain Counties in western North Carolina. Graham County has reopened all borders and roads, reopened lodgings and restaurants, and lifted their curfew. Swain County is still limiting restaurants to take-out only, but has reopened retail and lodging businesses.
That said, the local governments are still encouraging all residents and visitors to exercise caution and common sense when it comes to safety, and to maintain social distancing. We aren’t back to the way things were before the virus outbreak, but things are improving.
Also, we are maintaining contact with both Graham County and Fontana Village Resort so we can have all the latest information. That way we are better able to make correct decisions and keep all MATG Miataphiles safe! We hope to see you in August!
First things first, a bit of business; we are still continuing, as planned, to see you in August. Contact with both government and lodging officials is being maintained and we will keep you as up-to-date as possible here.
That being said, today leaves us with only 91 days until MATG XXIV. Every year brings even more Miatas to Ground Zero than the last. Among those hundreds of cars, we all have our favorites. Be it a classic NA in immaculate condition, a wildly modified kart or monster, an all-out race car, or beater with an unusual paint job. There are always those cars we love seeing each year as they come back to Miatas at the Gap.
What are YOUR favorite Gap Miatas (Or Miata based cars)?
With only 98 days left until MATG XXIV starts we’re feeling nostalgic. We’d love to see and hear about your favorite MATG memories over the years. For some it’s friends, for others it could be rare cars, the vendors or even the drives. Share those stories and photos with all of us!!!
To quell some of the rumors floating around… MATG XXIV has not been cancelled. We are maintaining contact with Graham County and Fontana Village Resort to ensure we have the most up-to-date information. In the event plans change, we will notify everyone ASAP via social media and on GapMiatas.com
So, please share all your favorite memories of MATG while we look forward to August! Until then, we’re less than 100 days out and shivering with antici……pation.
As we’re all hoping for brighter skies in the upcoming weeks we wanted to share a bit of good on your social feed! As most attendees are aware we raffle off a bunch of products from our vendors and sponsors each year as an unofficial MATG send off. Each year we choose a benefactor for the money we generate in ticket sales. In a few of the recent years it has been the Blount County Rescue Squad.
Otherwise known as those who save our bacon when we need it the most, they’re a full on volunteer EMS crew and your donations have helped to buy them a new emergency response rig. So when you see this out on the Dragon during your next run you can feel a sense of pride in knowing that you’ve directly contributed to the well-being of your fellow Gap riders and drivers!
Please keep them in mind during this year’s MATG and make sure you support the raffle for the local rescue squads!
As we all adapt to our new ‘normal’ daily routines we hope you all are safe and well. We’d also like to wish all of you a safe and Happy Easter!
We’ve seen a few questions keep popping up as of late, so we’d like to take this time to pass along some info. So far there have been several event cancellations for this year but as of right now we are still planning on hosting all of you at Fontana in August. As some may be aware thanks to several media outlets, Graham County still has their borders closed to all but residents and necessary commercial traffic. This also means that our host is closed, as well as any other lodging options in Graham and Swain counties. U.S. 129 is still accessible from the TN side and to date is still open to Killboy and DGMR.
We are still keeping in close contact with Fontana Village to stay well informed and keep a close eye on the virus situation. Fontana Village has ensured us that they are taking all possible precautions to prevent the possible spread of any and all viruses and bacteria.
TL:DR…
At this time, MATG XXIV is still going on as planned. As we gather further information, and make decisions regarding MATG, we will pass it along as soon as possible.
