December 10th

A big nite at Old Town! It was the annual "Toys 4 Tots, Vizion Quest -  Realty FELICIA Christmas Cruise". Santa's Elves greeted all that entered to collect money or an unwrapped toy. Many VIP's to be carted in the parade by the convertibles that come out on a Saturday Nite.

Our trip in our '61 Corvair, "April", started out at about 1:15, Steve came by in his Yellow '29 Model A, "Blanche". On the route we picked up Tony & Sharon in their '69 390 Powered Ranchero, "Lucy". As we entered Old Town we were greeted by Tom and given our copies of "Mike Kelly's Cruise News". On the trip down the bricks Mr Bill & Miss Lisa gave us or registration number, next we encountered Elves, that's right, Santa had them collecting toys for "Vizion Quest" a local organization that will distribute them to kids that might not have a Christmas present.

The streets were already filled with many spectators and the "Osceola Country Realtors" we also assisting in the "Toys 4 Tots" toy drive and many would attend a meeting at 5:00PM in suite 150. Many parking spots were conned off for convertibles that would be carrying tonight's VIP's in the 8:30 Cruise.

The three of us made it to our normal "Spot" behind Black Hills Minerals" in block 4. Shortly after we parked, Ed and Evelyn came in in the '63 Corvair convertible followed by Mike & Carol in the '54 Hudson. Terry would be joining us after the re-opening of the gate at 5:00.

Old Town was well adorned by all of it's Holiday Decorations. Many stores had gift wrapping services set up just inside or out on the side walk, it was sure a bustling little town, very reminiscent of the little town I grew up in Wisconsin.

When the gate opened at 5:00, Terry was the fist car through, he did make it to his spot right next to Mike and Carol. Then the deluge of "Cruisers" came towards us! A non stop line of cars that went on for more than 20 minutes.

Ron & Shirley Hood, that usually park down by the stage, did make it before the 4:00 gate closing, like they usually do. So during the onslaught of cars rolling past us we made room for them between the Model A and our little Corvair. It was nice to have them close by tonight.

The "Drop your Top" gang had at least 9 cars over from Brevard County, I guess they must have followed Rudolph, I mean, "Bob the Red Nosed Parrott Head" over, good job, Bob.

Mike Singer was playing his special mix of humorous holiday songs and our favorite oldies over Old Town Radio, Linda learned the "Hippo" song, Evelyn knew the words. "The Dukes", Jim & Craig, drew a large audience at the corner by the A&W, "The Company" rocked the main stage.

Many of the regulars had their spots* tonight, the "General Store Gang" had just a few of it's regulars, Bob and Marge B., Dan & Liz and Gary & Wanda. Many of the cars were decorated in the sprit of Christmas, all was good on "Trophy Row". With all of the events going on the "Cruise" started only a few minutes late. 265 cars made their way around "Kids Town" lead by Christmas Carolers & Ben Franklin, this months "Cruiser of the Month" to an excited crowd lined along "Deac Hundley Blvd." the kids were all waiting for Santa that was bringing up the tail in a '58 Chevy Impala Convertible.

This was another great night at a place we call our "Home Town" once a week. Thank you to Mike T., Mr. Bill, Miss Lisa, Ron H. and the rest of the "Cruise Staff" for this Holiday event.

On to the Flag Winners

Tonight's random drawing winners that and received the coveted "Old Town Checkered Flag" along with $25 cash, a case of Valvoline 20W50 Racing Oil and a drink from the Tropical Breeze The $50 Cruise-O-Matic was not won so next week it is up to $50. 1 of these 9 lucky winners receive $100 Old Town Cash instead of the regular prize booty.

Congratulations to the Checkered Flag Winners!

Jerry Smith 37 Ford 
Russ Lacerenza 67 Ford 
Jim Chubb 72 Challenger 
Jim Crawford* 50 Jeepster 
Billy Scarborough 66 Chevy 
Richard Moramko 48 Caddy 
Edmund Collazo 59 Plymouth 
Doug Harvey 56 Chevy
John Walker 29 Ford 

Here are a few Photos.

See you "Out There"