December 17th

When we arrived at about 2:00PM our little Corvair was the 5th car, Tony & Sharon's Ranchero was the 6th to arrive, at Old Town. I guess everyone that wasn't in Plant City today actually believed the weatherman. He stated an 80% chance of rain.

As we rolled onto "Trophy Row", we figured that there might not be enough Cars our tonight to even cross Florida Plaza so we turned to the left and headed up to the overhang on the West side of block 1 behind the "Santa and Company" the Christmas Store. Ben Franklin was not in his normal spot, he still has his special "Cruiser of the Month" parking for 2 more weeks. This was going to be a nite without several of our "Regulars". Steve & Cheryl went to Atlanta to get "Murphy's" transmission. Ed & Evelyn couldn't get out of their flooded yard. Trevor couldn't get anyone to bring him out because Bill was not feeling well and Ginny is out of town.

By 4:00 there were still only 18 cars in place. John Cain, Bob & Marge where in their "Regular Spots". Ron Moffitt was out for the first time in a while, good seeing him out. He said he will be joining us again on Thursday Nites.

Tony, Sharon, Linda and I walked around the store for a while stopping in a few stores we have not been in for a while. There really are a lot of nice places to shop. All of the Christmas decorations we sparkling on this dreary day. We stopped by "Old Town Leather" for a bit, this great shop has all things "Harley Davidson" and more on it's many racks of leather good plus many other great ideas, including Native American made goods for Christmas shopping.

This weather must not have been to inviting for the "Drop Your Top" gang, nor the "General Store Gang" none were seen. Bob, Larry & Cris as well as Butch & Stephanie were not around either. Plenty of spectators were anxiously awaiting more cars. Mike and Kathy T. snuck out of town for a Holiday break. "Big" John didn't have a car in his "Regular spot". Joe & Kay nor Louie and Linda were out either. This was kinda of a lonely nite for the Cruise Staff. I guess it is the Holiday Season and family responsibilities. Even Tony & Sharon won't be with us next week as they are headed on a road trip to Wisconsin. Linda & I will spend our Christmas Eve and New Years eve with our "Family" right here at Old Town.

After we got back from a meal at Flipper's Pizza, where Brandy, our favorite waitress, treated us with her great table side manner. The gate opened a few minutes after we walked down to the "General Store". This rush was only 4 cars long. About 6:15 Ron in his Corvair and John in his Mustang joined us in block 1. Dog and Trish came in in the Bronco and the GTO. Gary and Wanda showed up in "Remember When" their '55 Chevy. Bob Nagro rolled in with his '36 Ford shortly after that. I had to do all of the "Corvair Tours" as Ed nor Evelyn were there to take that responsibility.

Mike Singer played his mix of "Oldies" and Holiday Music over Old Town Radio. "The Dukes" had a private party so the corner by the A&W was silent. The 3-D Band came on the main stage at 7:00 to rock the large crowd of spectators and the "Old Town Dancers" surely enjoyed them.

Right on time, 8:32PM, Richard S. at point in place of Mike T. got the "We're Cruising" from Mr. Bill and the 76 cars made their way to "Deac Hundley Blvd." to roll past the large crowd of spectators. It may not have been very many cars tonight, that was hard to tell by the the response of the crowd.

Thank you Joe R, Mr. Bill, Miss Lisa, Richard S. (fill in for Mike T.) the rest of the Cruise Staff , Merchants and sponsors for another great day at Old Town and especially the tradition that is "The Saturday Nite Cruise©".

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!

Bob & Marge Melendy* 40 Buick
Bob Juarbe 69 Nova
John Cain 55 Chevy
E. Dave Humphreys 29 Model A Replica
Rafael Rouse* 71 Vette
Gary & Wanda Thompson* 55 Chevy
Anthony Fisher 68 Mustang
"Soopey" ?? 61 London Bus
Greg Lombardo 40 Ford

Here are a few Photos.

See You next week at the Wednesday Nite Cruise-In at Magnolia Square, Thursday Nite Cruise-In takes next week off, then Christmas Eve right back here at Old Town.