December 31st

The last Cruise of 2005, Linda and I got to Old Town with Steve in the Model A following closely behind at about 1:45, "Trophy Row" already had quite a large population of Cars and spectators. All most all of the "Regulars" were in their usual spots. The "Drop your Top Gang" had several cars over from Brevard County. Most of the "General Store Gang" was not out tonight. Dan & Liz were, but not in a "Cruiser", family from Michigan wanted to see Old Town and they would not all fit in the Willys.

Trevor, Virginia and Bill Arrived in their '29 Mercedes just about 3:00 and shortly afterwards Ed & Evelyn came in in the Corvair. Mike brought out his 54 Hudson Hornet just before 4:00, Ron & Shirley came in the Blue '53 Chevy and were sent all the way to the top of block 1. Gary & Wanda had Ben Franklin's normal spot, he was down in front of the "Central Auto" shack, with his 30 Ford Tudor as this was his last Cruise as "Cruiser of the Month".

It was good to see many of the Cruisers that had not been out in a few weeks, Dave and Arleen had many "Holiday Duties" and had not been out in a while. Many survivors of "Big John's" Christmas party were finally making it back, including "Big John" himself. There were quite a few cars that I had never seen in the many years that I have attended this event, it is always good to see "New" Cruisers join in with us.

I had incorrect information about they "Toy Drive" it was for "Home for the Holiday's" that is part of the "Osceola County Council on Ageing" Saturday Nite's regular Charity, sorry about the miss-information.

Most of the "Cruise Staff" was back with us tonight. Always good to see their smiling faces, Mr. Bill and Miss Lisa were very busy registering nearly 300 Cars for the enormous crowd of spectators that had assembled on this picture perfect, sunny warm Florida, last day of 2005.

Right on time the long parade of cars made it's way around "Kids Town" on to the bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." lead for the last time of his tenure, Ben Franklin in his 1930 Model A Street Rod pulling the ever present Coca Cola Trailer. The crowd roared as the cars rolled past them, on this, the 800th running of the "Saturday Nite Cruise"© since the first Cruise, some 15 1/2 years ago, Rain or Shine and / or Holiday's nothing, except for 2 Hurricanes in '04 have ever stopped this tradition here in Central Florida. Linda and I are proud to be part of this event, every Saturday Nite for the last 3 years and that I have been part of, off and on since the beginning, in many other cars as well as a spectator.

Thank You to Old Town and the Cruise Staff for another great day out with old friends and new ones as well.

We left before the Night's New Years Celebration, Priscilla our 14 year old Pomeranian needed some attention with us being gone all day.

Happy New Year!

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 Canrell 71 Chevelle
Bill Henry 67 Mustang
Dave Galusha 34 Ford
Dennis Manrie 67 Vette
Carl Becker 67 VW
Terry Lebo 41 Chevy
Herbert Handon 66 Ford Pickup
Erika Kaiser 59 Caddy
Bob Andrews 64 Falcon

Here are a few photos.

See you in Saint Cloud for the Wednesday Nite Cruise-In at Magnolia Square, Thursday Nite Cruise-In at the Wal-Mart / Sonic then next week right back here at Old Town.