August 12th

So it was hot, that is why I moved to Florida some 26 years ago. Linda traveled half way round the world to live here  to be warm. Today we had to leave a little earlier because we needed to by-pass Old Town to make our way to the Dr. Philips area of Orlando. Steve Mc would meet us at 2:00. Tonight marks our 194th consecutive Saturday Nite at Old Town. For me it is not only the cars it is Old Town it self and the people that come out each week, I grew up in a small Midwestern town were everyone knew every one else, strangers were only people you haven't met yet. Linda always had admired the "American Cars" in movies. She would always drag the family to Old Town to see the cars when they were on vacation from England. She never thought that she would actually be a participant of this event.

When we arrived at the gate just before 2:00, Ron was at his post, the news on his son was promising, lots of re-habilitation and a long way back but he is a fighter like Ron. Tommy was filling in for Mr. Bill at registration. "Trophy Row" was not very populated once again because of the heat, I would imagine. The "Die Hards" were in place, Big John was back in town. Gary & Kathy had the XL right around the corner from the Cruise Office. Steve Mc arrived about 2:10 and joined us in Block 4. Bob & Margoire and Chuck & Bridgette were the only "General Store Gang" out tonight. So it was the Camaro and the '57 Chevy Wagon mixed in with the other Cruisers. Dan is still out of town, Big Jim has been to HOT. Ron & Rose must just be busy. We waited until it was time to head out to "Flippers" to eat to deliver the newsletters. Even then not to many "Regulars" out. Larry was the only one in the "Looney Bin" he said the others were going to wait 'til it cooled off a bit to come out. So it was before 4:00 when we ordered. While waiting for our meals, I spotted Tony & Marianne in their new Saturday Car for their first ever Cruise. They have been Friday Nite Cruisers for may years.

On our walk back, there had been several of the other regulars that made their way to "Trophy Row", Old Town was bustling with spectators, the shops were very busy. Then after the gates re opened at 5:00 the flow of cars was very steady, no big rush. I then backtracked to give a few more newsletters out and to take one up to Mike Singer at Old Town radio. Richard was up there requesting some special tunes in memory of Elvis' death nearly 30 years ago. Mike (Happy Birthday on the 16th, Mike) & Jim from Tennessee stopped by for the evening. They got the motor home running so they will be going back up there next week.

By the closing of the gate at 8:00 there were more than 200 cars at the ready to "Hit the Bricks" after a a few safety announcements by Mike Singer and after the Playing of "America" by Elvis. The 842nd running of the "Saturday Nite Cruise©" rolled past "Kids Town" onto "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a cheering crowd of spectators lining the sidewalks and Boulevard.

Thank You to our fellow "Cruisers", Old Town, the merchants of Old Town and the entire Cruise Staff for letting us be their guests for another great day in "Town". Thank You to all of the sponsors for letting this tradition continue into it's 17th year.

Tonight's random drawing winners that and received the coveted "Old Town Checkered Flag" along with $25 cash, A Case of Oil from NAPA and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.

842/194/10
 

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