August 19th

There was a 40% chance that rain would not come down on the Cruise tonight. The trip to Plant City by some was canceled due to the fact that there was this slight chance of no rain. Linda and I headed out for the 195th tie to Old Town to take in the Cruise, Tony & Sharon would join us later, When we arrived at about 2:00 Lee was at the Gate, Ron would be on duty a little later, Mr. Bill signed us in as usual. As we turned the corner at the clock then down to "Trophy Row" we noticed that there were not very many cars out yet. We first parked in Block 3 next to Roger, it looked as though block 4 wasn't going to be open. We both went to where Richard, Joe and Gary C. were standing to see what was up. Bob, Larry & Butch were right behind them in the "Looney Bin". There were a few of the Red Liners and Rat Pack in place by Bob's Buick, Marge wasn't feeling well today so Bob was on his own. Ralph and Shirley were out, "Eddie and the Cruizers" were playing tonight, they like to hear them play. We then moved the Corvair to it's regular spot in Block 4, people wouldn't know where to find us if we were in Block 3. Bill & Doris stopped in to pick up a few newsletters. Sharon called to say they would meet us at Flippers at just after 4:00.

As we made our way to "Flippers" a few more regulars had made their way onto "Trophy Row". Tony called on the way in the Ranchero, with their meal order as we sat down. Annette came out to serve us, Brandy was busy inside, Jane said hello to us when Brandy came out and wondered where her Birthday presents were. The meal arrived just minutes after Tony and Sharon arrived. Annette took good care of us. Tony headed to get the Ranchero from the "Waiting Area" because the gate was just opening. Tony & Marianne were right behind him and Bobby G. was also in the line with his '54 Chevy. Linda, Sharon & I walked down "Trophy Row" and dropped off a few more newsletters, including a trip to Old Town Radio to drop off a new copy to Mike Singer. I then talked in length with John B. about his trip on Route 66 that he returned from just a week ago. In fact he was still taking some of the dust from the Painted Desert off his vintage 'Vette. Look for a story from him in an up coming issue.

Gary & Wanda rolled in just as the rain started up again, they are in the middle of moving, I guess I should say, in a holding pattern, the closing on both houses is coming up early next week. Everything is motion. The rain continued for the next few hours in varying volumes. The Mike Singer medley of "Rain Songs" could be heard over "Old Town Radio". The rain, of course took it's toll on the amount of spectators and cars that would be "In Town" tonight. The cars kept coming regardless, just a few less than last week, this show always goes on, tonight is the 843rd running of this tradition.

The rain stopped just about 7:50, George and Mary stopped by to see us, they were parked in block 2, later arrivals they were surprised that there weren't many cars out. It had only rained a little bit in at their house. Then at 8:15, Mr. Bill led Bob in his '69 Nova, August's, "Cruiser of the Month" down to Block 4 for the staging of tonight's parade. Then a few safety announcements, the playing of the National Anthem and Wolfman Jack proclaiming, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", the first of the 112 cars made the turn around "Kids Town" onto the bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a cheering crowd of spectators.

Thank you to the Merchants of Old Town, the sponsors, the Cruise Staff, all of our fellow Cruisers and Old Town for letting us be their guests and a great day, despite the rain.

Tonight's Flag Winners

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.

843/195/11
 

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