December 16th

Steve Mc followed us out in the "Grinster" today, Tony & Sharon were to join us for dinner at 4:00. As usual Ron greeted us at the gate just before 2:00. then we drove down the "Bricks" to the registration area where Bratt signed us in with that smile of hers. Then it was to "Trophy Row" and our little trip to block 4. Tonight was also  the night of "Big John" & Tammie's Annual "Christmas Jam", this invitation only get together over in Saint Cloud is  renowned as a "Great Holiday Party". Lot's of food and drinks, including Tammie's special fudge, as well as live entertainment with the "Red Eye Express" on "Stage" along with special guests, Jim & Craig, "The Dukes". We have been fortunate to be invited the last few years along with many of the "Cruisers" that John has gotten to know over the 14 years. This event will lessen the "Car Count" as many of the party goers go directly to Saint Cloud for the evening. However there are a few of us that just have to be at Old Town on a Saturday nite. Linda & I have been here the last 212 of them. Bob & Marge, that are going out after the Cruise like we are have been coming out even longer. Last year they were delayed on their departure time from the Cruise as they were chosen to receive a "Checkered Flag".

You sure can tell the Christmas season is in full swing at Old Town, not just the decorations that line the street. The Cruisers bringing all kinds of holiday treats, offering them to all that attend. Bert & Ernie had some of his Sister-in-laws fudge, may only be rivaled by Tammie's. Gary & Wanda had lots of Cookies, George had holiday candies just to mention a few. Mike Singer was playing his special mix of our favorite tunes along with traditional Holiday songs with a few of those "Parody Songs" that are so much fun to hear. The Cruise Staff and most of the merchants in the shops along "Deac Hundley Blvd." were wearing Santa Hats and other Seasonal attire. This still goes on for at least another week with Santa in the Cruise next week.

Gary & Wanda arrived earlier than normal, they bought out the '56 Chevy. Tony & Sharon arrived about 3;30. We did manage to make our way to "Flippers' for lunch at 4:00, Jane, our Official Server was very busy but still did a great job taking care of us. The line of cars that joined in with the Cruise at the 5:00 re-opening wasn't as long as usual. More regulars were in that mix of cars. Roger in his '56 Chevy, Chuck & Cindy in the T-Bucket and the "Blues Mobile" complete with the speaker on the roof and a "Penguin" in the back seat. Ron & Bob parked across from us in the Corvair and the '36 Humpback Ford.

The spectators would come in droves to see our individual pieces of "Rolling Automotive History" that we bring out each and every week. It is always so gratifying to hear things like "I learned to drive in a car like that" or "Our first date was in one of these". It is nice to see that the love affair with the Automobile still goes on.

Just after 8:00 Nikki brought the flag winners list to me, then Doug Cain in his '68 Bronco was led to block 4, followed by the cars from the top 3 blocks, for the staging of this nearly 17 year tradition. Mike Singer gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, then right on time the 160 cars of this the 860th running of the "Saturday Nite Cruise®" made it's way around "Kids Town" onto the bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a large cheering crowd.

Thank You Old Town, the Merchants of Old Town, the sponsors of this tradition, the Cruise Staff for keeping us all safe and especially our fellow Cruisers and spectators for making this yet another Great Saturday in "Town".

"It must be a conspiracy" Bob & Marge told me later at the Party. They had won a Checkered Flag and once again, they were delayed getting to Saint Cloud.

I would also like to thank "Big John" & Tammie for a great time at their party and it was a treat to see "Big John" playing and singing with the "Red Eye Express" and the "Dukes". Linda & I found all of the missing "Cruisers" and delivered the newsletters to them.

860/212/28
 

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