With Christmas just 2 days away tonight's Cruise
could be a big one .... or not. The weatherman had been telling us that today
was going to be a "Washout" all week long. When I looked outside, after rolling
out of bed, the sun was shinning brightly and the sky was very blue. I guess
that rain that pelted us all night was done for a while. It was Saturday so it
was the day to make our way to Old Town like we have for the last 212 of them.
We left the house a little early, Sharon & Linda wanted to stop by the fabric
store on the way today, you know, those last minute Knitted presents, Steve Mc
was going to meet us on Block 4. Tony & I parked the cars near the A&W by
Jo-Ann's on Target Blvd. In a matter of a few minutes it was a Car Show, we must
have had more than a dozen people come to see these 2 Ranchero's. After the
ladies came out we headed to Old Town for today's "Christmas Cruise".
It was just before 2:00 when we were greeted by Ron at the gate.
Then down the bricks for Bratt to sign us in, Gary was there helping her out.
The decorations were everywhere, the boulevards were well dressed for the
season. The shops were bustling with shoppers and "Trophy Row" was starting to
become home for the many cars that come out. Roger in his 'Vette, John in the
Monte Carlo, Bill in his '55 Chevy were on the corner at the bottom of Block 3
as usual. Steve Mc had already parked his Ranchero in our favorite area. We
brought along many treats to share with our Cruiser friends and anyone that
stopped by. Old Town set up their usual Holiday treats along with Hot Chocolate
and Coffee for all. Just before the gates closed at 4:00 Tom, Kim & Heather
brought their '64 El Camino and parked it next to our 3 Rancheros, It was kind
of an area for vehicles with identity crisis. Like they didn't know if they were
trucks or cars. Stan stopped by to say hello, then Bill & Doris came by to wish
us the greetings of the season. Dan & Liz in the '41 Willys was followed in by
Ron in his '37 Ford Coupe. Bob & Marge B. were out in the Chevelle.
Tonight, instead of heading out to our normal eating spot at
4:00, we decided to feast on the goodies that Sharon had made. Steve Mc went to
get a burger when he was hi-jacked by Dave and Arleen and was taken to
"Flippers". After the gate opened Brent brought his '71, Big Block, El
Camino and parked it next to Tom's. There was at least one more of them on
"Trophy Row that didn't park with us.
The night was filled with all exchanging the Holiday greetings.
The weather was nice but it did drizzle a bit off and on all night, this did
hamper the "Car Count" as well as the spectator crowd. 7:00 "Eddie and the
Cruzers" came to the main stage, tonight,
Jim,
of "The Dukes"
sang with them. Mike Singer played his Holiday mix of our favorite tunes over
"Old Town Radio". Always a lot of entertainment going on. Remember the days that
"The Dukes",
Jim
&
Craig that is, when they would sing on the corner by the A&W?, I am always
asked if they will be back. I hope they do come back, I sure miss that.
The rest of the night was spent enjoying the festive atmosphere,
old friends and new friends. Then just after 8:00 Nikki brought me the winners
list, Mike Singer gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem and
"Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", the 122 cars that
came out tonight made the turn by "Kids Town' onto the bricks of "Deac Hundley
Blvd." for this the 861st running of this tradition, to a cheering crowd of
spectators. A special treat tonight, Santa himself was going to head back to the
Christmas Tree for "Photo Ops" for the kids of all ages after the Cruise.
Thank You once again to Old Town, the Merchants Association, the
Cruise Staff, the spectators and to our fellow Cruisers for a Fun & Safe Day,
"In Town".
Merry Christmas.
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 Oil from NAPA and a drink from the
Tropical Breeze.
Congratulations to the Checkered Flag Winners!
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