July 8th

With a 60% chance of rain and rain showers all over Central Florida Linda and I still met Tony & Sharon on the way to Old Town, this the 189th Saturday nite in a row that we have gone to this event. Steve Mc was on his way to join us, the starter in his Ranchero failed him after getting fuel. He hoped to join us later.

We rolled up to the gate and Lee was there in place of Ron, don't know where he was today. Maybe a well deserved day off. Tom & Gary were by the Coffee Shop registering the cars. Mr. Bill had to go to Arizona to visit a family member who's health had been failing. Miss Lisa was at home watching over her brother, our thoughts are with them. "Lucy" Tony & Sharon's Ranchero was only the 13th car registered. The day was starting slowly, those pesky rain clouds! Gary & Wanda arrived just before we were ready to head to "Flippers" at 4:00.

As we made our way up "Trophy Row" we came across many displaced "Regulars", this means only one of a few things, tonight it was that we had several "Cruisers" out for the first time or back for the first time in a while. Stephanie & Butch were actually parked across from "The Looney Bin", early arrivals had taken their spots. Snoopy, had his big Old London Bus parked right at the end of the "Red Line Rodders" and the "Rat Pack" parking displacing a few of them. I know it is "Year Correct" but I am not sure there were many of those busses rolling around in "Small Town America". I guess it is cool to see.

After a meal, served up by Brandy, the official hostess for F.A.C.A.C.A. at "Flippers" Terry & Chris, sans the '51 Ford, it was raining hard when they left Winter Haven, stopped to visit for a while, good seeing them out to Old Town. We all then made our way back down to Block 4 and our cars. Shortly after the gate re-opened "Frick & Frack" Ron & Bob, arrived in Ron's '64 Corvair. Bob's '36 is still undergoing some upgrades and they were delayed starting Thursday Nite, a tree that had received some damage during the Hurricanes over the last 2 years decided to drop branches on his rental property destroying much of the replaced roof. So the re roofing moved to #1 priority.

The spectator crowd grew quite large even though the cars were coming in slowly, but the cars kept coming steady right until the gate closing at 8:00. Tonight's reduced "Cruise Staff" had to work extra hard to keep things running smooth. Gary & Kathy were recruited, I even saw Dave at the gate after he had dinner.

I am not sure why the "Dukes" were moved off their corner or if they were even out tonight. They sure are missed being stuck off the street. Sure hope they can come back to the A&W. "Eddie & The Cruizers" rocked the main stage. The rain managed to stay away from Old Town with the exception of a few sprinkles. Mike Singer was playing his usual mix of nostalgic music we all enjoy over "Old Town Radio".

At 8:15, Tom led the Cruiser of the Month followed by the rest of the Cruisers from the first 3 blocks into the "Staging Area" that "Trophy Row" becomes at this time. Kathy was first down to block 4 with the "Checkered Flags" for delivery to the lucky winners.

Then after the "Safety" announcements and the playing of the Nation Anthem the 150 cars made their way around "Kids Town" onto the bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a large crowd of cheering spectators that lined the street.

Once again, Thank you to Old Town, the merchants of Old Town and the sponsors of this weekly tradition that is the "Saturday Nite Cruise©" and the "Cruise Staff" for another fun and safe day, with good friends, both new and old.

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.

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