June 3rd

Happy "Sweet Sixteen" to the "Saturday Nite Cruise©". This 832nd Running of this event marks the last one for Mike T. being the "Cruisemaster".

Linda & I were up again before the crack of NOON. We were actually in a parking lot on Osceola Drive with Tony & Sharon, Gary & Wanda, Randy waiting for Ed & Evelyn and Steve Mc and Son-in-Law Mat by 7:30 in the morning. We heard that "Cruisers" had cars parked along the street and in nearby motels for today's event as early as Thursday Nite. The rain that had been in the forecast for today had been taken out! Mike T. called me yesterday and asked what I thought, if it was going to rain, I told him it was not allowed. Some one must have been listening. When our little caravan arrived at Old Town, at 7:50 AM, we parked right behind, Dan & Liz that was just behind Ron, Bob and John. The plan was laid in that we would stick together no matter where we parked. So we had 12 cars to try and keep together. "Herman Munster, in a go cart" was spotted coordinating the early morning efforts. (This is what Richard called himself.). Joe Rodhouse was also zipping around to facilitate a smooth transition. The cars kept piling up behind us. former "Cruisers or the Month" were able to get on the "Bricks" before the Gate Opening. The First Cruiser on the "Bricks" for the third year running was "Big John".

9:00AM, right on time the line started moving, the cars started to pour onto "Deac Hundley Blvd.". both sides were open with extra help in the registration process. Just before making the last turn off the frontage road, all cruisers had a photo taken of their cars next to the sign erected by the "Old Town Portrait Gallery". Shortly after 9:30AM. the 221 cars that had been in line to get on to "Trophy Row" were photographed and parked safely. What a great job getting all of these cars in place. We ended up parked in the lower end of block 4, on the East side surrounding the Budget Rental wash bay. Our "Regular Spot' by Black Hills Minerals had already been filled.

Just after we parked, I received a phone call from Bert Brown. He is still in the hospital. He is still fighting some health issues and wanted to let all of his Cruising friends know that he was still with us and hopes to get back Cruising soon. He was also checking on how the "Sweet Sixteen" was going and was sorry he and Laverne were missing it. I wished him a speedy recovery from all of us and mentioned he was in our prayers.

Most of our group headed out for some breakfast about 10::00AM. Linda and I headed out to deliver the newsletters and check out the cars that had arrived so far. Many of the "Regulars" had been displaced as usual during a special event. Many were on the Bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd" in special, previous Cruiser of the Month parking. All of the spots to the North of us were filled. A few vendor trailers and displays only occupied a few of them along "Trophy Row". Today all of the asphalt and concrete parking areas would become "Trophy Row". As Linda and I approached the top of block 1 we both spotted, what we thought was, Ben Franklin's '40 Ford Street Rod. We had not seen him for a few weeks, there was a young man cleaning the car, it was Kevin, Ben's son. Linda asked about Ben, Kevin replied, "My father passed away a week ago Wednesday." This nearly floored the both of us. We expressed our sympathy. Our Cruising Community has lost another good friend. Our route continued past the top of block 1 to the parking behind the rides at the top of Old Town, this area was also filled with Cruisers.

On our trek back to our "Spot". we walked along the sidewalks of "Deac Hundley Blvd.". We had the chance to visit a moment with all of the "Staff" on the way back. Mr. Bill & Kathy Collins were set up to register cars on the East Side, Jack & Donna were on the West Side. Further down, by the Clock, Gary Collins and Leroy were directing traffic. Dave Dean had the "T-Shirt Sop" set up. Darrell Johnson was helping him, sell the various items. As usual many of the Long Timers were helping out during this event. Our group had staked out a shady spot at the "Turn" and Ron, Bob & John put up a EZ-up across the street next to the wash bay. Ron said it was the Retirement home. Soon all were back from breakfast and we all sat watching the continuous flow of cars make their way in. By Noon there were more than 350 cars parked.

Mike Singer was playing his usual mix of music over "Old Town Radio", laced with announcements of the day's specials and activities. 3:00PM brought "Still Kickin" to the Main Stage and "The Dukes" to the corner by the A&W. We even spotted "Mustang Mike" visiting with cruisers. Butch and Jennifer were out as well. Joe & Kay stopped to see us too.

After several more excursions into the other extensions of "Trophy Row" it was time to make our way to "Flippers". Steve Mc & Mat had the rest of their family join in with us. So he had a large group to lead up to the designated eatery. Ed & Evelyn, Tony & Sharon and Linda & I stopped to pickup the photo  that had been taken upon our arrival. After finally making it to "Flippers", Steve Mc and family had been situated at several tables that had been pushed together. Ralph & Shirley along with Bill & Doris were already there. Brandy, our official server then came over to our table and took our orders. Once again, good food and great service was had by all. We were very glad we came over a bit early, we all knew they would be very busy later.

Several more walks about Old Town revealed that the "Cruisers" had taken over nearly all of the parking areas available. Many "Power Tour 2006" cars were spotted though out this massive display of Automotive History. There were cars on the West side all of the way to Flippers that now had a lineup to be seated, all of the outside dining area was even filled to capacity. Linda & I had not seen cars this far up since 2002. Gregg Nelson and Ken Tiggleman stopped by to pick up their back issues of the newsletter.

At 7:00PM we went up to the Ceremony for Mike T., this was a very well organized and heart felt "Good Bye" to Mike and Kathy. Byron Sutton, President of Old Town Merchant's Association opened the ceremony. County Commissioner Paul Owen, spoke of Mike's outstanding community service. Cyn Zeller, President of the Osceola County association of Realtors, spoke next and presented gifts. Then it was time for Jeri Killian, General Manager of Old Town, to speak and present gifts. As many of the Staff of Old Town and Cruise Staff, that could attend, were all around the stage in special commemorative Golf Shirts marking this the "Sweet Sixteen" and Mikes tenure with the  "Saturday Nite Cruise©".

Tonight there would be 16 flag winners. The what seemed like a record crowd of spectators, were all over the place and making their way to the  sidewalks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." for tonight's Cruise. Then, once again exhibiting the hard work and planning of the Cruise Staff, on time at 8:32PM the cars started to roll onto the "Bricks" to a cheering crowd. The pace was a little faster than a normal Cruise, after all there were over 800 cars that had to make this trip. More Cruisers than ever would return to the Stage area tonight for the prize drawings.

The "Cruise Staff" did an exceptional job today. It was hot, the workload was tremendous, Registration was open an additional 4 hours and they did not close between 4:00 and 5:00PM. All I can say is THANK YOU! Mike T., Richard, Joe R., Mr. Bill, Lisa, Ron H., Lee, Gary, Tommy, Gary & Kathy, Jack & Donna, Leroy, Greg, GJ and all the others that worked deep in the other areas that I did not come in contact with. Thank you to the Hundley family, the Old Town Staff, the Merchants of Old Town, the Sponsors, the Spectators and the "Cruisers of Old Town" for a great day! An a fantastic "Sweet Sixteen". Linda & I will continue our weekly outings and bring as many other Cruisers as we can to this weekly event that we enjoy so much.

Tonight's Flag Winners

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