October 21st

"Cruiser Appreciation Weekend", was in full swing by the time we got to the brick streets of Old Town. It is a big part of the show for all of the Cruisers to enter and make their way from the top of the Boulevard to "Trophy Row". Our little caravan came a little early in anticipation of a larger than normal "Cruiser Crowd". The spectator crowd was very large on the way down the bricks. Old Town was hosting many bus loads of students that had been coming and going all day long, Vic was taking control of the parking and working very hard at it. All of the busses would leave by 3:00 but they all did get a chance to see many of the regulars that were already lining "Trophy Row" for the days events. It is always good to see the younger generation admiring our cars and asking many pertinent questions about them.

After we made our way to Block 4, the normal parking area for the many members of the "Florida Antique and Classic Automobile Cruisers Association",  who occupy on a weekly basis, behind Black Hills Minerals. Linda and I headed out to deliver newsletters to our regular subscribers, we saw that Trevor was making his way down to join us. Bill & Virginia brought him in their '29 Mercedes. Ron & Rene joined a little while later in the Caddy convertible. It was just a few minutes after Don in his 2+2 Mustang arrived, that we saw "Mustang Mike" crossing over Florida Plaza with his '64 Corvair Greenbrier 6 door van followed by John B. in his '66 Vette. They parked across the street from us. When we got back it was now time to head out for food, Tony, our official timer for this event gathered us up and off to Flippers we headed.

Today, "Mustang Mike" would join us so we went in door to eat. Kristeya, a fairly new waitress got the short straw and got our table. She did a great job in taking care of our rowdy bunch. Kristeya, you will get used to this bunch. We were all sorry to hear that our "Official" waitress, Brandy was leaving. You will be missed. We left about the time the gate reopened for our walk back to the our spot. Now the cars were coming in steady, Mike Singer could be heard playing his usual mix over Old Town radio assisted in his tasks by Butch Johnston. Also helping out during this Cruiser Appreciation Day, Jennifer Johnston as a roving reporter interviewing many Cruisers that were showing their cars today. Always good to see and hear both of them back here in "Town". Many of the merchants and participating sponsors were giving extra special, specials to thank all of the owners of the "Stars" that make this show a success. On behalf of all of my fellow Cruisers, Thank You!

After getting back to the cars, John B. and "Big" John had to come up with a new pseudonym for "Mustang" Mike, after all we don't see Mike on a horse very often and his '68 Mustang "Ain't it Pretty" was no longer in his stable. Now he was driving an original '64 Corvair Greenbrier with a "Surfin' Theme".  Many of us had also been working on "just the right name" and they came up with it. The front tag was affixed and he shall now be known as "Malibu Mike".  Those close to him call him "Bu". Of course when he is in his DJ trailer he maintains the "Mustang Mike" persona.  Good to see you out Mike!

Right on time, with all of the extra effort needed by the "Cruise Staff", many of them new to this weekly tradition, to manage the near record crowd of spectators, Richard led the "Cruiser of the Month" followed by the Renegades Cruisers Club that was occupying the bricks of the East side of the Boulevard to the staging area that Block 4 becomes each Saturday night at 8:15. Butch Johnston gave the safety announcements played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise". The nearly 300 cars made that last turn around "Kids Town" on to "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a very large crowd of cheering and waving spectators. It is always a thrill to hear them as we make our way past them, on this our 204th consecutive Saturday Nite at Old Town.

Linda and I usually head home directly after the parade but tonight with all the cash being given away we decided to come back for the closing ceremony. The Grand Finale of Old Town's Cruiser Appreciation Weekend started by presenting 6 of the 8 Flag Winners with $25 cash, a case of oil compliments of NAPA and a drink from the Tropical Breeze. In addition to the regular prizes from the various sponsors, Del Long was the recipient of the $500 Cash prize. Bob Walsak took home a set of Tires courtesy of Goodyear Tires in Celebration. After 5 drawings for the Cruise-O-Matic no one could claim the $525 so it climbs to $550 for next week. Five cruisers received $100 Cruiser Cash compliments of Old Town's merchants Gary Tatra, Chuck Green, Kenneth Morris, Rob Prisano and Steve Reasen. The $171, 50/50 was claimed by Martin a spectator from England.

Congratulations to all the lucky winners (Linda apologizes for any misspelled or misheard names, I had her taking notes while I took pictures). On behalf of our fellow Cruisers. Thank You to Old Town for letting us be their guests, the Cruise Staff, Old Town Merchants and Sponsors of this 16 year spectacle, that is the "Saturday Nite Cruise©"
 

On to the flag winners.

Tonight's random drawing winners that received the coveted "Old Town Checkered Flag" along with $25 cash, A Case of Oil from NAPA and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.

852/204/20
 

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