March 31st

Eckler's Corvette show was in "Town" this weekend, Block 4 was to be the beginning of vendors and cars so that it would all be close to the Car Corral and Swap Area in the Spectator Parking Area. Many "Regulars" would wait to come out tonight, or not at all. Most of our group wouldn't be out tonight, some out of town and others, family duties. Mike, (N4HHA) and daughter Kristen beat us to the top of the "Hill", after he had "Elvira" our '60 Ranchero in sight he prepared to pull in behind us as we passed by, the little 2 car caravan was headed out to Old Town via 192 about 1:20. The traffic was moderate as we joined it on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.

As we traveled down the frontage road we all noticed that they had "Trophy Row" Extended to the "Top" next to the Burger King. Ron was at the "Gate" and greeted us with his usual smile. Then it was down the bricks to make our turn on to the entrance of "Trophy Row". Bratt was back at her post. She registered us, we made that turn by the Clock and headed to the North after passing the Registration office. We parked just up from Larry & Cris in their Mercury Convertible, across from the "Looney Bin" that was occupied with cars that I hadn't seen before. Mike backed his Corvair in next to us. Most all of the "Redline Rodders" were in place along with the "Rat Pack". Bob & Marge were in their favorite spot. Darrell had his '66 Ford where he liked it. Emil was close to the "British Store". Block 3 had most of it's regulars, Bruce had his '63 Split Window Coupe in it's regular spot just down from Louie & Linda in the Nova wagon. Joe & Kay were across from him near Dave's '57 Chevy. Tara Bush was in place for her last Cruise as "Cruiser of the Month". We walked down to see the sea of Corvettes, Row after row of the "American Sports Car" all models were represented, Eckler's had their Trailer set up and several merchants in the field. The cars were parked several rows deep behind "Kid's Town". Looked as though it was a very good show. On our way back up to the cars we stopped to chat with Jennifer, from WJBJ, Cruising with the Oldies, that was in "Town" for some on the street reporting and to assist the talented Mike Singer in the booth at "Old Town Radio".

No "Tony the Timer" this week so we had to watch the clock ourselves. Kristen went off shopping at "Black Hills Minerals" Mike, Linda & I stayed by the cars and visited with many Cruisers and spectators before we would head off to eat. Bill & Doris brought their story to us, Stan stopped by, The "T-Rex" was heard roaring in. I greeted Mark as he drove by in my normal fashion, fingers in my ears! We dropped his newsletter off on the way to "Flippers", Linda's stomach got us leaving about 10 minutes early again. Gary & Wanda rolled in while we were down by the Corvettes and parked along the fence in Ben Franklin's old spot.

We chose to dine alfresco yet again. Dave and Arlene did as well, they were later joined by John & Donna, who were out in their Fairlane Convertible. Ted, KE4TTE, friend of the Cruise, spectator and fellow Ham radio operator joined us for the 4th week in a row. He seems to have become a "Regular" even without a car. That is a good thing! While we were eating, Tony, Marianne, Russ & Phyllis were seated at a table inside. "Big Daddy" Darrell and family were also there. Jane our official server did an exemplary job once again. Thank You.

The top 3 blocks of "Trophy Row" were filled to capacity, we walked back down visiting with many of them. A Marching Band from Beaver Creek, Ohio paraded up "Trophy Row" from Block 4 to the "Main Stage" to play a few numbers. "Doc" was out in the "Tater Truck" and snagged an open spot in the "Looney Bin", that had been vacated by a "Out of Towner". The Corvette Show was wrapping up and the overflow of Cruisers that were in the back, were brought to the vacating Block 4. Bob was with Bo in his Corvair, Bob was in the Camaro, Nick had his 5 Window Coupe nearby. Larry in his '53 Ford and Roger in his '56 Chevy were behind the rollercoaster. Rodger had his XKE way in the back. Well over 300 Cruisers now filled the streets of "Old Town". I am sure there were more than 200 Corvettes that were here earlier. It was time to go back up to our cars once again. I think we made several rounds about "Town" tonight. "The Dukes" were on their new corner, drawing a very large crowd. The "T-Birds" were on the "Main Stage" and sounding very good.

Nikki found us just after 8:00 with the flag winners list. Just after 8:15 Tara Bush, in her Nova, "Cruiser of the Month" for March was led to block 4 to lead tonight's Cruise. Mike Singer gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, right on time. "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise". The Minnetonka, Minnesota High School Marching Band started the parade at "Kids Town", then the 318 Cruisers made that turn onto the bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." for this the 875th running of this Central Florida tradition to a capacity crowd of cheering spectators. Jennifer did the Cruise announcements during the event always a pleasure to have her in "Town".

Thank you Old Town for letting us, the Cruisers of these "Stars" that are our cars, be your guests this evening. Thank you to the Old Town Merchants Association and the Sponsors of this event, Valvoline & the A&W to name a few. Thank you to Joe and the entire Cruise Staff for keeping us all safe. Thank you to our fellow Cruisers for another fun and safe day in "Town".

Oh, I forgot to mention the weather, it was FANTASTIC!

Vincent  Lacerenza 
  1964  Chevrolet  Corvette

Steve  Munro 
  1971  Ford  T-Bird

John  Jacobs 
  1955  Chevrolet  Bel-Air

Rick  Backert 
  1963  Chevrolet  Corvette

Melanie  Jardine 
  1967  Mini  Cooper

Andras  Fragoso 
  1972  Volkswagen  Beetle

Paul  Colgan 
  1965  Chevrolet  Corvette

Richard  Buckingham 
  1969  Buick   

 Here are the Photos.

Click on any photo for a larger view.

 See you all "Out there"

 875/227/40
 
 

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