August 4th

Today we would meet at Tony & Sharon's to make our way out to Old Town. Steve Mc would be taking "Not Lucy", Tony & Sharon's Corvair as they had to take "Lucy" out. This would be their first night as "Cruiser of the Month" for the "Saturday Nite Cruise®. Mike & Kristen in the '64 Corvair and Linda & I, in our '61 Corvair would join them in caravan down 192 today. Lee was at the gate when we arrived, Bratt would be assisted by Gary at the "Registration" area. We made the turn by the Clock, past the "Old Town Bull" I couldn't help but notice that "Big John" had yet another Corvette parked in his favorite spot. Bob would have his GMC right around the corner in the "Looney Bin". "Trophy Row" wasn't very populated yet, it was early and very hot. Temperature in the upper 90's but it felt like 100+, yet there was a very nice breeze and the humidity was lower than the last few weeks. It will be a good night here, as always. Just after we settled into our favorite spot for the evening, behind "Black Market Minerals", Mike was called out on an emergency service call, he had to take off for a while, he would be back as soon as he could. Ed & Evelyn, that celebrated their anniversary yesterday would arrive in their '63 Corvair convertible. Michelle, Dustin & Trinnie would also be with them. Dustin's summer break with them ends Wednesday. See you the next time you visit. I would venture to the top three blocks to see who was in "Town' for the day. I stopped to see Allan, at the "Point", on the way to the "Looney Bin", by now Cris and Larry would be joining him, Page their niece would be out with them today. John & Steve were the only "Red Line Rodders" in place when I went by. Dave had his '65 VW/'48 Anglia by the bleachers. Shane was in the very first spot at the top Block 1 with his '57 Chevy. "Lucy" the Ranchero was in her spot of honor.

After I made it back to the cars, Bill & Doris stopped by for a visit, they said it looked like the Friday Nite Cruise wouldn't beat the car count this week. The last 2 weeks they had more cars. It was nearly time to head out for our meal. Kristen, that had been left behind to secure Mike's parking spot, along with a cone from Joe, would join Tony & Sharon, Linda and I at "Flippers". Tony said that Sharon decided that it was tooooo Hot to eat alfresco so we gave into her and would go inside. On our way we visited with Ben, Karen and family they were back at their favorite spot, last week they went home because of the rain. Gary & Helene back from 2 1/2 months up North, they had a good time but it was great to be back. Always good to see their Mustang as well. Mike, Mark & Ken were at the top of block 1 on the East side. "Flippers" was busy already at 4:00, "Big John" and Jim along with a few more were already seated. Just after we made our order with Nick, or Nicky-Jane or was it Nicky-Annette? Well they were both off tonight so he was very busy. Mark from Parrish joined us at the table, he said it was sure nice to get his T-Bucket out of the trailer! The last 2 weeks it was too wet. Joe & Kay along with Louie & Linda came in with "Big Daddy". Tony & Marianne along with Russ and Phyllis, that had been kept away by all the rain, sat behind us. Well, they wondered, along with others what we were doing inside, taking up a table. This may have been one of the first times in a very long time we dined in. Anyway, the meal was good as usual, Nick took good care of us.

There had been a lot more Cruisers now occupying "Trophy Row", it looked as though tonight would be a lot bigger event than the last 2 weeks. We visited with most of them on the way back down to our cars. Bob rolled his '68 Chevelle into block 4, that now looked more like the "Thursday Nite Cruise-In", Ashley was riding with him. Nick followed him in his '32 Coupe. Ron & Rene were just down from Ed by now in their '61 Caddy. Jeff had his Edsel just after him. Dan Z rode out with Ron in his '37 Ford. Doc & Suzanne were spotted in the "Tater Truck". "Bo" was in his Corvair, John in his Mustang right next to him. It would be his last Cruise before heading back over the pond. That is until this winter. Ashley & Daniel introduced us to their folks, it is time for them to head home for school, their stay with Grandpa Nick & Grandma Fran was over for the summer. See you next time guys.

It was good to have everything back to "Normal", not raining all night, "The Dukes", along with Pep & Nancy and the rest of the crowd they always draw on the corner. The band playing on the main stage. The large crowd of spectators with all the right questions about the cars. Graham, from England, over the HAM radio for his weekly "Color" of the Cruise.

Nikki  stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:00. The "Cruiser of the Month", Tony & Sharon, in "Lucy" their '69 Ranchero would be led to block 4, that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Lee & Dave. Followed by the rest of the cars from the top 3 blocks. Mike Singer, that had been playing his usual mix of nostalgic music and jingles got word that we were ready to Cruise, Chris gave the safety announcements, the National Anthem was then played, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 893rd running of this tradition. Osceola's finest would escort Tony & Sharon followed by the rest of the 225 rolling up the bricks of "Deac Hundley Avenue", delighting the very large crowd of spectators, there is nothing quite like it for the "Cruisers" and it is always a treat for those watching it from the sidewalks and boulevards.

Tonight we would come back for part 2, three of our "Regulars" were winners of the Checkered flag, Tony his second in as many weeks, 4 years to get his first one, he isn't doing too bad now. Mike, yes he made it back in about 2 hours, & Kristen would come back for a try at the $500 "Cruise-O-Matic, that wasn't given away and to take a few photos. Allan was doing his high energy presentation that he is noted for. We got to hear the Cruise Staff sign off for the night. Allan, you know what they say, "Be careful what you wish for, it might come true." Tonight was good though, the rain stayed away.

Thank you Old Town for letting us, the curators of this "Rolling Display of Automotive History", the cars that are the "Stars", to be their guests this evening. Thank you to the Old Town Merchants Association and the Sponsors of this event, Valvoline, Tags With Class, "Wound and Around", "Flippers" & the A&W to name a few. Thank you to Allan, Joe, Gary, Lee, Bratt, Kathy, Nikki, along with the entire Cruise Staff and our fellow Cruisers for making this our 245th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one. We all wish a speedy recovery for Greg, hope to see you back at Old Town real soon.

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 Valvoline and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.

Congratulations to the Checkered Flag Winners!

Click here for the complete listing to date for 2005
Click here for the complete listing to date for 2006
Click here for the complete listing to date for 2007

 

Steve & Linda  Butler*
  1961  Chevrolet  Corvair

Tony & Sharon  De Blasio*
  1969  Ford  Ranchero

Ed & Evelyn  Booher*
  1963  Chevrolet  Corvair

John  Raymond 
  1970  Ford  Mustang

Roy  Campbell 
  1968  Dodge  Charger

Sonny  Santos 
  1970  Chevrolet  Chevelle

Eduaudo  Irizarry 
  1970  Volkswagen  Bug

Jade  Carter***
  1965  Volkswagen  Bug

On to the Photos... after this.

 Here are the Photos.
Click on any photo for a larger view.

Mike Burke Photos. Thanks!


Click on any photo for a larger view.

 See you all "Out there"

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