October 13th

Steve Mc, K4SKM, met us at the "Top of the Hill" in his '41 Willys pickup, about 1:10 for our run out the Parkway to Old Town. Eckler's was having a "Tribute to the F-Body" show this weekend, "Camarofest" 2007 so we were expecting to see a bunch of them today. Gary was at the Gate when we arrived. Bratt was in her usual post near the Haunted House to register us. We made our turn at the Clock but today we had to go to the left after passing by Roger in his place of honor. "Camarofest" was occupying most of Block 3 and all of block 4. There were Camaro's camped out over night in our regular spots so Allan couldn't keep them open for us, Thank You for trying. We would move down to them when the newer than '75's leave around 3:30 and the spots were vacated. This year, trying not to displace the "Regulars" Old Town has done a great job, even the Eckler Trailer was down in Block 4 instead of near the stage. Kudos to Allan and the staff.

Cris & Larry had their '64 Mercury Comet convertible in the "Looney Bin" that we were temporarily parked across from, Bob & Marge were out in their '41 Buick. Shane rolled his '57 Chevy in shortly after we did. We were both commenting that Emil might not be out, the NSRA event in Tampa was this weekend and he was doing Safety Inspections but then he rolled the "Fat Fendered Ford" up towards "Trophy Row" to park next to Shane in Block 1. Ken walked by to see if the spots that he and Mike & Mark liked to occupy were open, he had his Camaro in the Show all day and was ready to park in their "Regular Spot". A few minutes later he headed up there. I headed out to look at the Camaro's and take a few photos, they wrapped around "Kids Town", a very impressive display and today there were a lot more of the pre '74's. There were even several Firebirds, the Camaro's "Cousin", James took home a nice trophy with his '67 convertible. It was just before 3:00 that Linda & I would move our '61 Corvair to the spot behind "Black Market Minerals". Richard, the "Ice Man" was out in his '02 convertible, he stopped by to catch up on what was going on. It was good seeing him. Steve Mc brought his '41 Willys down and parked next to us as a few other Camaro's wanted to move up to the upper blocks for today's regular event. I called Tony up in Wisconsin to see if it was time to go eat yet, he said we still had an hour, he was wrong he is on central time. He told me to say Hi to all from him and Sharon. Joe & Kay stopped by just before we were going to leave for "Flippers".

Congratulations to Eckler's on a successful event this weekend, over 100 Camaros would attend. See you all the next time you are in Town.

On our way up for dinner we visited with more of the regulars that made their way in. Dropping off newsletters on the way, catching up on the "latest". Some how Joe & Kay beat us to "Flippers". Jane mentioned that they had been very busy all day. Not only with Camarofest" but there were about 500 Kids in town, Bus after Bus load. The "Mighty Titans" were also setup for the second day behind the A&W. it was a very busy day in "Town". Mike, N4HHA, stopped by to say Hi to us. He was out on the motorcycle, the Corvair is still not ready, didn't stay long, he needed to get back to work. Jane took very good care of us once again. The "T-Rex", that Flamed out blue '66 Nova Pro-Street, was spotted, with Don at the controls, arriving along with Tara in a red '67 Camaro convertible and Don W. in his '69 Camaro while we were eating.

We then headed back to our cars just before 5:00. We spotted Charlie and John B that were visiting with Emil, as we rounded the corner at the top of Block 1. John would stroll with us as we made our way down "Trophy Row". John Cain was talking with Rich at the "Mike Kelly" building. Rich's '67 El Camino was parked across the street. Becky and Doug were setting by it. There were a few Mopars out that I had not seen in a while. "Trophy Row" was filling up, the spectator crowd was growing to almost "Cheek to Cheek" and the weather couldn't have been much better. Graham, G4HFG, from Oldham, England checked in over the radio as did Collin, 2E0RIG, for a report on the days events. Bert & "Ernie" would move their '66 Comet Wagon to the "Looney Bin", it would make 4 Comets in the "Bin". As we were walking across Florida Plaza, Bill, N2WFU, brought out his '98 Chevrolet Lumina, Retired NYPD. "Full Dress" Police car, that had been retired from service and used in "NYPD Blue" and "Third Watch" TV series to get OK'd as a Friday Nite Cruiser. By 5:30 Cruisers were already having to park behind the Roller Coaster. "Bo" had his Original '70 Monte Carlo parked next to Bob's '36 Ford Humpback. Ray & Bonnie, new Cruisers asked if the crowd is like this in the winter, we suggested that they try to get out a little earlier if they want to get a better parking spot. Mark didn't get to Old Town with his T-Bucket until after 6:00, he ended up behind "Kids Town". Don was able to get his '60 Metropolitan under the stairs next to us. The rest of the night went by very fast, visiting with all that stopped by,

Nikki stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. October, "Cruiser of the Month", Roger Poff in his '71 Corvette, would be led to Block 4, that becomes the staging area at this time, by Lee & Dave. Followed by The the "Little Miss"  and "Miss Patriot Star" princesses riding in convertibles.Then the rest of the cars from the top 3 blocks. Chris who had been playing a mix of Nostalgic music and radio spots, got word that we were ready to Cruise, he then gave the safety announcements, played the "Recorded Live" at Old Town version of the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 903rd running of this tradition. Osceola Counties finest would escort the '71 Corvette followed by the rest of the 292 cars, rolling up the bricks of "Deac Hundley Avenue", delighting a Very large crowd of spectators. "Rain or Shine" every Saturday night of the year, there is nothing quite like it for the "Cruisers" and it is always a treat for those watching it from the sidewalks and boulevards.

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.

Gary  Feight 
  1936  Ford   

Ed  Doone 
  1965  Chevrolet  Corvette

Don  Shangle 
  1934  Ford  Pick Up

Richard  Buckingham 
  1969  Buick   

Ebelio  Morales 
  1966  Chevrolet  Impala

Russel  Hernandaz 
  1972  Chevrolet  Corvette

Jon  Torress 
  1970  Chevrolet  El Camino

On to the Photos... after this.

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

Click on any photo for a larger view.

 See you all "Out there".

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