December 1st

It was very hazy when we headed out on our regular pilgrimage to the "Home Town", Steve Mc was bringing his '41 Willys out for the last time, in fact he was going to deliver it to it's new owner. We arrived at the Gate just about 1:30 Gary met us with that Grin of his, you know, the one that makes you wonder what he was up to? Bratt was stationed in her usual spot by the Grimm Haunted House to register us. As we made our turn by the Clock we spotted "Big John's" Baldwin Motion Camaro in his favorite parking spot. Bob had his GMC pickup in the "Looney Bin" Cris & Larry had their '69 Mustang in there as well. James opened the gate for us so that we might cross Florida Plaza. He had his '67 Firebird next to Bill's '55 Chevy that was just down from Roger & Sue's Camaro at the bottom of Block 3. After we backed our cars in to our favorite spots behind "Black Market Minerals" Bill & Doris stopped by for a visit. We then caught up the last week with Steve before heading up to drop of newsletters. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England checked in on the radio very early.

On our first outing to the top of "Trophy Row" the skies were still a little overcast, the cars weren't arriving as early as normal. Bruce had his Split Window 'Vette just where he likes it. Most of the "Redline Rodders" were in place by John in Block 2, Bob & Marge were in their '41 Buick. Ralph & Shirley were under the stairs in their favorite "Viewing Area". Darrell had his '66 Ford just North of the stage. Emil was absent, he will be out of Cruising for a while, he needs a few weeks for recovery from that hip replacement. As we headed back down to Block 4 a few more "Regulars" had made their way on to "Trophy Row". Ken had his '61 Corvette in it's place of honor. Mark was parked next to him in his Corvette. Ken would be out later in the Camaro. Ed & Evelyn in their '63 Corvair convertible along with Ed & Sarah in their '70 "Shortbox" Chevy pickup had joined us in Block 4.

Just before 3:30 Mark R stopped by for a visit and then we would head to "Flippers" for dinner, today it would be just Linda & I. Shane ended up at the bottom of Block 3 next to James' Firebird, He hoped Charley would find him down there, he was going to drop off a Tach that Emil sent over. The "Drop Your Top" bunch was across from the "Looney Bin". Bert & Ernie would have their '66 Comet next to the stage. Jeff brought out "Big Jim" in the Edsel and were turning onto the "Bricks" as we were nearing "Flippers". The night was shaping up nicely. Jane took great care of as usual. Ron & Renee would take a table just up from us and many of the other "Regulars" would arrive for dinner. It was time to head back to our car, so down "Trophy Row" from the top we strolled, visiting with the latest arrivals. Ron H was by the stage, "Ernie" told me Mike was in the "Blue Room" so I went up to drop off his back issues and have a little visit. He had some encouraging information on his progress and is confident it will continue.

After we made it back to Block 4 the Cars started to stream in. Don was out in this great '64 Rambler American convertible, this one was powered by a 350 Chevy. Tara followed him in driving a '70 ARRA 'Cuda. Then Rose arrived in the '37 Ford ragtop followed by Ron in his Black Coupe. Mark backed his T-Bucket in across from us. Doug & Trish were out in the GTO. Doc & Suzanne had the "Tater Truck" out tonight. Roberta was doing great business on a warm night from her "Beer Tent". Steve Mc was lost without his Willys but he did go and visit with Bob, "Bo" & John that came in a bit earlier. Graham brought Zarah, W7ZMA form Reno NV into conference over the radio along with a gentleman from Canada who's son just arrived in Florida to get the details on the "Saturday Nite Cruise"®. He didn't make it out tonight but hopes to next week. Ted, KE4TTE managed to stop by to get his "Meat on a Stick" and visit for a while. The rest of the night seemed to fly by, it always does when you are with friends.

Nikki stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. Mike Colletta in his '61 Corvette, December's "Cruiser of the Month" would be led to Block 4, that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Lee, Chris and Gary. Followed by the rest of the cars from the top 3 blocks. Mike Singer who had been playing his usual mix of Nostalgic music and radio spots, got word that we were ready to Cruise, he then gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 910th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee escorted the '61 Corvette driven by Mike, followed by the rest of the 233 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.

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", the "A&W", "Tags With Class", "Wound and Around", Pepsi, Roberts Brothers, Race Depot & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to, Allan, Lee, Gary, Miguel, Nikki and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making this our 262nd consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one. Mike Singer, Good seeing and hearing you tonight, you keep on the mend so we can have you in the "Blue Room" every week!

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.

Ron  Smith 
  1936  Chevrolet   

Tony  Rivera 
  1939  Ford   

Mark & Dottie  Dierira 
  1927  Ford  T-Bucket

Juan  Morales*
  1969  Chevrolet  Nova

Robert  Kubecko 
  1963  Chevrolet  Corvair

Dennis  Manire 
  1963  Chevrolet  Corvette

Shawn  Schweikart 
  1968  Ford   

Rafael  Rojas 
  1954  Chevrolet   

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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