December 22nd

The day was a little gray, chilly and humid, is this a problem? Not at all, after all it was Saturday and this means "Old Town" would be our destination. It would be our little Corvair that would head out at 1:15, Mike, N4HHA & Kristen would be following a little later in their '63 Corvair Spyder. Gary, Kathy & Joe were at the Gate with Christmas greetings. We made our way down the Avenue that was decked out in all of it's Christmas splendor. Bratt registered us at the usual spot. The "Head Elf" was by the Tree handing out some grapefruit to all that arrived. As we made our turn at the Clock we spotted "Big John's" '69 GT 350 convertible, Block 3 had it's regular's in place. We were the first to make our way to Block 4. A short while later Paul & Pat would bring their '58 DeSoto, followed by Jean in her '36 Ford 5 Window coupe that she has owned for the last 40+ years. It had just gone through a complete rebuild, it received a new crate 350 Chevy and all running gear, A/C, Paint, Interior, well you name it, it has been replaced or rebuilt and a new coat of paint. It is pretty much a new car, running wise and creature features but the body is the original Steel 1936 FORD. Mike & Kristen would arrive just after that. Bill & Doris would stop by for a visit before we would head up to see who was in "Town" but not before we received a call from "Mustang Mike" to report that Tony DeGennaro was doing well after a quadruple by-pass operation. I then called Marianne to see how well it was going and to wish Tony a speedy recovery from all at Old Town.

This "Family" that is Old Town and it's Cruisers is always a friendly place to be but today it was even more so. The Christmas Spirit was filling the streets, shops and the people that were out today, despite the gray skies. As we walked towards Block 1 we would visit with Bruce who was out in his spilt window 'Vette in his favorite spot. Bob who was in his GMC in the "Looney Bin", Cris & Larry were just one spot over from their favorite spot. The "Redline Rodders" would be in their favorite places. John was in his "Decade of Cruising" spot, Bob & Marge had the '41 Buick next to the stairs. Karen and the kids were in their favorite spot. Ralph & Shirley were under the stairs. Bert was there and by now Bill & Doris had joined them. Darrell was not too far away at one of the tables across from the stage. As we walked back down to the cars, Regulars continued to roll in.

The next hour or so was spent greeting all that came by, Jean's '36 Ford would draw a lot of attention, Paul & Pat's "Santa Dog and Cat" were ever vigilant. Mike & Kristen would decorate their car. Allan would be zipping around in his Golf Kart as would Joe. Those carts were decorated as were many of the Cruisers. It was getting close to time to get dinner, Sonny, KI4HZP from Palm Bay would call on the Radio, he was in the area and would stop out to the Cruise. Yes we would be headed to "Flippers". So the 4 of us headed out. Many more of the "Regulars" were in place as we made our way back up "Trophy Row". Gary & Helena were out in their new '66 Ford, almost didn't see them in Block 1, we were looking for the Mustang. T Rod, KI4GJS would call over the radio to say he was on his way out to Old Town. Pep & Nancy would join us on the Patio. We watched Dan Z, in his '41 Willys, Jeff in the '59 Edsel, "Big Jim" and Norma in their '57 Chevy, Bob in his '71 Z-28 and Nick & Fran in their 5 window coupe arrive while we were eating. Jane did a great job taking care of us as usual. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England, checked in and wished everyone a "Merry Christmas".

We all split up to head back down to the cars. Linda would go to find Sonny & T Rod that had made it to "Town". I stopped into the new "Kool Katz" restaurant to see Bob. I was impressed by the decor and the aroma of the food being served. The place was very busy. Louie & Linda were dinning with Dave D. lots of Cruisers were being served as were a lot of spectators. We keep hearing good things about this newest venue. I would then catch up with the rest of our group and stop by to see Tracy, who was set up with the Old Town's Christmas treat for the Cruisers, under the Carport. Rich, Becky & Doug were at the "Mike Kelly's" booth. George would arrive and back his Decorated '56 Olds in it's spot. Charlie would find us for his copy  of the newsletter. Word is that Emil is driving his wife and the dogs crazy at home. he is still recouping from the hip surgery. The Grinch was spotted directing traffic at Florida Plaza. Jim & Craig, the Dukes would set up on their corner to entertain the growing crowd of fans that were assembling. It certainly was a great night to be at Old Town.

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.

Robert  Huizer 
  1934  Ford   

Hal  Bruce 
  1969  Chevrolet  Chevelle

Greg & P.J.  Carr 
  1971  Volkswagon  Herbie

Jim  McDonald 
  1969  Mercury  Cougar

Dan  Zapico*
  1941  Willys   

Henry  Miller 
  1946  Ford   

John  Mottola 
  1969  Chevrolet  Camaro Z28

Frank  Benturella 
  1937  Ford   

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.

T Rod's view of today's Cruise.

 

Merry Christmas! 

See you all "Out there".
 

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©2K7 Stephen Lynn Butler All rights reserved

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