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January 19th 2008

Linda & I headed to Old Town even though we knew there would be rain, the weatherman had been promising a 70% chance for today all week long. Lee was at the gate with that smile of his to greet all that would make their way to "Trophy Row". Bratt was at her usual station by the Haunted House. As we made our turn by the clock, I spotted "Big John" out in one of his Shelby's parked on the corner. Roger & Company along with Shane with his '57 Chevy were at the bottom of Block 3. Gary opened the gate for us as we made our way across Florida Plaza to park in our favorite spot behind "Black Market Minerals". Joe stopped by to see if we had any more information on Bill, we hadn't heard anything since we talked to Doris last night. We sat for a while before making our way to the top of "Trophy Row" to visit with those that were in "Town". It was about 2:30 before we would make that walk, on the way up we chatted with "Big John" & his friend Steve, then on to the "Redline Rodders / Rat Pack" bunch in Block 2. Bob was out in his '41 Buick parked just where he likes it. Darrell was parked just other side of the stage and we visited with him for a while then onto the top of Block 1. Not to many Cruisers in town yet. On our way back down Linda interviewed John Cain for her column. Stan the "Pacerman" caught up with us at the Cruise Office and filed his report for Bill & Doris, he will be filling in for them while Bill is recuperating. We then headed to Block 4 to our lonely Corvair, we were still the only ones in that area.

At 3:30 or so we decided to head up for dinner, Mike, N4HHA who would be stuck at work would bring out Kristen to join us for the evening. We would chat with Allan and Dave D briefly. It would be just 3 of us at the table for Jane to take care of, Graham, G4HFG from Oldham would be with us over the Radio as usual. Ted, KE4TTE told us that he would meet us by the car after dinner. The meal and the service was great as usual and we would make our way back to the car just after 5:00, still not to many cars around, the skies were threatening and most of the area of the state above us was under a tornado watch and we were under a thunderstorm watch. The "Cold Front" was making it's way towards us. We found Mark, from Parish at the "Florida Plaza" crossing. He left the Chevelle home today but he made the 100 mile trip to be with his "Cruising Family". Just after that Bob B, in  his '71 Z-28, along with Nick & Fran in their '32 Ford would arrive. George P would join in with us in his '56 Olds. Roberta the "Beer Lady" would set up in her spot behind the "General Store". By now Ted would have his "Meat on a Stick" and a beverage from Roberta. The Rain started, lightly then it would go away, then it would be a little harder. Fred, from Michigan would stop by during the rain to visit, he will be headed back and we should see him in about 10 weeks. Butch & Jennifer stopped by, a break in their busy schedule, they always like to come out and catch up. It was good to see them. Doc, Suzanne, Cara & Dane were out in the Mustang. Dane was glad to get out of the house for a while during his recuperation. Linda & Kristen were knitting in the rain, our little overhang area would be over populated.

Nikki stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. The rain was falling a bit harder now, many of the 91 registered cars had left. Mark Inwood in his '56 Chevrolet 210, January's "Cruiser of the Month" was led to block 4  that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Gary, Dave & Lee. Butch & Jennifer Johnston, who were in "Town" tonight and at the controls of the "Blue Room" got word that we were ready to Cruise, they gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 917th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee escorted the  '56 Chevy driven by Mark, followed by the 31 remaining cars , rolled up the bricks of "Deac Hundley Avenue", in a "NO WAKE ZONE". delighting a large crowd of spectators, despite the Rainy Weather on both sides of the Avenue, "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 "General Store", the "A&W", "Tags With Class", "Wound and Around", Pepsi, Roberts Brothers, Race Depot & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to, Joe, Ron, Lee, Bratt, Gary, Dave, Nikki and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making this our 269th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one. Get Well, Mike Singer, we all miss you!

It might have been a Rainy night at Old Town but the spectators were once again treated to the parade up "Deac Hundley Avenue",  Rain or Shine this show goes on Thanks to the hard work of the "Cruise Staff" and the Dedicated Cruisers that make their way out every week.

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