It rained all morning, then about 3:00 the Sun started to break through so Linda & I would head for Saint Cloud for the last Cruise-In of 2008. It was to be the “Cruiser Appreciation” cruise and the Cruisers were to bring munchies and the Pizza was to be purchased with the fund.

When we arrived at 4:00, James was already parked with his '67 Firebird and the Sun was shinning quite nicely. It looked like we might actually get this Cruise-In completed. 2008 had been a year of more than a dozen RAINOUTS and even a Freeze Out. Tony & Marianne were next in their daily driver, they brought too many goodies to fit in the Monte Carlo. Ron A brought out the ‘61 Caddy for the first time sporting it’s new “502” engine. Nicky “Bop” would be next in his ‘55 Chevy. "Mustang Mike" & Emma would arrive with the DJ rig shortly after that. Paul with his “Toy Truck” and Jean in her '36 Ford would then take the spot under the shade tree. Coy would help Mike with the cones. About this time a big black cloud would loom over us. It started to mist a bit. The Cruisers would stay put. Bud would bring his S-10 pickup out, Bill would be in his Blazer, Dave would bring out his Avanti, “Bo” would park his ‘64 Corvair across from us, Ralph & Ulla would arrive, Jim & Shirley would park their F-85 next to us. Pat & Alan would bring out a Van load of “Goodies” and an easy up. Roy would bring his ‘64 Galaxie 500 and Roger would have his ‘54 Chevy behind him. Steve, Charlie and Marie would park the '77 Caddy on the other side of us. Bob B would choose his favorite spot for his SSR. Bill would park his Vega in the front row, Bob would park his '68 SS396 Chevelle, Diego parked next to him in his ’64 Chevelle, Nick & Francine would be on the other side in their '32 Ford Coupe. Don S would choose a spot behind “Bo” for his ’64 Malibu. “Cousin Vinny” would be out, Tim was spotted as well, Will, Ryan & Pepper would set up near Chuck & Linda that brought out both of the Corvette’s tonight. Louie would be out in his '50 Ford. “Cousin John”, now a Free Man, would have his ’72 deVille parked across from us. Larry would be out in his ‘48 Chevy, Barbara and the “Kids” brought lots of “Goodies” and placed them on the table. "Scary Larry" would be out in his new '59 Edsel Ranger. Mike & Linda were out in the daily driver. Bob M had the '65 Rambler in his favorite spot.

It started to get cold and it sure felt like rain. The Cruisers held on, Phil & Fran came out in their daily driver. Don R was out in his “Eleanor”, Nola brought out her Mom & Dad, Lindsay & Roy in a ‘67 Shelby GT350. The Pizza was ordered from NoNo’s Pizza on JYP. Hank would be out in his Baja Bug Wally stopped by for a few minutes, Doc would have the Mach1 out, Suzanne would join in later. Even George would bring out the heirloom Falcon right on time.

It was a great night with lots of Holiday wishes, plenty of food, if anyone went home hungry, it was their own fault.

Chuck White did a Thank You, over the mic to all. Marianne did a presentation to Mike, a collection from the Cruisers.

"Cruiser of the Week", Linda & Steve Butler, Cruiser #16 in their 1967 Dodge Dart 270.

James Butler, Cruiser #372 had the winning ticket for the $102, he donated $5 to the Cruise-In, Thank You!

Cruiser #434, Lester Scott wasn't out tonight so the "Cruise-A-Matic” rolls over to $50 for the first Cruise of ‘09.

See you all at the first Cruise-In of ‘09 on January 8th, you might want to join in on the Wednesday and weekend Cruises at Old Town.