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March 29th, 2008

Steve Mc, K4SKM in his  '29 Model A Sport Coupe was waiting for us at the "Top of the Hill" for our weekly run up the Parkway to our "Home Town". We surprised him because Linda K4EIO and I, K4SLB were in our '61 Corvair Monza 900. The day was beautiful, it was near 80 degrees and their wasn't any chance of rain today. Gary & Kathy offered the usual warm greeting at the Gate when we arrived. Bratt was at her post by the Haunted House for registration. As we made the turn at the Clock and headed towards Block 4 we noticed that Cris & Larry had their '64 Comet convertible holding down "Big John's" favorite spot. Bob was in the "Looney Bin" with his GMC. We were the first to arrive in our favorite parking area in Block 4. Dave was next to join us in his '63 Studebaker Avanti.  Conrad would arrive in his '57 Chevy pickup, his daughter was with him and his wife would join in later. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England checked in quite early and stayed with us all evening over the 443.100 repeater. Bill & Doris stopped by for a chat before too many cars arrived. Allan stopped by for a few minutes, then he moved the "Cherry Picker" from behind the "General Store". Joe was dashing around getting everything ready for the Cruise Staff. The new gates to the parking lot were finished complete with lighted signs.

Our first trip to the top of "Trophy Row" we noticed quite a few cars that we had never seen before and that many of our regulars would not be with us. The Daytona "Spring Fling" would have many of them visiting the 3 day show. Louie Z had his latest project out. It was a v-8 powered Cheetah that he has been working on for several years. Bob & Marge were near the stairs in their '40 Buick. Ralph & Shirley would be under the stairs along with Bill & Doris by now. Darrell had his '66 Galaxie just where he likes it. Bruce was behind the English Store with his "Split Window" 'Vette. Mike & Ken were at the top of Block 1 across from Emil in his '48 Ford. Mark was in Daytona. Gary & Helene brought out their '66 Galaxie today. We would head back to the car for a while.

Ron & Renee joined in the row next to Dave with their '61 Caddy. Bert & "Ernie" would park next to us. Roberta "The Beer lady" was set up a little earlier that usual and I even spotted Winston early as well. Don even had his '60 Metropolitan under the stairs by us early. Mike N4HHA and Kristen, KJ4BST in the red '63 Corvair Spyder convertible would arrive just before it was time to head up to dinner. Steve Mc, Linda & I would head up, they would join us later. It was an amazing day, the spectator crowd was already huge and the empty spaces that we had seen just an hour earlier were all full. Bob & the "Drop Your Top" gang were out with a few cars from Brevard County. Jane took great care of us as usual, at "Flippers". I know very boring, every week but I look forward to it. Most of the other Regulars including Dave D, Mark, Lois and Beau made their way into the dinning room as well as Tony & Marianne and Russ & Phyllis.

On our way back down to the cars we chatted with Pep & Nancy in passing, Lynn had the '49 Ford pickup across from us. Later she moved it nearer the stage when a spot opened up. Craig & Trinny stopped by for a while, Mary was at home under the weather. Jack & Betty were out in the '37 Ford Tudor, Dale had his Model T Hot rod. The cars just kept rolling in. Around the corner, filling the back lot behind "Kids Town". Roger F in his '56 Chevy, Larry V in his '56 Ford. Rodger in the MGTD, Doug in his Bronco, Trish in the Camaro. Tom in a Gazelle. It was a great turnout. Emma & Jamie would stop by on their way to the stage area. I spotted Jaime & Aglae's 502 Powered Cobra but I didn't see them until the drove past us after the Cruise. Fred from Michigan stopped by just before 8:00, he just doesn't miss a Cruise when he is in town. He would later ride along with Mike & Kristen up the "Bricks" I never realized that this was his first time in a car. He is thinking of buying a car to Cruise with while in Florida, he has two in Michigan. Tony, K4AVD August '07 "Cruiser of the Month" and F.A.C.A.C.A. Tour director emeritus now living in Wisconsin checked in with us over the radio and wanted me to pass a Hello along from him & Sharon. The night just seemed to fly by.

Nikki stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20, Jim & Charlene Goldade, our March "Cruiser of the Month" in their '65 Mustang 2+2, were led, for the last time of their reign, to block 4 that becomes the staging area at this time by  Lee. Then the rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks followed to the "Staging Area" for Old Town's signature event. "Mustang Mike" who was at the controls of the "Blue Room",  playing a mix of nostalgic music and radio "Jingles", gave the safety announcements. Played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", for this the 927th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee would lead Jim & Charlene Goldade, our March "Cruiser of the Month" in their '65 Mustang 2+2, up the even side of "Deac Hundley Avenue", "Mustang Mike" announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 320 cars in parade formation, made the turn by "Kids Town" on to the "Bricks", delighting an extremely large crowd of cheering spectators, many rows deep 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 Allan, Joe, Ron, Lee, Bratt, Gary, Dave, Nikki and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making this our 279th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one. Get Well, Mike Singer, we all miss you!

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