Gloomy, Raining, or Sunshine, depending on just exactly where you were, and under Thunderstorm Watches, Linda, K4EIO and myself, K4SLB, headed out US 192, our caravan was not behind us today. We arrived at our usual time, Lee greeted us umbrella in hand but he still had that welcoming smile of his. Bratt would be around the corner from the Clock under the overhang next to the office, she did come out into the rain to register us. "Big John" had the 1934 Ford Tudor, Hot Rod. In his favorite spot, Bob was in the "Looney Bin with his GMC, Cris & Larry had their '70 Mustang next to him. Kathy C had the Fairlaine in it's favorite spot. Roger & Sue had their Camaro just where they like it, Shane parked next to them in his '57 Chevy, James '67 Firebird was nearby. We situated our '61 Corvair in to our favorite spot behind "Black Market Minerals". Conrad & Daughter Samantha were out in his 1NFT57 just after we were set up. We waited for the rain to stop then Linda and I would make our first trip to the top of "Trophy Row". Bob Miriello, our May "Cruiser of the Month" had his '69 Chevrolet Nova SS, in it's place of honor by the Office.  Nikki, took us into the office to show off some of the "Cruiser Gear" that will be available for the 18th Anniversary of the "Saturday Nite Cruise©" and the 10th Anniversary Cruise of the Friday Nite Cruise. There will be some real great gear, like the blanket and tote bags. I will have more details in the up coming issues. Bill & Doris caught up with us just about then, so we chatted for a bit. Most of the "Red Line Rodders" were in place. John had his "Double Nickel Express" in his "Decade of Cruising" spot and  Bob & Marge were nearby in their '40 Buick, Don  & Jackie had their Mustang convertible next to them. Ben Karen and the Kids were behind the stairs.  The usual cars were behind the "Tropical Breeze" including Bob's radical '70 Chevy pickup. Up near the top of Block 1 Emil was back out in his "Fat Fendered Ford" just up from 2 of the 3 Amigos, that were out in a couple of their favorite Corvettes. Ken & Charlene would arrive later in their Camaro. As we made out way back down to our car we spotted Tom & Bunny, setting up their chairs behind their Chevelle. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England, checked in over the radio a little early today. Bob would arrive in his '68 SS396 Chevelle, about the time we made it back to our car. Kevin KM4FSU stopped out by now to enjoy the event. Roberta the "Beer Lady" was setting up in anticipation of a  brisk business with the temperatures hovering around the 90 degree mark. The Rain had stopped and the Sun was out.

It was time to head out to "Flippers" for dinner, Kevin would join us in our next trek up the Blocks of "Trophy Row" Dave had his "Mint Julep" '57 Chevy in his spot, son Daniel was with him, even Joe had his '56 Ford under the canopy. By now the actual occupants of the "Looney Bin" were back from lunch Mark R was in the mix as was "Scary Larry", Jim R had his '67 GTO in the last "Looney spot". Charlie was up talking with Emil as we made our way around the corner. John B was just pulling in to Old Town with his 'Vette as I crossed the Bricks on my way to eat. While Jane served us, Ron & Renee sat at their regular table and Pep & Nancy took the table next to us. We were about done with our meal Nick & Francine in the '32 Deuce Coupe and Mark in his Ground Pounding Chevelle made their way down the Bricks. Then Mike, N4HHA & Kristen, KJ4BST arrived, with the New Top on the '63 Corvair Spyder. We waited for them to come up and join us, they ordered food to go. We all then headed back down to Block 4 visiting with all that had made it out today. Bert & "Ernie" had the '66 Comet near the stage. Gary & Helene had their '66 Galaxie 500 just down from us tonight. Bob & "Bo" parked the '64 Corvair and the '36 Ford across from the Beer Tent. Bo was accompanied by one of his granddaughters. Neil & Elaine were out in the '62 Austin Healey for the last time until October when they come back. Don & Tara were down near Conrad behind the General Store in one of their Novas. Coy stopped by as did many of the "Regular Spectators". Doc, Suzanne and Cara were across from us in the Mach1. Kristen served the Cake she made, for her Birthday with all that wished to partake. Steve & Amanda were out in the daily driver, soon they will bring out the '56 Chevy. Doug & Trish parked next to the dumpster in the '68 Bronco.

The day was spent visiting, talking cars and HAM Radio, the Weather and the upcoming 18th Anniversary of the "Saturday Nite Cruise©" that is happening in just a few weeks, June 7th. Red Racer, I'm not racing so much today, Ted, KE4TTE came out to visit and take some photos for us. The rest of the night was spent visiting and checking out the cars, There were 17 VW's near the bottom of Block 4. Mark was out in his '56 Chevy "Junkyard Jewel". Richard & Rodney had the red Buick and Oldsmobile convertibles in their favorite spot by Budget Rental. Even a 1938 Bugatti was in the line up by our car. The rain started again.

Sarah stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20, Bill Hunter was Marshalling the Cruise tonight with his "Serviceman's  Tribute" Ford Ranger, led by  Lee & Gary, followed by the rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks to block 4 that becomes the "Staging Area" for Old Town's signature event. Mike Singer who had been 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 935th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee would lead The "Serviceman's Tribute" rig driven by Bill Hunter up the even side of "Deac Hundley Avenue", Mike Singer announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 167 cars in parade formation, made the turn by "Kids Town" on to the "Bricks", delighting a large crowd of cheering spectators, 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", "Out of this World Embroidery",  Pepsi, Roberts Brothers, Race Depot & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to Allan, Joe, Nikki, Ron, Lee, Bratt, Gary, Dave, Shawn and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making this our 287th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

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