Today we wouldn't have much of a caravan heading out to Old Town, a few of our regulars would be out of town and others had to work. Linda & I would arrive just after 1:30, Gary would greet us at the gate, he was wearing the new "Cruiser of the Month" pin that was being introduced as an added benefit to the honor. Distribution will include former winners that regularly make their way to this event. A little further down the bricks Bratt, who was finally back to the Cruise after a Honeymoon and a short illness, would register us. We would make our turn by the Old Town Clock and make our way towards "Trophy Row". James Butler in his '67 Pontiac Firebird, our August, 2008 "Cruiser of the Month" was in his place of honor. The "Looney Bin" would be occupied by Cris & Larry in their Mustang. Gary & Kathy's Fairlaine was parked by the gate and the other side only had Dennis in Bill's '55 Chevy. We were the first to cross Florida Plaza and claim our parking spot. Linda & I were the only ones there for a while then Kristen, KJ4BST would arrive in her daily driver but she had her chair along to spend the day with us and take a few pictures. It wasn't long after that Mark R stopped by for visit with news from his Hawaiian trip that he just got back from. Then Bill & Doris would stop by and join in.

It was time to make our way up to the top of "Trophy Row" to see who was out today. Many of the  "Redline Rodders" were in place, Bob & Marge would back their mid 60's Rambler Ambassador convertible into his spot. Don & Jackie were out in their Mustang convertible, Karen & the Kids were setting behind the stairs,  Emil was over from Clearwater with his "High School Flame" as usual, in a spot he likes to call his own. Bill would have his "Show Time" pickup along the fence. The "3 Amigos" spots were un occupied but Mark had his '64 "Thunderbolt" in a spot next to the 3 reserved spots. We spent quite a bit of time visiting with those at the top of Block 1, by now, Charlie had made his way out to "Trophy Row" and was visiting with Emil.

We hadn't been back to Block 4 very long when Nick & Fran would back their '32 Ford in a spot just down from us leaving a spot for Gary & Wanda's "Remember When" '55 Chevy. Just to be safe we rolled the windows up in our '60 Ranchero before the 3 of us would head to "Flippers" for dinner. "Big" John was out in his '65 Mustang Convertible. We chose to dine alfresco and Jane would serve us in her usual fashion and the food was good. More cars would arrive and make their way to "Trophy Row", Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England would check in over the N4ARG repeater, to check on who was out tonight, Ian, G4ZPZ of Manchester would check in later, we're still waiting to get the N4OTC repeater up here at Old Town. Almost everything is ready for it. Just the final approval is needed.

On our walk back to the Car we visited with the recent arrivals that included Bert out in his '66 Comet wagon, Dave D in his "Mint Julep" '57 Chevy, Roger in his Camaro and Shane in his '57 Chevy. "Lucky Louie" was spotted out in his '50 Ford, visiting with "Cousin John". I would visit with Mike Singer in the "Blue Room" for a while. Doc, Suzanne and Cara would make it out in the Mach1. "Red Racer" Ted, KE4TTE was waiting for us when we got back. "Bo" and Bob would park the '64 Corvair and the '36 Ford across from us, Mark would be out, still without his latest Cruiser. Tom & Chris would be out in the  'Vette,  Roberta the "Beer Lady" was set up in her usual place, Ron would have his '41 Packed nearby as well as Jeff in his '59 Edsel and Dave & Nancy in the '59 Edsel convertible. Linda & I took time to visit with Cheryl at Wound N Around, Dave at "Out of this World Embroidery". Butch from WJBJ Cruisin' with the Classics, Linda took the time to interview him for a future inclusion in the newsletter. It was certainly a great night for friends new and old. The time flies as the Cruise gets nearer.

Esther stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20, James Butler in his '67 Pontiac Firebird, our August, 2008 "Cruiser of the Month" was led by Dave, Lee and Bratt 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 947th running of this tradition. The Cruisers made the turn at "Kids Town" on to the "Bricks" of "Deac Hundley Avenue", Mike Singer announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 143 cars in parade formation cruised past,  delighting a very large crowd of cheering spectators, from all parts of this planet and maybe a few other planets, along 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",  "Wound 'N Around", Pepsi, Roberts Brothers & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to Allan, Joe, Lee, Ron, Gary, Bratt, Dave, Esther and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our 299th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

On to the "Flag Winners".

Tonight's random drawing winners received the coveted "Old Town Checkered Flag" and the new "Clock Pin", along with $25 cash, A Case of Oil from Valvoline and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.