It was one of those bright and sunny early August days. A Saturday that had a promise of 60% chance of precipitation. As usual this wouldn't stop us from heading to the top of the hill in our '60 Ranchero. Mike, N4HHA and Kristen, KJ4BST readied their 63 Corvair Spyder convertible in South Orlando, for it's last trip before the engine transplant and would meet us just about 1:00. Steve Mc, K4SKM in his '29 Ford Model A Sport Coupe, had completed the first part of his trip from North of Saint Cloud shortly after that and called us on the Radio. We fired up our cars and started towards the "Parkway" for this weekly trek to Old Town. Lee, was greeting the Cruisers at the gate, when we arrived at 1:20, a little further down the bricks was Kathy, in her "Poodle Skirt" at the registration area. We sort of expected to see Bratt but she was out sick today. We would make our turn by the Old Town Clock and make our way towards "Trophy Row". The "Looney Bin" would be occupied by " Big John" on the corner with his '34 Ford Hot Rod. Cris & Larry in their Mustang. Gary & Kathy's Fairlaine was parked in the first spot at the top of Block 3 behind the Cruise Office. James in his '67 Firebird was parked near the end of Block 3. We crossed Florida Plaza and situated our cars. Graham, G4HFG, from Oldham, England checked in over my repeater, I had to go into the car to talk with him as the 443.1 is still down and we don't have the OTARC repeater in place yet so our HAM contingency is limited as of late. Conrad would arrive in his '57 Chevy pickup and take his favorite spot behind the General Store. Nick would back his '32 Ford Next to Mike's Corvair. It wasn't long before Jeff had joined us in Block 4 in his '59 Edsel, followed in by Dan Z in his '41 Willys. Dave & Nancy would be right behind them in their '55 T-Bird.

It was time for Linda and I to make our way up to the top of "Trophy Row" to see who was out today. Jim was back out today in his '67 GTO, Butch was in the '64 Comet convertible in the "Looney Bin". Many of the  "Redline Rodders" were in place, Bob & Marge would back their '65 Rambler Ambassador convertible into his spot. Karen and the Kid's would be hiding out on the stage. Darrell had his '66 Ford LTD just where he likes it. The "3 Amigos" were in their spots. Mark brought out a 1969 427 Impala today. Emil was over from Clearwater with his "High School Flame" as usual, in a spot he likes to call his own. He has been studying for his HAM license and is about ready to test. Bill with his "Show Time" pickup along the fence. The heat of the afternoon and the 60% chance of rain was keeping the car count a little lower than usual. There is one thing you can be sure of, we will be on Block 4, the Cruisers will eat at one of the 8 delicious restaurants, the kids or grandkids will enjoy the 18 thrilling rides that are on either end of the Brick Streets or shop in one of the 75 specialty shops.

After being back at the car for a while Roberta the "Beer Lady" would set up in her Beer Tent at it's regular place, Bill & Doris would stop by for a visit, it was then time to head out for dinner. on the way we would visit with a few more Cruisers that made their way into town.  Terry, KT4ROD would arrive with a dipole antenna that he had built for his "Go Kit". Dave D had his '57 Chevy convertible in it's car port. "Big Daddy" would have his '09 Challenger parked next to the Mike Kelly's office. Jim would park his '72 next to it. There were 5 of us that chose to dine alfresco at "Flippers". While we were there I spotted "Lucky Louie" arrive in his '52 Ford. "Cousin John" in his '72 deVille.  Jane would serve us in her usual fashion. On our way back down to the cars, the gang under the stairs had grown to include Coy & Teresa, Pablo & Nilda, Pep & Nancy, Bert & Laverne, who were out in their '66 Comet. The steady stream of cars made their way on to "Trophy Row". John B would have his '66 'Vette out tonight.

"Red Racer" Ted, KE4TTE, made it out after dinner, Tony & Donna in their Mustang would be parked next to Doug & Trish, Tom would have his Corvette nearby. Then we spotted what looked like a shrunken '55 Chevy, it was really a 60's Mini that had been radically customized. This car used to Cruise Old Town but had been in a back yard since 1997. It now had a new owner and it has been brought back out. From this point on the time really flies, Doug "The Hippy" a Friday Cruiser stopped by to visit. T Rod played with his antenna and later would take his first ride in a Model A and his first Cruise facing forward. He has ridden in the back of our Ranchero several times to take pictures.

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 Kathy followed by rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks, including 37 years of the Challenger, tonight for one time only there were 2 2009 Challengers in the parade with the '72 Challenger, 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 945th 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 212 cars in parade formation cruised past,  delighting a very large crowd of cheering spectators, 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.

On to the "Flag Winners"

On to the Photos....

Steve's Photo Index
T Rod, KT4ROD's Photos
Kristen, KJ4BST's Photos
"Red Racer" Ted, KE4TTE's photos