Hurricane Gustav was visiting Cuba and his "Outer Bands" kept dropping rain on us today, this massive storm is headed towards New Orleans and Tropical Storm Hanna will more than likely visit us next week, what a way to celebrate Labor Day Weekend. This still didn't stop more than 60 "Die Hard Cruisers" from coming out to the best Free Show in town.

Steve Mc, K4SKM, would meet us in his '64 Corvair on Carroll street for this weekly run down the "Parkway". As we made our way the rain was all around us but there was a break in the clouds right over Old Town. Gary & Dave were taking shelter under the first over hang greeting and registering the Cruisers as they arrived. We would make our turn by the Old Town Clock and make our way towards "Trophy Row" noticing that there weren't many cars out yet but Joe had his '56 Ford in the carport. We would cross over Florida Plaza, after situating our '60 Ranchero next to Steve Mc, Graham, G4HFG, from Oldham, England would check in over the radio as would Ted, KE4TTE and Ed, WB8BHL who both were going to try and make it out. Bill & Doris would stop by for a chat. It was raining heavily by now. Mike, N4HHA would pass along the weather and radar conditions. He is still waiting for his Corvair to be finished so that he can get back to "Cruising". Linda & I would head up to see who was in town today.  James Butler in his '67 Pontiac Firebird, our August, 2008 "Cruiser of the Month" was now his place of honor. The "Looney Bin" would be occupied by Cris & Larry in their Mustang parked in "Big" John's spot, he is out of town for few weeks. Mark R would have his '54 Nash next to the stairs and Larry would have his '47 Chevy next to him. Many of the  "Redline Rodders" were in place, Bob & Marge would back their '65 Rambler Ambassador convertible into his spot. Don & Jackie were next to them in their Mustang. Karen Ben & the Kids were behind the stairs as usual. 2 of the 3 amigos were in their spots, Emil was over from Clearwater with his "High School Flame" as usual, in a spot he likes to call his own. Duffy, from Dade City, was next to him in his T-Bucket. Bill would have his "Show Time" pickup along the fence. The rain and the Holiday Weekend sure took it's toll on the car count today.

We would spend a wile at the cars before heading up for dinner. it was about 3:45 when we decided to head up, there were a few more cruisers in town and we wanted to visit with them on the way up. Dave D had his "Mint Julep" '57 Chevy under the carport by now. Rich was in the Mike Kellys shack. Joe & Kay would have their Mini Razz Opel parked in Block 3. Dave would join us at "Flippers" for dinner, tonight we chose to dine in. That turned out to be a good choice. The rain fell pretty heavy while Jane took care of us. On our way back down to the cars Charlie was now in town visiting with the guys at the top of block 1. Dale, sorry I called him Dennis lat week, was out in his '27 Ford Tudor. "Cousin John" had his Caddy down from the stage. By now there were a few more cars in Block 4 but they didn't stay long because of the rain.

Steve & Carol would park next to James in their "Shoe Box" Chevy. I spotted John & Mary B without a Cruiser talking with Mark who brought out his '63 Dodge. Jaun had his Chevy pickup by the Cruise office and Raf had his Nova next to it. Roger & Sue had arrived along with Shane in his '57 Chevy. Bill would have his '54 Mercury Pickup and Leon would have his '57 Chevy Pickup in the line up at the bottom of Block 3. I would stop and visit the General Store, Dave & Dawn at the Embroidery shop and Cheryl at Wound N Around, we would spend the rest of the night visiting with the spectators that made their way out and trying to keep dry. Joe & Dave would bring around Birthday Cake, in the rain, they had a cover fitted over the bed of the golf kart. Joe's 70th Birthday is on Tuesday. Paul, Jimmi with "The Repeatles" took stage at 7:00. The rain would be an off and on thing right up to Cruise Time.

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 for the last time during his reign, by Dave, 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 949th 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 67 cars in parade formation cruised past,  delighting a crowd of cheering spectators along both sides of the Avenue. "Rain or Shine" or even the beginning of yet another Tropical Storm or a Hurricane out in the Gulf, 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, the "Tropical Breeze" & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to Allan, Joe, Ron, Gary,  Lee, Dave, Esther, Miguel, William, Mesha and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our 301st 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.