Today we would meet Mike, N4HHA & Kristen, KJ4BST in their ''63 Corvair Monza Spyder, at the top of the hill Steve Mc, K4SKM & Cheryl would be in his ’29 Model A as they made their way to us we would pull out and head for the "Parkway". Gary would be at the gate, Dave was by the Cruise office to register us. Old Town sure is well decorated for the Holiday Season, yes, we can have Christmas at 80 degrees. It was the "Cookie and Hot Chocolate Cruise" weekend. As we made our way to Block 4, I noticed that Gary & Kathy’s Fairlane was by the carport, “Roger Ranger”, AKA “Scary Larry” would be out in his ‘59 Edsel. Emil, KJ4GNH was already parked in line with his '48 Ford. Graham, G4HFG, would come in over the radio for the day, we backed our  '67 Dodge Dart in to our "Decades" spot. JR already had his “Little Shaker” ‘65 Mustang parked in the last spot behind the General Story, all dressed up for the Holiday Season. It wasn't long before Conrad would come to Block 4 in 1NFT57. Linda and I would make our first walk to the top of "Trophy Row". Bruce ad Sandy would have their '63 Split window Corvette just where they liked it. The Carport had been taken over again tonight by Tracy and the "Cookie and Hot Chocolate" distribution center, the “Looney Bin” was fully occupied by cruisers other than the Loons. Cris & Larry would have the '65 Falcon across from it. Butch wasn't to far away in his Comet Convertible. "Parrot Head" Bob and Jack from the "Drop Your Top" bunch from the East Coast were just up from them in the Chevelle and T-Bird, most of the "Redline Rodders" were in place, Karen and the Kids were behind the stairs next to Don & Jackie's Mustang. Bert was with Mitchell and the Comet Wagon was parked next to the stage. Bob had his ‘63 Corvair in Block one as did Morris have his '50 Ford and of course Bill had his “Showtime” pickup at the very top along the fence. On our way back down to the car we would stop to chat with Bill & Doris who were on their way to join the Under the Stairs bunch.

Once we were back in block 4 Tom & Bunny would also be out in their '66 Malibu. T Rod, KT4ROD had arrived and was waiting for us. Jeff would arrive in his '59 Edsel and Dan Z in his '41 Willys, they would park by the beer tent staffed by Roberta the "Beer Lady", only tonight she looked more like Ms Claus. Larry, WA3PGL & Linda, KA3BRP & Cindy arrived to dine with us today as would Charlie, who abducted Emil earlier in the day. It was time to head out for dinner, we would visit with more Cruisers on the way up. Dave S would have his '57 Chevy out of the Carport tonight, Rich would have the El Camino next to it. The cookies were going well, we resisted, for now. The 3 Amigos were in place and I spotted Ron's '66 Vette. Jane took care of our table for 10 on the Patio at "Flippers". We watched more Cruisers arrive and then we heard “Blown to be Wild”, Mark’s '63 Falcon and Nick’s '32 Ford coupe arrive. Doc would arrive in his "Tater Truck", Larry V & Roger F and lots more would roll in. As we made our way back to the cars, most of the top 2 blocks were filled. Bob & Marge had the '65 Rambler in their “Decade” parking spot. John has his '57 Chevy 210 across from it. Ray had his '32 3 Window coupe next to Jenn's F-85. Roger & Sue were out in his Camaro Shane was next to them in his '57 Chevy in Block 3. Once we were back at the car the cars kept rolling in, Dave would have his '63 Avanti in our lineup, Jo Ellen and Jeb would join him later. Gary & Wanda made it out in their ‘55 Chevy Randy & Sharon would bring out their '31 Ford Tudor for the first time. Tom & Chris would be in the 'Vette, Doug and Trish would be out in  their '68 Bronco and Tony & Donna in the '65 Mustang. Bob, N2SXJ, stopped by as did Scott, KB2EAR. The Grinch was about harassing a who. The crowd grew to near capacity and the rest of the night once again flew by.

Esther stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20,Jenn Johnston, our December 2008 "Cruiser of the Month" in her '64 Olds F-85 Cutlass and a car load of VIP's from Japan was led by Dave & Lee  followed by the cars from the top 3 Blocks to block 4 that becomes the "Staging Area" for Old Town's signature event. "Mustang Mike" 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 966th running of this tradition. The Cruisers made the turn at "Kids Town" on to the "Bricks" of "Deac Hundley Avenue", "Mustang Mike" announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 264 cars, most with some sort of Holiday decorations on them, in parade formation with Santa and the Grinch in the Sleigh at the back of the pack, 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.

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, CJ, Mesha, Chrisanne and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our 317th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

Get well Mike Singer, we all miss you.

Congratulations to the Checkered Flag Winners!