We arrived just after 2 pm because tonight our Cruise-In and Rock at the Clock were going to be part of Old Town’s “Veteran’s Day Tribute”. We started at the office to purchase 50/50 tickets and receive the event schedule then on to Trophy Row were Allan and his staff had already started making preparations, the gates were closed and only a few merchant’s vehicles were parked. Gary had parked his '07 HHR Sherrod next to the stage and was busy decorating the stage with a patriotic display. I was not the only one to be impressed by his handiwork he did a wonderful job – Thank you Gary.

We parked our '67 Dodge Dart 270 welcomed Larry and got ourselves set up, we were approached by a couple from Tampa Jerry & Carol with their dog Buttons they had brought their Friday Nite Cruiser a 2000 C5 Corvette, to their first Wednesday event, another first timer and early arrival was Paul in his '87 Buick. Bill Hunter arrived and set up his “Salute to All Veterans” display, we were getting a steady flow of arrivals Bill & Doris in their '79 T-Bird, Tina & Steve in their '05 PT Cruiser we decided to head to Flippers a little earlier than usual, we were joined by Emil after he parked his '48 Ford "High School Flame", Tom & Bunny after they parked her '68 Fairlane. Mike and John took care of us and while we dined Ray arrived in his '32 Ford Coupe, Steve in his '29 Model A with Ron Hood as his passenger, John in his '57 Chevy 210, Bert & Ernie in their "Elvis Tribute" PT Cruiser, Dave in his '83 Grand Marquis Esther, Mesha & Asa joined him later, Mike & Annette in their '63 Corvair Spyder

When we returned to Trophy Row it seemed like the arrivals had exploded in a sea of confusion it took me a while to catch up with people and some I missed completely. By cruise time we had approximately 70 vehicles, 43 of whom included regular weekly participants and some semi regulars, Fred & Betty who usually come as spectators brought out their '641/2 Mustang. Our Snow birds were present including Ann & Vin in their '92 Corvette and Sam in his '32 Beauford who have made it back for the winter. A few of our regulars were not able to bring their vehicles but they did bring themselves Wolfman & Sue, Dave, Jo Ellen & Morgan and Doug. The remainder of the participants were Friday & Saturday Nite Cruisers who came out for their first Wednesday experience and supported this event we hope they enjoyed themselves enough to come again. Parked South of the stage were 2 Jeeps and "Red Racer" Ted was busy taking pictures. Allan and his team, Jerri, Tracy, Scotty, Mike and Our TCB guy’s all had their hands full but did an excellent job, Thank you.

The National Vietnam War Museum trailer was parked north of the stage, this is were the “Molly’s Adopt A Sailor Group” were receiving contributions to be packed and distributed to service men and women on active duty. They want to Thank everyone for their generosity and support. A unique display by the Veterans Tribute & Museum of Osceola County was parked north of the bleachers the miniature tank had been made from recycled materials.

The Getty family who are Friday Nite cruisers brought out their '07 Tow Truck and used the boom as a unique flagpole to fly the Stars and Stripes, they also brought out their '06 Mustang and their boys were members of the Boy Scout Troop that arrived later. The festivities started promptly at 6:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance and a message from our Guest Speaker Colonel Gary Grimes who brought his family and his ’70 Cutlass with him.

Dwight and the Blue Suede Review entertained us with a GI set, then Don Smith Chairman of the Veterans Tribute & Museum of Osceola County presented a Retired, Folded Flag to a 94 year old Veteran who’s name I did not catch. Dwight sang the American Trilogy which was followed by a 21 gun salute and Taps.

This was Steve’s cue to do the Cruiser Drawings, he presented Cruiser of the Week to Cruiser # 17 Steve McCullough in his '29 Model A. The $25 Cruise A Matic went home with Cruiser # 54 Bert & Laverne Brown in their "Elvis Tribute" PT Cruiser. The Valvoline case of oil went home with Cruiser # 166 Gary & Wanda Thompson in their 55 Bel Air "Remember When". The 50/50 was played differently tonight thanks to the generosity of the Old Town Merchants prizes were donated and we raised $250 for the Osceola County Veterans. Thank you to everyone who played and to Bunny, Laura, Esther, Mesha and Laverne whose help was gratefully received.

Allan and his amazing team were in position for the Cruise, Tracy and Jazzmine resplendent in Poodle skirts escorted the Color Guard followed by a representation of Veterans and a local Boy Scout Troop up the bricks after Dwight’s rendition of the National Anthem, Bill Hunter and his “Salute to All Veterans” led the 70 vehicles.

Thank You to Old Town for inviting us out every week, to the Old Town Merchants Association for sponsoring “A Tribute to the King” and to all of the Spectators and Cruisers with or without their cars, who come out “Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold” to make this a great evening in our “Home Town”.

See you all Next Week “Same Time, Same Place

 

Newsletter #267 is on sale, still only $2