It was a busy weekend for us, we would be at the 63rd annual "Hamcation" at the Orange County Fairgrounds. This international event has always been a place to meet other Radio Operators from all over, swap stories and equipment. Check out the latest stuff from the manufactures and check out all of the stuff that was for sale, maybe even win one of the many prizes. Linda, K4EIO an I, K4SLB, along with other Old Town Cruisers, Laura, NO400, T Rod, KT4ROD, Mike, N4HHA, Kristen, KJ4BST and John KG4BFJ would actually volunteer to help out with this massive event.

It wouldn't be until 3:45, before we would make it to our "Home Town", in our '67 Dodge Dart Lee & Ron were both at the "Gate" when we arrived. Dave would sign us in and tell us that we were late. T Rod, KT4ROD, had beat us to Old Town and dropped the Florida Plaza gate for us. Many of the regulars were in place. Steve, K4SKM was already in his spot, with his‘29 Model A. Emil, KJ4GNH had his “High School Flame” parked in  a spot he likes to call his own. Tom & Bunny were next to him in their '66 Malibu, Jeff would have his ’59 Edsel, Dave would have the '55 T Bird and Dan would have his ’41 Willys just before Roberta the "Beer Lady" and the "Beer Tent". Don & Tara were also down there. It is really strange arriving this late but it only happens once a year. Linda and I would have a very compressed day because of it. Charlie  would arrive just after we would and it was already time to go to dinner, a few of the Hams were coming down to meet up with us including Ed and Laura so we headed up, this was also our first walk to the top of "Trophy Row". "Ranger" Roger had his ‘‘59 Edsel, out, the  "Looney Bin" was full, Cris & Larry would be in their Mustang. The parking spots were filling up rapidly. It was the start of a busy night. Nick & Fran were out in their '32 Ford, Bob had his ‘71 Z-28 and Mark was nearby in his "Beast" up on Block 2.

Trish would take good care of our table of 10 at Flippers, it too was a very busy place by now, lots of spectators in town. While we were there, Doc & Suzanne would bring the Mach 1 in, Larry V would bring out one of his favorite Fords, Roger would be in his '56 Chevy.

On our way back to the car, we would stop by and visit with Duffy who was in his T-Bucket, and the Three Amigos plus 1. Ken and Charlene would have their latest Camaro out today, after a 2 year build. Pablo & Nilda were out in their Nova, Lynn would have her '49 Ford pickup by the stage. Karen & the kids were behind the stairs, most of the "Redline Rodders" were in place as was John with his '57 Chevy, Rich was walking around with him. Bert & "Ernie" would be out in the '66 Comet, Darrell would have his '66 LTD just where he likes it. Bob M would  leave in his '66 Ambassador, John & Mary B would arrive in the "Slick 51". I didn't see Gary hardly at all but then again we were so late. Chris, KE4DUJ would stop out, as would Albert, VE3AYN and his family, from Canada who had heard about the Cruise over our repeaters. Graham, G4HFG, would check in from Oldham, England to see who was out tonight. It was a very busy night and with only being in town a short time, it really flew by. Tomorrow we are back to the Orange County Fairgrounds for the wrap up of the Hamcation Event.

Esther would stop by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. The Cruise Staff would start to direct the Cruisers out of their parking spots into the line up starting with The February 2009 "Cruiser of the Month" Tom Balmer & Chris would pull his '72 Vette from it's place of honor, (Remember Cruisers, stay in your parking spot until you are directed out by a Cruise Staff member, you know the ones with the flashlights and the blinking vests. This practice has been brought back to all Blocks of “Trophy Row” it is no longer a “Free For All”), they were led by Dave & Lee  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, KJ4GNI, 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 974th running of this tradition. The Cruisers made their way to the "Bricks" of "Deac Hundley Avenue". Mike announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 247 cars in parade formation cruised past, delighting an extremely 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 Pearl Factory, the Gold Hut, the "Tropical Breeze" & "Flippers" just to name a few. Thank you to Allan, Ron, Gary,  Lee, Dave, Esther, Miguel, CJ, Mesha, Chrisanne and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our 325th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

Get well soon, Joe Rodhouse we all miss you. Bob & Marge Melendy, our thoughts are with you.

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See you all "Out There"