We would head out to our “Home Town” on time, Mike, N4HHA would not be heard from, I guess the Airport has him hostage again. We would make our way out US192 and Ian, G4ZPZ from Manchester, England would check in with us over the radio, Steve Mc, K4SKM would be taking the Parkway. Dave was at the Gate when we arrived, the 3 on 3 Hoops Street Showdown was going on in Block 4 behind the General Store until about 4:00. As we made our turn by the Clock we spotted Steve’s Model A in it’s place of honor, Bob’s GMC pickup in the “Looney Bin” with Larry’s Falcon next to it. Kathy would have the Fairlane parked on the corner by the “Cruiser Board”. Gary would drop the gate so that we could cross Florida Plaza, Emil, KJ4GNH would already be parked in his 48 Ford and Tom & Bunny were next to him in their ‘66 Malibu. Tracy would come up from the B Ball games to say Hi. The competition had been going on all morning and was scheduled to continue tomorrow. It wasn’t long before Dave and Nancy would join us in the ‘59 Edsel Corsair. Bill & Doris would stop by for a chat, Steve Mc would come down to check in with us. Doug would bring out his ‘60 Mercury Park Lane convertible. This car is a family heirloom, his fathers before him and his Grandfathers before that. We sure don’t see many of these anymore.

Linda & I would take our first trip up “Trophy Row” to see who was in town. The heat was keeping most of the early arrivals from coming out today and the “Northern” Cruisers, you know from North of Orlando were probably at Don & Tara's, 3rd Saturday of the month show at Gators Dockside. JR had his “Little Shaker” Mustang at the bottom of Block 3. Ron & Renee would have their ‘61 Caddy in front of the Maintenance office. John would have his ‘57 Chevy in the last spot of the “Looney Bin”, Jim would have his GTO across from them. Just down from the Kelly's shack would be the home for Mark’s ‘63 Falcon “Beast”, Nick & Fran’s ‘32 Ford coupe and Bob’s ‘68 SS396 Chevelle. George even managed to have his ‘56 Olds next to the “Beast”. The “Redline Rodders” were in place, Jim’s ‘39 Ford, Bob’s Nova and of course the “Double Nickel Express” that was brought out by John. Karen and the kids were behind the steps and the under stairs bunch was growing. Bert & “Ernie” just back from Indiana. Lynn who brought out her ‘49 Ford pickup and Pablo & Nilda that were out in their ‘72 VW. Most of the “Bleacher Bunch” had their cars in place but I didn’t see them. Lot’s of folks were hiding out in the Air Conditioned places or having lunch. Darrell had his ‘66 LTD just where he likes it. Bill would have his ‘53 Ford in his favorite spot along the fence. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England would come in over the radio to see who was out and to bid his greetings to all. Tony, K4AVD, now living in Wisconsin would check in over the radio wishing he was with us today.

Once we were back at the car, the arrivals came in a bit slow but they were coming in. Steve from Orlando would bring out his heirloom Blue ‘69 GTX, great looking car and a young guy to boot. It is nice to see the younger generation take interest in the classic c and Muscle cars. T Rod, KT4ROD would check in on his way to work. Charlie would arrive and set up with us for a while.

The next thing we knew it was time to head up to Flippers for dinner. On the way up we would visit with the latest arrivals. Dave D would be out in his “Mint Julep” ‘57 Chevy. Juan would be in his vintage T-Bird, Ray would have his ‘32 Ford just down from the stage. Bob M would have his ‘65 Ambassador in his “Decades” spot. Mike, Mark and Ken were in their spots by now.

Nikki would take care of us on the patio, Trish Gina and John would stop by to say hello and have a little chat. The Tex-Mex express and Kool Katz were also not very busy, yet. We always like to go a little earlier than the Crowd. We would hang out for a bit and just take it easy in the heat of the day.

On our way back to Block 4 we would once again visit with the newest of arrivals that included Lori, out for the nights entertainment, we spotted Mike Singer, KJ4GNI making his way up the stairs. Ron was back from PA and manning his area around the stage. “Still Kickin’” was setting up on stage. Most everyone was finding the shady spots to be in, Butch was now out in the ‘64 Mercury convertible, Mark had joined the Loons and Richard was at his post in the Mike Kelly's shack. Joel and Family would arrive in the ‘62 Dodge Dart, good to see them out before dark. Roger would have his “My Phase” 70 1/2 Camaro by the gate and Shane’s ‘57 Chevy would be next to him.

Back in Block 4, Doc, Suzanne and Cara would be out in the ‘29 Gazelle. Bill would have his Duster next to him, Cindy, Tamara and Josh were out as well. Rodger was in one of his many British sports cars, tonight it was the Jaguar. Tony & Marsha would be in their Datsun next to him. Tom & Lori that brought out the ‘68 Mustang tonight relocated from Block 1 and parked across from Emil. Amongst the late arrivals was Bob N in his ‘36 Ford Humpback. “Red Racer” Ted, KE4TTE would arrive to take a few photos and to take his duties on the Cruise Staff. Laura, NO4OO would be able to make it out after a rare early shift.

For a slow night it sure seemed very busy. Lots of spectators and cruisers sharing their favorite tales about these cars we all love. Emil has been studying hard and is ready to take his Amateur Radio license to the next level. The Old Town Amateur Radio Cruisers schedules testing sessions about every 3 months if there is anyone interested in this great hobby. We hope to set up a “Ham Radio Awareness” display next week, weather permitting.

Just after 8:20 Esther stopped by with the "Flag Winners". The Cruise Staff would start to direct the Cruisers out of their parking spots into the line up, Mesha would lead Steve McCullough, K4SKM in his 1929 Model A Sports Coupe our June "Cruiser of the Month" followed by Dave in the '57 Chevy, with the A&W Bear in the back, celebrating the 90th birthday, to Block 4 that becomes the staging area for Old Town's signature event. The rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks would join in behind them. Mike Singer, KJ4GNI, who had been at the controls of the "Blue Room" all day, 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 992nd 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 171 cars in parade formation cruised past, delighting a 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, Vic, Nikki, CJ, Mesha, Chrisanne, Deputy Asa and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our 343rd consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

Get well Joe Rodhouse we all miss you!

Newsletter #246 is on sale, still only $2
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See you all "Out There"