Another Summer day here in Central Florida. Unlike most of the rest of the United States, Summer here is not as busy. Yes, tourism is always busy but for the “locals” it is a time of staying out of the heat and rain. Well, there are a bunch of us who just don’t know when to stay home I guess. We all head to Old Town on Saturday for the day. A place to show off our cars, meet people and just have a relaxing day watching those that come out to browse the display of Automotive History and Americana that Old Town has become known for over the last 20 plus years.

With the trying economy it is more important that we come often and regardless of the weather. I mean, we would all like to think that this “Home Town” of ours is here just for us. It is sometimes hard to realize that at it’s core and in reality it is a “Shopping Mall’ with amusements that in most parts of the country our presence wouldn't’ even be tolerated let alone encouraged. The millions of travelers that come over from Great Britain, Europe and all places to our East have learned via extensive advertisement campaigns and word of mouth that Old Town is one of the “Best Shows” in town and it is all FREE!

The amount of Guests that stop by the numerous websites that cover the many attractions of Central Florida that promote our area as the “Place to Arrive”. There is always an inclusion of Old Town and it’s many weekly events. I have even talked with people from the UK that were first introduced to Old Town at their local pub. It seems that a Seasonal spectator as in he is in "Town" several times a year, has supplied that Pub with several DVD’s that he had taken over the years and there is a regular “Time Slot” for the replay of these DVDs of the Cars, Music and the People of Old Town.

I guess I should get to who was out on Saturday. Linda and I would arrive a little later than usual, Steve Mc, K4SKM would have another mechanical problem with the Corvair on the way out today, Mike, N4HHA and I would meet up with him on Osceola Parkway near the Turnpike and Mike would bring him a part to get the Corvair running. Steve was determined to get to Old Town today and not have a ride home on the flatbed again this week. Lee was at the gate when we arrived, of course Dave was at the Cruise Office with our registration, Big John rode out with Mike in his ‘65 GTO so it was parked in the corner spot. Bob was in the Looney Bin along with Larry, Bill and John. It was pretty hot and the day was going to be wet according to the Weather people on all of our local TV channels.

Gary would be at Florida Plaza, Emil, KJ4GNH, would already have his “High School Flame” parked in a spot he like to call his own, Steve & Mike would be just down from him in their Corvairs. Tom & Bunny would arrive just a few minutes after we did in their ‘66 Malibu and Tom, waiting for Lori in the ‘Cuda would be next to them in his ‘68 Mustang. The day was set. Now just to wait for the rest of the cars to come out so we won’t disappoint the spectators that come out for a show.

Coy, part of the “Tropical Breeze” bunch stopped by for a visit. Bill & Doris would be at “Chick-Fil-A” today so they wouldn’t be in Town today. I would take the first trip up “Trophy Row” letting Linda take it easy for a while. Bill would be along the fence in his “Show Time” pickup, he might not be out as often as he used to be, he will be visiting up in Illinois quite a bit this Summer and Fall. John and Rich were spotted all over town as usual, Dana thought he would fool me with a false, “Before” setting but I straightened him out.

The merchants that I was able to spend any time with today, were very pleased with the turn out that we had on Wednesday Nite for the “Rock at the Clock”. Thank you to the Friday and Saturday regulars that stopped by for our little Cruise. Karen and the Kids were behind the “Stairs” that were now housing much of it’s days habitants. Pablo & Nilda, they bought out their VW, Lynn who was out in her ’49 Ford pickup. Bert who wasn’t far from his Comet.

We would head to “Flippers” for dinner alfresco, Charlie had arrived and would join us at the table as would Steve, K4SKM. Tom & Bunny were hungry when they got to Town and ate early at the “Tex-Mex Express” next door. While were dinning the cars kept coming in despite the rain. Steve & Amanda would make their way to eat as we were finishing up, Roger F, in his ’56 Chevy would join the “Redline Rodders” in their favorite area. The Amigos –1 would be near the top of Block 1. The band was setting up and Mike Singer, KJ4GNI was at the controls of the Blue Room when we made our walk back to the cars. Tom & Chris would make it out in the Camaro and park just across from us and next to Steve & Amanda’s ‘55 Chevy. Dave & Nancy would bring out the T-Bird but it would live under it’s cover once the rain started up a bit heavier. “Red Racer” Ted, KE4TTE was in town by now taking his photos. T Rod, KT4ROD would check in over the radio as would Graham, G4HFG from Oldham England.

The rest of the night was spent in it’s usual fashion, Automotive myths and legends, even a few about HAM Radio. It was really nice having all of the radio gear to follow the bit of violent weather that was skirting us late in the day. The twister that was spotted over lake Toho in Kissimmee, no damage from any wind but that area received over 6 inches of rain in a half an hour. The good old drainage systems couldn’t handle it and a few homes were flooded.

Nothing happened to us at Old Town other than getting a little wet. The Cruise Staff was at the ready to help us all if the storm would have made a heading towards us. Once again the worst of the weather would not come and Cruise with us. It is always a great night when you are with good friends, both new and old.
 

Just after 8:20 Esther stopped by with the "Flag Winners". The Cruise Staff would start by directing the July "Cruiser of the Month", Miguel & Elizabeth Lopez, in their '68 Fairlane on to the Cruise Route, then the Cruisers out of their parking spots into the line up, Mesha would bring them 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" and  RAIN SONGS! Would give the safety announcements, and play the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack", then proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", for this the 995th 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 169 cars in parade formation 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 Pearl Factory, the Gold Hut, the "Tropical Breeze", Tex Mex Express & "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 346th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

Get well Joe Rodhouse we all miss you!

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See you all "Out There"