Linda and I started another day by working on the old Dodge, this morning it would be a new fuel pump. We managed to get it installed before noon. It was hot here in Central Florida, where would we go to get any relief from this heat? Well, actually we like it this way so we just headed to Old Town like we do every Saturday. We would arrive at our normal time, Lee would be at the gate, Dave would be at the registration Office as would Esther, Mesha & Asa. Jimmy would have his Deuce coupe on display and James would have his ‘39 Ford parked next to him. Bob, the head Loon would be out in his ‘64 Comet convertible. Mark had the “Beast” parked across from the Looney Bin. As we crossed Florida Plaza, Steve Mc, K4SKM would move the cone so we could enter Block 4. He had his Model A next to Emil. KJ4GNH’s ‘48 Ford.

We weren't parked to long and Allan arranged a “Free Rinse” for us all. He was back in town after a whirlwind tour of the Mid-West. Today the rain chances were the lowest they have been in over 2 months and we get rain, go figure. Tom would arrive in his Mustang and take a spot down from Steve. Lori would bring out the “Cuda later, after the rain. We just sort of hung around until the rain left us. T Rod, KT4ROD would arrive, he was expecting a friend, Lori. They would be joining us for dinner.

As usual the little rain episode would keep many of the early birds away and the audience from getting big early. We wouldn’t take our regular trek to the top of “Trophy Row” we would integrate it into our trip to “Flippers” for dinner. So about 3:30 Tony, K4AVD from Wisconsin would call in over the radio, to remind us it was near the time to eat. Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England would make his first check in. Tomorrow he and Carole will be going to a car show over there that is in conjunction with a display of American Military Vehicles from the movie “Yanks”. He should be sending in some photos that I will post on line. Dave D would have his ‘57 Chevy. In it’s spot. Richard would be in a spot across from the Kelly’s shack. Bob B would have his ‘72 Camaro next to Mark's “Beast”. Juan would be in the Blue ‘65 Falcon Street Rod, he just got it in a trade with Cris & Larry, they have the ‘69 VW convertible. With some of these Cruisers you need a program just to see who is driving what. Roger, AKA “Scary Larry” was with Big John in the ‘47 Lincoln. Mike would be in his ‘65 GTO and Jim R would have his ‘67 GTO next to it. The “Redline Rodders” were in Place, Bob would be out in his ‘65 Ambassador and Karen and the Kids would be behind the stairs. The Amigos were down a couple but Mike held down the fort. We would make it to “Flippers” a little early so we would wait for Emil & Charlie, T Rod & Lori were right behind us and Laura, NO4OO was on her way to join us for the evening. No word from or sign of Ted, KE4TTE. Tom & Bunny arrived in the ‘68 Fairlane and the ‘66 Malibu. We would hold off on the ordering. John would be our server today, Daniel would help him out a bit. Gina would manage to stop over and say Hi to all of us about the time Laura arrived. We would all enjoy a leisurely meal and take a stroll back to the cars down “Trophy Row”. Doc would make it out in his ‘30 Chevy, “Tater Truck” Cara would join him later, Miguel was by the Beer Tent as usual. Manny would be down from him a bit in his Camaro. Bob N would make it out just after 6:00 in his ‘36 Ford Humpback, “Bo” would be in his ‘70 Monte Carlo. The flow of cars and spectators was now a little better than before, It had cooled off a bit and the night was very nice. I Would make a trip up to visit with Mike Singer, KJ4GNI in the “Blue Room”. He was sounding good over Old Town Radio and we were chatting about some changes to the hardware for my websites. T Rod would have a special treat for him and Lori, they would ride in the “Mint Julep” with Dave during the Cruise tonight.

The rest of the night really goes fast when there are so many people that have become friends that all get together. Even on a weekly basis there is always so much to catch up on. Remember, next week we make more history with the “Grand Cruise” . Linda and I are very grateful to Old Town for having us and proud to have attended more than 35% of these cruises consecutively. We are honored to have made so many friends during these visits to what we like to call our “Home Town”.
 

Just after 8:20 Esther stopped by with the "Flag Winners". The Cruise Staff would start by directing the August "Cruiser of the Month", Jimmy & Barbara Fontana, in their '32 Deuce Coupe 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. Then 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" would give the safety announcements, and play the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack", then proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", for this the 999th 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 167 cars in parade formation cruised past, delighting a 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", 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 350th consecutive Saturday a fun and safe one.

Get well Joe Rodhouse we all miss you!

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See you all "Out There"