The second Saturday of October has always been a day for many car shows through out the South East. The National Street Rod Association has had it’s 22nd Southeast Nationals in Tampa, Founders Day in Ocoee and the big Boy Scout Troup 639 Show in Apopka along with the regular 2nd Saturday of the Month shows. These shows will sometimes actually enhance our weekly Cruise. This week I saw several cars that I have never seen before like the great little ‘62 Comet S-22 that parked near us in Block 4 and the ‘65 Plymouth Furry III wagon in Block 3 just to name a few. More of the “Snowbirds” will be with us after this weekend, it is getting cold up North and Summer is hanging on here for now. Linda & I would bring out the Dodge at our regular time. Lee would be at the gate to greet all that would arrive. The shops were already quite busy, always a good sign. As we made our turn by the clock we would spot the ’57 Chevy Wagon of Dale’s in it’s place of honor. Dave would be in front of the Cruise Office to register us. The “Head Loon” would be out in his ’64 Comet convertible, Cris and Larry would be next to him in their VW. Gary was zipping about in his Kart getting things ready for the night. He did drop the gate for us so we could cross Florida Plaza, Emil, KJ4GNH would let us in Block 4. His “High School Flame” was parked in a spot he likes to call his own. Larry would bring his ‘72 Buick to Block 4 this week. The day started off a little slow as far as arrivals were concerned. It was HOT, not that I am complaining but I too am ready for the fall weather.

It wouldn’t be long before Morris would bring his ‘50 Ford to our line up. Then Tom & Bunny arrived in the ‘66 Malibu and took the spot next to Emil. The “Cuda” with the new paint was brought out again this week by Tom, Lori was up North getting her Mom read to move to Florida. our first walk up “Trophy Row”. Nick & Fran would have arrived in their ‘32 Ford, Mark would have his “Beast” next to them. Big John would have the Corvette in his spot, Roger would be out with him and Mike would have his ‘65 GTO parked in the “Looney Bin”. Darrell was out in his ‘66 LTD, Bert was nearby in his ‘66 Comet wagon and Bob M would have his ‘65 Ambassador in his spot near the stairs. The “Bleacher Bunch” was in place along with a Blue ‘62 Chevy I do not remember seeing before and of course the Amigos were in place. Linda and I would brig up the award for Ken, on the way to eat. This is the one that he would have received 2 weeks ago but the rain came at the closing ceremonies. The 2 Rats were at the Top of Block 1.

Once we made it back to the car we actually had a little time to set there and enjoy the quick shower that was bestowed upon us. You can never figure the weather, a 10% chance of rain and it was right over us, sort of a gentle rinse. Of course every time that Emil & Morris wiped the cars down it would rain again. This would keep the car count down for a while, the “locals” would wait and see if there was to be any more rain. It doesn't stop the die hards or core cruisers, so there is always some cars for the spectators to see. Besides that the staff deserves an easy night once and a while.

It was nearing time to head to “Flippers”, T Rod, KT4ROD called in to say he was stuck at work as did Laura, NO4OO and by now Charlie had joined us so we headed out to “Restaurant Corner” . On the way up, Dave D was out in his Black Mustang, Richard had appeared in his ‘67 El Camino and Joe & Kay were out in their Camaro, they both had hats on from a golfing tournament they participated in this morning, “Spay the Stray”.

We would dine on the piazza, Angie would take great care of us, Gina would stop for a visit as would John. While we ate the cars kept rolling in. I would stop by Tex Mex after we ate, Tony had a very busy week and has moved to Central Florida. We should see more of them at the Cruises. On the way back down we would visit with the latest arrivals and stop up to see Mike Singer in the “Blue Room”. I don’t know if you all noticed but because of some improvements in the P. A. system (AKA Old Town Radio) the music in the streets can be heard all the way along “Trophy Row” now, taking it back to the way it has always been intended, you can even hear the announcement during the day. For those of you that have to have a radio playing in your car tune it to 89.5 and compliment the PA system.

It is amazing just how fast the day can fly when you are enjoying the fellowship of all that are in attendance. Again we have made some new friends from the legions of guests and the legends that some of the regulars have become. Not only are we all out here to bring back a bit of the past with these cars we have added to Old Town’s rich history. Like I said a few years ago “Nostalgia, served fresh!”. Some of the late arrivals would include Tony & Donna in their Mustang, Tom & Chris were at a Bike show in Sanford so they weren't out tonight, I am sure that is where Doug and Trish were as well.

As usual the rest of the night was spent talking about the cars, to the spectators and Cruisers alike. Just before Cruise Time it did get a little hectic with Ambulances and Fire Trucks passing through our Cruise Route. illegal Vendors setting up on the corner but they were out of the way for us to Cruise on time.
 

The rest of the night just flew by! The next thing I knew Esther would stop by just after 8:20, the Cruise Staff would direct the October "Cruiser of the Month", Dale Krouth in his '57 Chevy Bel Air Station Wagon on to the Cruise Route, followed by the rest of the Cruisers out of their parking spots into the line up, Mesha and Dave 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" would give the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack", then proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", for tonight's 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 158 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 Saturday in "Town" a fun and safe one.

Newsletter #262 is on sale, still only $2
1009 360 115 65
 

See you all "Out There"