Old Town had been busy since early morning. The BOPC show was back in town and filling up Block 4 and Victory Lane along with some of the parking lot filled with vendors and a Car Corral. This is always a fun group to have out on a Saturday. There were entries that were nearly 100 years old, like the 1910 Oakland that was situated across from where I park the old Dodge. Many of the Senior Class winners with the AACA were also on display. Lot’s of 442s, GTOs, Firebirds and even the Cadillacs were well represented. I even spotted Steve Clarke’s ‘77 deVille and Andy’s ‘79. All of the participants would be invited to stay for the Cruise so Tonight’s caravan up the bricks would include some newer cars.

It would be our regular time that we would be greeted by Lee at the gate. The town was bustling with people and cars the shops all looked busy and it was just past 1:30, the weatherman had mentioned that there would be about 20% coverage of rain today but the skies had those high puffy clouds. Fall clouds and Summer temperatures. Dave was by the office to sign us in. The “Looney Bin” was already occupied by Bob in his ‘64 Mercury and Cris & Larry in the VW. Bob would be across from them in his ’71 Z-28, Nick and Fran would be next to him in the ’32 Ford. The bottom of Block 3 would also be filled, Larry would have his ‘72 Buick Skylark there. As we crossed Florida Plaza Bunny would drop the gate for us, she was in her ‘68 Fairlane and Tom brought out the ‘66 Malibu. Jim & Joy along with other friends that included Roger were going to be in town tonight and they would be joining them off property for dinner. “Red Racer” Ted KE4TTE would already be in town and taking pictures, Steve Mc would be out in his ‘29 Model A Ford, Richard would be joining him later in his ‘31 Ford Coupe. Once we were situated we both actually sat for a while, Linda worked on knitting a scarf. I would take a wander around the BOPC show. There were certainly some great cars out today and some vendors that I had to stop and see. Bill & Doris would stop by after Fred was looking for them. Morris would back into a spot along the row that was saved for regulars by the Cruise Staff, Thank You. The BOPC scheduled it’s awards and drawings at 3:00. Old Town regulars that took home trophies included Andy, Steve, George, Chris and Bob. I am sure there were more but these guys I ran in to while walking around. It was a successful show and the attendees that I talked with sure enjoyed it and were already looking towards next year.

Linda & I would wait until it was time to eat before making our first trip up “Trophy Row”. As we made our way up to “Flippers” a few radio check-ins would come in. T Rod, KT4ROD was at work, Graham, G4HFG in Oldham England along with John KC2KHJ who was heading to the airport for the trip back to Buffalo. We would chat with Richard who was cleaning his El Camino across from the Kelly's shack, John & Rich, Ray Ray, Tony & Marianne and a few of the “Redline Rodders” in Block 2. 2 out of 3 of the Amigos were in place, Ken was at the Dream Cruise but I think Mike and Mark were out looking at the BOPC show. The Rats were in spots at the top of Block 1 and Duffy had his T-Bucket along the fence.

Linda and I would stop by and visit with Tony at Tex-Mex for a bit as we were early arriving to “Restaurant Corner”, the Halloween decorations were up and he was very busy. He wanted me to Thank everyone that has stopped by and made them feel so welcome at Old Town.

We would take a table out on the patio, our regular tables under the overhang were occupied. John would stop to say Hello as would Nikki. Angie would take care of us. It wasn't long before Ted would join us and Laura, NO4OO would arrive during her lunch hour from a nearby Theme Park. During an abbreviated meeting of the OTARC it was decided that Wednesday Morning we would work on the antenna. While dinning the cars would continue to roll in. Doc & Cara would be in the ‘68 Falcon, Suzanne would join them later. Tom & Chris would arrive in the silver Camaro.

On our walk back to the car more of the regulars would be occupying the top 2 Blocks. Bert & Ernie in their ‘66 Comet wagon, Pablo and Nilda, Lynn and most of the rest of the Under the Stairs people would be present. Dave D would be in his “Mint Julep”, Newt would be in the ‘65 T-Bird, John B would be out in his “Slick 51” pickup. Even young Mark would be in town and by the carport visiting.

We would settle back into our spot in Block 4 as Ed, WB8BHL would stop by for a visit. Then I spotted some one I had not seen in a few years, Cruiser and HAM, Steve, WA2DDL walking past, he is now living in Stewart with his new wife Robin. Good to see him and meet her. Then it happened the night went into hyper drive, it was a blur, the Sea of people on the streets of Old Town kept moving past in waves, a few would stop for more than a few seconds at each car, some would even break into conversation about the car on display in front of them. The stories that these cars evoke are fantastic, maybe one day I will remember some of them and share them in these pages or better yet, if you have a good story share it with me for publication.

Dale, remember to take it easy and heal fast! Thanks for coming out tonight we all know how uncomfortable you were. James B thanks for running Dales car through the Cruise.
 

The next thing I knew Esther would stop by just after 8:20, with the Flag Winners, the Cruise Staff would direct the October "Cruiser of the Month", Dale Krouth's '57 Chevy Bel Air Station Wagon on to the Cruise Route, driven by James Butler, Dale had a vehicle accident this last week and wasn't up to the Cruise but he was in Town, 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 370 cars in cruise 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", 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 #264 is on sale, still only $2
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See you all "Out There"