Winter now had it’s icy grip on Central Florida, OK so it wasn't that cold, it was cold to those of us that live here year around. Anyway we would head out at our regular time to Old Town. Today was the “Cookie Cruise”. Santa made an appearance last night but I don’t think he was coming out tonight, back to the North Pole for him. Lee was at the Gate to greet everyone. Deac Hundley Avenue was still dressed for the Holiday Season and there was a lot of activity on the sidewalks. Dave was just around the corner from the Clock to register us.

As we made the turn on to Trophy Row I spotted a few that had arrived to the “Looney Bin”. That included Bob in his GMC pickup and Mark R in his Nash. Mark had his Nova in it’s place, he was with family at Sea World today but would be back for the Cruise. Bruce & Sandy had their ‘63 Corvette by the Maintenance shop. Emil was parked in Block 4 with his “High School Flame” in a spot he likes to call his own, we didn't see him but we spotted Charlie’s chair. They were out somewhere exploring again. Tom & Lori’s ‘Cuda was already there as well but no sight of them. The cars would roll in slowly, it looked as though it could have rained but it didn’t. The spectator crowd was big right from the start. A lot of people in town for the Holiday Season. Yes some of them were in shorts and T-Shirts and here we all are in several layers of clothing huddling out of the wind. The Sun did break through some from time to time. This cooler weather will sometimes take it’s toll on the car count but you can always count on the “Die Hards” to make it out and the “Snow Birds” that are in town as well. Bill & Doris would stop by before we made our first trip to the top of Trophy Row. Of course a lot of the days talk was about Joe and the plans for a Celebration of his life next Wednesday.

Many of the “Regulars” would be out of town or very busy for the Holiday Season, Like Steve Mc, K4SKM, Cris & Larry and other occupants of the “Looney Bin”. Roger would be out with “Big” John, Tony & Marianne would have their SS454 Mont Carlo out today. Bill would be in his ‘46 Plymouth. Most of the Redline Rodders were in their spots. Bob M would be in his ‘40 Buick, Karen and the Kids were behind the stairs, Darrell had his ‘66 LTD next to them. The Under the stairs bunch was growing. Pablo & Nilda, Lynn ad Lori. The Bleacher bunch was in place, even Dale would have his ‘57 Chevy out after some work. He is healing but very slowly. We all forget, it takes longer now than it used too. The Amigos were in place and Bill was out in his ‘53 Ford, “Show Time” pick up. Not bad for the early count. Once we were back in Block 4 Tom & Bunny arrived in the ‘68 Fairlane and took their spot next to Emil. Morris would also join us with his “My 2nd 50”. It wouldn’t be long before Charlie & Emil returned and it would be time to head out to eat.

On the walk up we would find Dave in his Mercedes under the carport, Nick & Fran in a Vega wagon, Louie Z in his BeNova, Joe in his Camaro. Roger would have out his Chevota and his Camaro, Shane was nearby with his ‘57 Chevy. Bert was out by now in the ‘66 Comet wagon. We all would go inside today for our meal, did I mention it was cold? Emil & Charlie would join us just after Laura, NO4OO would call to say that she would join us for dinner. John would take good care of us as usual, the dinning room was full of the regular “Early Birds”. The cars continued to roll in, the bunch from Winter Haven with the pickups would arrive taking spots in Block 1. On our walk back to the cars we would chat with the latest arrivals and talk with Graham, G4HFG who came in over the repeater. Ed, WB8BHL would be on his way out with Dave, WB4EWS. Richard, KC8FNJ, from Ohio noticed the antennas on our car and stopped by to meet the HAMs that were in Block 4 that now had included Ed, WB8BHL and Dave, WB4EWS from Crestview. Cameron, K6CLM along with his wife Julie from Panama City, were in town as well tonight on the last evening of their vacation.

John & Janice in their ‘48 Chevy Pickup along with Gene & Diane in their ‘28 Studebaker would take a spot near the bottom of Block 4. I would stop by for a bit and warm my hands under the opened hood. “Bo” would be out in his ‘64 Corvair along with some of his Holiday visitors. Gary & Wanda would be out in their ‘55 Chevy behind the roller coaster. It was good to see them out and about. Big Mike would take a spot across from us for his SS454 Malibu next to a ‘30 Ford Tudor that is so familiar to us all. It was Ben Franklins, built by Duffy, now being driven by his son.

This spectacle that is the Saturday Nite Cruise is also a generational family affair. For nearly twenty years some of the same people have made their way to this great old shopping center that they have adopted as their “Home Town” bringing family and friends that have in turn joined the ranks of the Cruisers. There are travelers from all over the world that make sure that they include a day amongst this family when ever they are in the country. They have even sent family and friends with greeting to their favorite Cruisers and merchants.

Come on out this Wednesday for a special memorial Cruise for a family member that lost his battle with leukemia. Joe Rodhouse, was a good friend of all that knew him. He and Deac are all ready cruising the others we have lost and as Gary says “they will be ready to sign us in when it is our time”.
 

Esther would stop by just after 8:20, with the Flag Winners, the Cruise Staff would direct Herbie the "Love Bug" a '65 VW Bug,  Steve Love  this months Cruiser of the Month who was then followed by the rest of the Cruisers out of their parking spots into the line up, Dave,  Mesha & Chris 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, radio "Jingles" and a few "Seasonal Songs" would give the safety announcements, ask for a moment of silence for our friend Joe Rodhouse who passed away last Tuesday, then  play 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 218 cars in cruise 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", Kool Kats, 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 #272 is on sale, still only $2
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See you all "Out There"