We would head out as usual for Old Town, Lee would be at the gate and Dave would be at the Cruise Office to register everyone as usual. The “Looney Bin” would be occupied by a Mike in his ‘65 GTO and Jim with his ‘67 GTO along with the “Head Loon” who was out in his ‘64 Mercury Comet. Later Cris & Larry would make it out in the “Tweety” convertible. Block 4 would already have Emil’s ‘48 Ford along with Bunny’s ‘68 Fairlane and Tom’s ‘66 Chevelle and it wouldn’t be long before Morris would back his 2nd ‘50 in to a spot next to them. It was a beautiful Sun drenched afternoon 90+ degrees but then again this is Florida and I personally like it that way. Graham, G4HFG would check in over the radio a little earlier today. Dave, KF8CI would arrive shortly after we did and Larry, WA3PGL, Linda, KA3BRP and Cindy would arrive a little later. Bill & Doris would even stop by before we had a chance to head up “Trophy Row” to see who was out. Emil & Charlie made it back from their early expedition. Gary and Chris would stop by for an early visit on the Kart. Everyone was looking for shade. The weatherman wasn’t calling very hard for rain and the black clouds were not seen anywhere close by.

The heat would keep many of the Cruisers and spectators from coming out early today so there were only about 50 or so cars when we left early for Flippers. Richard’s El Camino was across from the Kelly’s shack. Bob had his ‘64 Chevelle just where he likes it. Nick & Fran would have the ‘32 Coupe next to him and Mark’s “Twisted Rat” was next in line. Joe wasn’t out yet but Nicky “Bop’s” ‘32 Ford was in his spot. James would have his ‘67 Firebird just down from John’s ‘57 Chevy and of course Ray, Ray’s ‘32 Ford was just where he likes it. Rogers V6 Powered 37 Ford pickup was across from him and most of the “Redline Rodders” were in place. Bob would have his ’40 Buick in it’s spot and Darrell’s ’66 LTD was next to him for now. 2 out of 3 amigos, Mark & Mike in their Corvettes) were in their spots awaiting the 3rd, Ken and Charlene in the Camaro.

The table on the patio was already occupied by Mark, Tom, Bunny, Larry, Linda, Cindy and Dave and it wouldn’t be long before Emil & Charlie would join us. Angie would do a great job of taking care of our group. One never knows just how big it gets until dinner time is over. Today we added a bit more work to her job. Not only did Bunny bring a Birthday Cake for me, Larry brought one for him and me. So we had lots of cake but we made sure there was enough for the staff. She did manage to give Larry a bit of a Cool down, one cake accidentally slipped and knocked over his drink onto his lap. Anyway cake was had by all , that wanted it, times 2 for the most part. The cars kept rolling in and Birthday wishes from all that found out about it. Thank You!

On our way back up Emil distributed part of the cake to Wound ’N’ Round and any one else that wanted any. I would take a piece to Mike Singer and Linda dropped off a bunch at the Office. Once back at the car my Grandson Gabryel and my daughter Leigh Anne would surprise me. More well wishers, including Gary, Dave and Chris would get their cake and Gabryel would finish off the frosting! Tony “I Never Win” Fisher would arrive in his newly repaired Mustang, the motor tried to jump out of it and park it next to Tom’s Mustang and Lori’s Challenger. Dan Z was out with Ron S in his ‘34 Ford Coupe. Liz joined in with them later. Dave & Nancy were out in their ‘30 Austin American. It certainly was a beautiful night and I would actually stay near my car tonight and visit with all that stopped by. My grandson announced that he would like to ride in the Cruise tonight so we made room for him and his mom in the back seat.

The spectator crowd grew to be very large just about 7:00 as usual, It would be nice if some of them would come out a little earlier but they do stay much later after the Cruise, I just hope they spend money at our friends stores. We need this place to play.

Just after 8:20, Chrisanne and Derrick would stop by with the Flag Winners. The Cruise Staff would have directed Bert & Laverne Brown in their '66 Comet station wagon if it wasn't broken down tonight, our July 2010 Cruiser of the Month, who were riding with Darrell in his '66 LTD, then the rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks. Dave, Chris & Mesha and  would then lead them all to Block 4 that becomes the staging area for Old Town's signature event.  Mike Singer, KJ4GNI, who had been at the controls of the "Blue Room" all day, playing a mix of nostalgic music, radio "Jingles"  gave 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", We would have Gabryel and Leigh Anne waiving from the back seat. Mike announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 209 cars in cruise formation cruised past delighting a very large crowd of cheering spectators along both sides of the boulevard. Hot or Cold, Rain or Shine or even Snow, 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, 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, Chris, Deputy Asa and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for making our Saturday, today being my birthday in "Town" a very special, fun and safe one.

Before Part two of the evening could take place there was a very misfortunate accident, normally I wouldn’t say anything about one ever happening but tonight it was one of our own, a Staff member that was hurt. To my knowledge his injuries are not life threatening and I am sure we will see him on his Golf Kart soon.  I do not have any further details but I will try and update you all on his condition. I just want to say Get Well to Gary and tell all that participate and visit our event to please pay attention to the safety rules and the Staff, then this type of incident can be avoided.

Newsletter #302 is on sale, still only $2
1048 399 152 80
 

See you all "Out There"