Get Well and Hurry Back Gary!

It rained a bit at our house before noon, I commented to Linda that the car count would be down because of it. I went outside a few minutes later and I didn’t see any signs of the precipitation hitting the ground. It was just that HOT I guess, not as hot as it was in the Midwest or along the upper eastern seaboard. As we made our way along US192, Vine Street or Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway take your pick, we would notice some dark clouds floating along with the big puffy white ones. What had been Tropical Storm Bonnie, for an hour or so before becoming a depression again, was dragging a bunch of moisture along behind her and leaving us with a 60% chance or is that coverage, I guess that depends on your interpretation, of rain. I did figure out all on my own I might add the chances of perspiration were holding right at 100% regardless of your deodorant.

Lee was at the gate with the Joe Rodhouse tribute Golf Kart. That is good because it does offer a little shade for him. There were some shoppers on the street as we would make our way to make that turn at the clock. Bert's Comet was in it’s place of honor, next to him was Nick’s ‘32 Ford. Dave registered us, Steve Mc, K4SKM, was setting under the carport and his Model A Tudor was parked next to it. Elvyn’s T-Bird was next to the staircase at the bottom of Block 3. Young Gary and Chris were filling in for Gary. They would move the cones for us to cross Florida Plaza, Thank you! Emil’s fat fendered Ford was in his favorite parking spot and Morris was 2 down from him with his ‘50 Ford when we arrived, they were all out and about with Charlie. G4HFG Graham would make his first check in about the time we got settled. Tom & Bunny would arrive in his ‘66 Chevelle. It wouldn’t be long before Tony would bring his Mustang to the area by the General Store. Dave, KF8CI would make it out a few minutes before Larry, WA3PGL and Linda, KA3BRP would arrive. Dan Z rode out with Jeff in his ‘59 Edsel and they were followed in by Ron S in his ‘34 Ford coupe. The cars were not coming in to fast today. I am sure it was the thought of the impending rain that was keeping them away. Bill & Doris would arrive for their chat. Bill would give me his photos that he took on Friday, we now have lots of people shooting for the website. I really like all of the different angles that show up when Linda and I would head up to dinner a little early because we hadn’t made it to the top of “Trophy Row” earlier. By now there were a few more Cruisers in town. Dave would be out in his ’57 Mint Julep, Chevy. Frank’s El Camino was by the maintenance shop. Richard’s El Camino was across from the shed. He was in it. The “Looney Bin” was manned by the head loon in his GMC, next to him was Bill in his ‘55 Chevy then Mike’s ‘65 GTO and Jim’s ‘67 GTO. Bob would have his ’64 Chevelle Pro-Street in it’s spot. Most of the “Redline Rodders” were in place. Juan had a great ‘53 Chevy out for the first time today. Dennis had his “Top Gun” Corvette North of the stage. Mike & Mark had their Corvettes in place. Tom, Bunny, Linda, Larry and Dave beat us to the table on the patio. Angie would take care of us again this week and none of us would be wearing a target. Emil, Charlie and Morris were the last to arrive. Just after we ordered the sky grew darker and the wind picked up. Both Charlie and Morris would make a trip down to Block 4 to check the windows. When it was time to leave there was a slight drizzle and some wind. By the time we would get back to the cars the Puffy clouds were back and only a few water spots on the cars.

Tom brought his ‘68 Mustang in and parked by Tony. Bill & Family were out in the Belvedere that he has been working on. We would take a trip up to the “Blue Room” a little later. The Queen of Doo Wop, Lori was visiting with Mike Singer, KJ4GNI. Yong Gary was now filling in for Ben in the parking lot and “Red Racer” Ted, KE4TTE was in town and taking pictures, the under the stairs gang was up to force. The crowd was still a little light. Juicy Juice was giving out samples of their new product. Dale’s ‘27 T was spotted, John’s ‘54 Chevy was nearby Dale’s ‘57 Chevy wagon. Mike & Linda would arrive in their ‘71 SS454 Malibu and park next to Bob. Bob was in his place next to Darrell’s ‘66 Ford with his ‘40 Buick. As it grew closer to 7:00 the spectator crowd just seemed to double, then double again. More than a hundred cars would arrive between 6:30 and 8:00 and Old Town was really hoppin’ we didn't get the chance to get back down to the stage area to hear the “Repeatles” but they are always a crowd pleaser. It is just amazing that “Trophy Row” and Deac Hundley Avenue can fill up so quickly but we are very glad it does.
 

Just after 8:20, Chrisanne and Derrick would stop by with the Flag Winners. The Cruise Staff directed Bert & Laverne Brown in their '66 Comet station wagon our July 2010 Cruiser of the Month, to lead the Cruisers, then the rest of the cars from the top 3 Blocks would follow. Dave, Chris & Mesha  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". Mike announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 174 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 in "Town" a very special, fun and safe one.

Newsletter #303 is on sale, still only $2
1050 400 153 80
 

See you all "Out There"