Wetter than what?

I Have my photos the end of the story and the flag winners posted the beginning of the story will follow. We had to push the car across the John Young and Carroll intersection on the way home. But with the help of Charlie and Janice we got her home.

Here is the story....

Let’s just say again that we are in the Rainy Season. As much as we would like to have a dry fourth of July weekend it doesn’t happen very often. We have learned to adapt. If we were going to let a little rain keep us from what we want to do on the weekends we would all be staying at home and grumbling. Can’t do anything about the weather so, enjoy it.
We would be the 23rd car to arrive at about 1:45. Some of the “Loons” were in the bin. Mark, ‘37 FIAT, Bob, ’71 Z-28 Camaro & Nick. In his ’32 Ford coupe, were in their favorite spots. Steve Mc, K4SKM was back from a week out of town and had the ‘64 Corvair parked next to the carport. Bill was way up on the other end in his “Show Time” ‘53 Ford pickup. We would take our spot next to Emil’s Fat fendered Ford, Morris would take a spot over for his ‘50 Ford just before Tom & Bunny arrived with both cars, the ‘66 Chevelle and the ‘68 Fairlane. It was quite Sunny at the moment so Linda & I would take our first walk up “Trophy Row” to see who was in Town. With the promise of 70% rain coverage the early birds were not as plentiful. “Big John” would have a great Chevelle parked in his spot. Bob would have the GMC out today. Bill was in his ‘55 Chevy and James would have his ‘67 Firebird out today, top down for now. Most of the Redline Rodders would be in place and Darrell was in his Decades spot with his ‘66 LTD. Gary was zipping around on the golf kart getting the last minute things in place. Chris & Mesha were riding with him for a while. Chris got some great photos.

Back at the car Bill & Doris would arrive for a visit. Larry, WA3PGL and Linda, KA3BPR would arrive, they are back from vacation and came out to join us for dinner. T Rod, KT4ROD would call in over the radio to wish all a happy 4th as he was on his way to a hog roast. The sky was sort of getting black to the East and the West. Bunny had a great Idea and we headed for Flippers a little early. That was a good thing as it started to sprinkle as we crossed Deac Hundely Ave at the top of Block 1. Not long after we sat down the skies opened up and the rain came. We were all tucked under the overhang and only got a little wet. Emil, Charlie and Morris arrived in the hardest rain and grabbed another table and wiped it off and set it next to us. About that time Red Racer Ted, KE4TTE was passing by, still trapped by his work load and James, KE5WRT, a traveler from Amarillo Texas and his family were in town and at the Spring Roll Chinese Gourmet restaurant during the downpour. We never did get the chance to catch up with them. Angie did a great job taking care of us outside, including Mark who has been joining in the last few weeks. The rain finally let up, we finished our meals and headed back to the cars.

The rain kept the number of cars down so there were a lot of open parking spots in the top blocks as we made our way back to Block 4. This wet weather doesn’t completely stop the people that come out to see our cars it just delays them. Some of these folks only have this one Saturday to experience the Cruise after all this is part of their “Dream Vacation” or this is the only time this year that they can make it to the brick streets of Old Town. Ed, WB8BHL would stop by for a while, he and I would go up and visit with Mike Singer, KJ4GNI for a while and listen to radio station IDs from times gone by.

The rest of the evening was spent trying to stay dry. When the rain let up Morgan would help Charlie & Emil wipe down the Old Ford and then the Dart. Yes, it would sprinkle again so the cars would have to run the parade route rain spotted. Wouldn’t be the first time nor will it be the last. It was nearing “Cruise Time”…..

Just after 8:20, Chrisanne would stop by with the Flag Winners. The Cruise Staff would direct our ???? July 2010 Cruiser of the Month, 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", Mike announced the Flag Winners as the rest of the 98 cars in cruise formation cruised past delighting a sizable crowd of cheering spectators along both sides of the NO WAKE ZONE. "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 #300 is on sale, still only $2
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See you all "Out There"