The Saturday Nite Cruise at Old Town in Kissimme has become legendary over the years, and on June 7th, 2008, it celebrated its 18th Anniversary in style. Open to 1974 and older vehicles, it draws an impressive number of cars and trucks on any given Saturday - but for this year’s Anniversary there was an impressive 765 registered cruisers on hand. The vehicles wrapped nearly all the way around the more than 75 specialty shops that make up the vintage themed Old Town shopping and entertainment complex, located one mile east of I-4 on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee.

The cruises at Old Town are always free to both cruisers and spectators, and with its outstanding world-wide reputation and close proximity to other major tourist attractions it always has a big crowd to admire the gleaming vehicles on display.

Special commemorative license plates were once again given to those who registered, and over the years they have become highly valued collectibles that are proudly displayed. Dwight Icenhower performed his Tribute To The King show on the main stage to entertain the crowds starting at 3:00pm, and the band Close Quarters took the stage for several sets to keep things hopping. As those that have participated before know, there is no judging at Old Town’s Saturday Nite Cruise, but they do draw random registration numbers to award checkered flags, with recipients receiving a nice prize package thanks to the many sponsors.

One of the elements that has always made the Saturday Nite Cruise so exciting is that at 8:30pm they actually do “cruise” all the registered vehicles down the red brick streets, which is a 1/4 mile or so long strip located between the shops. This is a favorite of spectators, who line both sides of the streets many people deep to take in all the action....making the cars (and their passengers) the stars. With 765 vehicles the cruise lasted for about an hour, and how smoothly it once again was all pulled off is testimony to how well the Cruise Staff works together.

The Anniversary of the Saturday Nite Cruise at Old Town is celebrated on the first Saturday of June each year, so it is easy to plan ahead when making out your show calendar. In addition to the Saturday Nite Cruise, Old Town also hosts a Friday Nite Cruise (open to 1975-87 vehicles, plus 1988 and newer vehicles if they are modified), and have also recently added a Wednesday Nite Cruise (open to 1987 and older vehicles). For more info on any of them you can visit www.old-town.com, or call the Old Town office at 407-396-4888. CN