The Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce thanked Cruise Night presenters Austin Azzaretto and Bob Basta with plaques and dinner certificates for all their time and work on the very successful Tuesday evening Cruise Night car shows. "We have had a fantastic year with the Cruise Nights--225 vehicles exhibited one evening. And very well-attended by a walk-through public. With all the positive response in 2006, we expect 2007 to be even better!" said Paige Dawson, chamber promoter.

The award presentation was made aboard a cruise on the oyster sloop Christeen on Friday, Sept. 29. The cruise had been won by Alex Gallego at the Health Fair 2006 raffle. He donated it back to the Chamber for a Business After Hours.

"It was an absolutely perfect evening for a sail on Oyster Bay Harbor. We had a light repast prepared for us by Periwinkles Catering and served by Melanie. We all had a great time. Photos of the event are available on the Internet at Snapfish. That is what Bob Basta uses for the digital photos he takes. It is an HP site," explained Paige.

Ms. Dawson said, "Generally, the best place to find out what is going on is the Chamber website: oysterbaychamber.org. The cruise was intended to replace the Business After Hours listed for earlier that same week.

The next Chamber After Hours will be at Appliance World hosted by Larry Nathan -- it is to be on Halloween evening Oct. 31. Check the chamber at 922-6464 for the time."

As for Cruise Nights, she said, "We had a great year and are looking forward to an even better one next year with lots of people exhibiting cars, trucks and motorcycles. The exhibitors were sorry to see it end, and asked to be sure we would be doing it again in '07--they plan on coming back. It has turned into a Tuesday night street fair in town, drawing people from out of town both to exhibit and to stroll around and enjoy our town. People pay their $3 admission, walk around town like everyone else and eat at the local restaurants. What is not to like?"

Muttontown resident Teresa Murdock, a professional photographer, was so pleased to visit Cruise Night, she took pictures of the event and sent information about the great evening out. (See photos.)

Bob Martin, OBCC vice president said, "The event started with a few cars three summers ago and has grown to a 'must attend' event for anyone who drives, works on, or simply, just loves to look at classic automobiles."

Oyster Bay resident Dave Fischer enjoyed Cruise Nights in Oyster Bay and wanted to share his enthusiasm about the event. He said, "It takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday nights, on Audrey Avenue, which is closed to the driving public. They use it for antique cars, and if you haven't seen it, or not aware of it, recently, it was packed. Cars came in from the 1930s, '40s, '50s, fancy cars and unusual cars. What a crowd. It was a big turnout.

Billy Joel has been there several times. We are getting a bigger and bigger turnout. It has a nice impact on Oyster Bay. When the weather is nice there is a terrific turnout. It brings people to town. It's a very nice place to visit with family and friends. They come in and the cars are there for everyone to see," said Mr. Fischer.

Your small donation gets you entered into a raffle for prizes donated by local merchants and coupons for local restaurants. Cruise Night features live music, car buff collectibles and hard to find automobile accessories. While you're at it, check out some of the great restaurants in Oyster Bay. Put Cruise Night on your calendar for next year's fun!