An online fundraiser to build a huge Route 66 map made of New Mexico license plates near Edgewood, New Mexico, recently exceeded its goal by more than $1,000.
According to the FundRazr campaign launched by Roger Holden of RETRO — Relive the Route, it had generated $5,500 in pledges — well above the goal of $4,000.
Holden told the Albuquerque Journal the extra funds will allow to wall to be built on the side of a truck trailer so it can be taken to festivals and parades.
The extra funds will make it possible for the RETRO 66: Relive the Route group to work on other projects, such as setting up the inside of the semitrailer as an interpretive center with screens and movies about Old Route 66.
Another project the funds will help start is the restoration of the old gas station at Mountain Valley and Old Route 66 on the former property of Bob Audette. Other buildings on the property have been completely restored, Holden said.
There is also a plan for a small drive-in theater to be set up on the property, but that is still in the preliminary stages.
Holden said his group should begin installing the license plates within the week.
The wall will measure 40 feet long by 12 feet high and be made primarily of hundreds of yellow New Mexico license plates donated by the state.
Outlining the path of Route 66 will be turquoise blue New Mexico license plates, some of them personalized.
(Initial design for the Route 66 license-plate wall)