Although there are few specifics about the shooting locations, early reviews confirm that Route 66 plays a fairly prominent role in the new film by Chinese director Wong Kar Wai, "My Blueberry Nights," which premieres at the Cannes Film Festival next week. Emmanuel Levy is the first to submit a review to Rotten Tomatoes, and … Continue reading Reviews trickle in for “My Blueberry Nights”
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Launching Pad has a new owner
In December, we were the first to report that the Launching Pad Drive-In on Route 66 in Wilmington, Ill., was for sale. This restaurant is a Mother Road icon because of a 28-foot-tall fiberglass statue Gemini Giant, the only one of its kind. Today, the Naperville Sun reports that Morey Szczecin of Channahon is the … Continue reading Launching Pad has a new owner
Ummm … wrong
I found this news item tonight from the Inland Press-Enterprise about the San Bernardino County Fair, which is right off Route 66 in Victorville, Calif. But the article goes awry here: Serafini boasts that it is the last remaining county fair on the historic transcontinental highway [my emphasis]. Its closest contender is a fair in … Continue reading Ummm … wrong
El Reno Burger Day a big success
The El Reno Tribune reports that attendance at the 19th annual El Reno Burger Day in El Reno, Okla., was at least its second-biggest ever, with 25,000 roaming the festival area on Saturday. Look out for next year, though: “Next year is the 20th anniversary, so we are going to do that even bigger,” she … Continue reading El Reno Burger Day a big success
El Reno suffers storm damage
A storm struck the Route 66 town of El Reno, Okla., on Tuesday, causing damage around the southern part of the city, reports the El Reno Tribune. I talked to a spokeswoman at the El Reno Chamber of Commerce, and they were not aware of damage to historical buildings, including the downtown area. The Tribune … Continue reading El Reno suffers storm damage
Mower Man near the end of his ride
Matt Land, who was driving on much of Route 66 with a propane-powered lawn mower built by his employer, Dixie Chopper, is supposed to finish his 2,000-mile trek from Indiana to California this morning, reports the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. He was hoping to meet with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, but the guv has already made it know … Continue reading Mower Man near the end of his ride
Sad news
You may remember the story of Michelle Thompson, the woman who bicycled Route 66 to raise awareness of oral cancer and raise funds for her ill brother, John Thompson. She pedaled to her brother's house in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Christmas Day, shortly after finishing her trek on the Mother Road. Today, I received word … Continue reading Sad news
Behind the wheel, Part 2
This isn't a Sunday drive in a Model A. This is a video from a helmet cam by a racer at Route 66 Karting in Albuquerque. It is on Route 66, so it's another way to get your kicks. 😉 The driver makes an overaggressive move about the three-minute mark and wipes out. No blood, … Continue reading Behind the wheel, Part 2
Missouri town unveils newest mural
The Route 66 town of Cuba, Mo., rapidly becoming known as Mural City, unveiled its newest creation on Monday, according to the Cuba Free Press: The city’s newest mural celebrates the life and service of entrepreneur Bill Wallis to the Cuba community. It also honors the Missouri Highway Patrol, now celebrating their 75th year as … Continue reading Missouri town unveils newest mural
Fun Run breaks record
So much for the high cost of gasoline. According to the Kingman Daily Miner, the Arizona Route 66 Association's annual Fun Run boasted 815 entrants, beating last year's record of 800. That's a lot of classic cars in one place. 🙂