The Indianapolis Star talked to "Cars" actors Richard Petty and Bonnie Hunt. Here's another Richard Petty interview, this time by the Chicago Tribune. John Ratzenberger, who plays Mack the semi-truck in the film, is interviewed. And on Thursday evening, Rotten Tomatoes gave "Cars" its desirable Certified Fresh rating. The explanation: "Rotten Tomatoes awards the Certified … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 8
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.
Exotic Animal Paradise to close
Exotic Animal Paradise, a drive-through animal park that's operated on old Route 66 for nearly 35 years near Strafford, Mo., announced Thursday it is set to close Oct. 1, according to the Springfield News-Leader. The animal park was sold to a real-estate developer, the newspaper said. It will make way for a golf course and … Continue reading Exotic Animal Paradise to close
Idol worship at the Edwardsville festival
The 10th annual Festival 66 in Edwardsville, Ill., is taking a page from the wildly popular TV show "American Idol" and holding a singing contest, reports the Belleville News-Democrat. The big event, however, will be the car cruise at 7 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 classic vehicles participate each year. I was stopped in the … Continue reading Idol worship at the Edwardsville festival
Legends of America site marks third anniversary
The EMediaWire reports that the Legends of America site is marking its third year of existence this year. Legends owner Kathy Weiser of Lenexa, Kansas, became consumed by her creation, quitting her full time job two years ago to focus full time on the website. Full of facts and fancy about destinations in the American … Continue reading Legends of America site marks third anniversary
Riding the 844 train
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog not only went to see Union Pacific Railroad's historic No. 844 steam engine when it made a recent stop in the Route 66 town of Claremore, Okla., but he also rode it clear to Kansas City. Click here for the story and a lot more great photos.
Follow the bloggers
The girls on the Route 66 travel blog are having a blast. They danced with a fleet-footed old man at the Round Barn in Arcadia, Okla., had their vehicle jimmied open after they accidently locked their keys in it at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, and got a tour of the Blue Swallow Motel … Continue reading Follow the bloggers
Missouri travel advisory
The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader reports that reconstruction on Interstate 44 between mile markers 135 and 145 on Interstate 44 east of Lebanon will begin in earnest Wednesday afternoon. This is on top of delays on I-44 in St. Louis County and Franklin County. Motorists crossing Missouri have seen delays of up to one hour. Of … Continue reading Missouri travel advisory
Summer travel looking up despite gas prices
Despite higher gas prices, Illinois officials still anticipate a rise in travel and tourism this summer. According to a story in the Peoria (Ill.) Journal-Star: "Gas prices will have an impact, but the travel forecast is positive," said Jan Kostner, deputy director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, in a presentation at the Gateway Building … Continue reading Summer travel looking up despite gas prices
Interest rises for Missouri town’s Route 66 festival
The Springfield News-Leader reports that more people have volunteered to help with the Route 66 Days in Strafford, Mo. A firm date hasn't been set, but they're shooting for the second Saturday in September. The festival also has a Web site: Strafford66Days.com
“Cars” news roundup for June 7
Here are more reviews of the movie "Cars": The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia says "Cars" is "great fun." John Boonstra at the Fairfield County Weekly says it's "smartly written, crackling entertainment." Matt Brunson of ConnectSavannah.com in Georgia calls it "a paean to Route 66." The Varsity Web site of New Zealand says "Pixar has … Continue reading “Cars” news roundup for June 7