A few days ago, a 100-foot-wide Centennial Arch was raised along Front Street (aka old Route 66) in Galena, Kansas, though it's not completely finished. Former Galena mayor Dale Oglesby came up with the idea for Route 66's centennial in 2026 almost 15 years ago, reported KSNF-TV in nearby Joplin, Missouri. In fact, some of … Continue reading Route 66 Centennial Arch erected in Galena
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.
Sounds on 66 features live music from Edmond to Wellston next month
The first annual Sounds on 66 live music collaboration will highlight musicians and bands at four cities along the Midpoint Corridor of Oklahoma -- Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and Wellston -- from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21. The event will feature 12 live music events and 24 musicians and bands. “Main Street America is Route 66,” … Continue reading Sounds on 66 features live music from Edmond to Wellston next month
County commissioner pledges $250,000 to operations of Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque
Bernalillo County Commissioner Frank Baca recently pledged $250,000 from his District Directed Funding account towards operations of the yet-to-open Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque. The county operated the $13 million facility until April 2024, then donated it to the City of Albuquerque. The city formed a Route 66 Visitor Center Commission to determine how … Continue reading County commissioner pledges $250,000 to operations of Route 66 Visitor Center in Albuquerque
Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
The 90-year-old Hudson Service Station in Miami, Oklahoma, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The station at 218 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) landed the designation on Aug. 18, according to an email from the National Park Service. The Oklahoma Historical Society also announced it. According to Sooner State News: Built … Continue reading Hudson Service Station in Miami designated to National Register of Historic Places
New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
The Rolla Chamber of Commerce presided last week over the ribbon-cutting and dedication of a new Route 66 Memorial at Buehler Park in Rolla, Missouri. According to the chamber, the memorial was paid for with a grant from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission. Aimee Campbell, the city's tourism director, shepherded the project. According to … Continue reading New Route 66 Memorial dedicated at Buehler Park in Rolla
Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
The historic Rod's Steak House in Williams, Arizona, reopened Saturday under new ownership after it shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago. Kennelly Concepts spent months remodeling and restoring the Route 66 landmark, which dates to 1946. Williams Mayor Don Dent, former Rod's owner Lawrence Sanchez and Tom Kennelly celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony … Continue reading Rod’s Steak House in Williams reopens after years-long closure
Up to $42,500 in grants available for Route 66 businesses and attractions
Up to $42,500 in grants are available for Route 66 businesses and attractions through the Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program this year. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with its Preservation & Economic Development Grant Program, an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. Up to 20 grants … Continue reading Up to $42,500 in grants available for Route 66 businesses and attractions
Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
Several eateries along Route 66 will receive $50,000 each from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 50 recipients on Monday. Among the Route 66 restaurants are: Rock Cafe, Stroud, Oklahoma (since 1939) Ike's Chili, Tulsa (since 1908) The Barn - Route 66, Newberry Springs, California (since … Continue reading Rock Cafe, Ike’s Chili among recipients of Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants
More details emerge on “A Night at the Route 66 Museum” to launch centennial celebration
The Route 66 Association of Arizona recently provided more details on "A Night at the Route 66 Museum" in Kingman to kick off the Route 66 centennial a few weeks early. The event features a partnership with the association, City of Kingman Office of Tourism and Mohave County Historical Society. This fundraiser will take place … Continue reading More details emerge on “A Night at the Route 66 Museum” to launch centennial celebration
35-foot-tall neon boot that pays tribute to “Route 66” song proposed in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City chose a public art design that features a huge neon boot, paying tribute to the iconic song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." As OKCTalk reported recently, the city will set aside $875,000 in voter-approved MAPS 4 sales-tax funds for the project. More details: The central element of Kicks 66 is a 35-foot-tall … Continue reading 35-foot-tall neon boot that pays tribute to “Route 66” song proposed in Oklahoma City