Nelson family unveils latest mural in Lebanon

Four generations of the Nelson family on Sunday unveiled the newest Route 66-related mural in Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri. The mural, titled "Nelson Family Legacy," was a $75,000 project in which 143 people, businesses and organization donated money to finish it, according to the blog of the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society. Bruce Owen, … Continue reading Nelson family unveils latest mural in Lebanon

Tucumcari a contender again for racino

Tucumcari, New Mexico, again is a candidate for a state license to establish a casino and horse-racing venue - also known as a racino -- along Route 66. The Eastern New Mexico News reports Clovis, New Mexico, and Tucumcari are in the running for the state's last available license. The newspaper reported: Warren Frost represents … Continue reading Tucumcari a contender again for racino

Justin Scarred returns to Route 66 in Arizona

Justin Scarred, the popular videoblogger for Randomland Adventures, and his girlfriend recently returned to Route 66 in Arizona to check out the sights in Seligman. He also visited the sprawling Bedrock City and Grand Canyon Deer Farm, both of which are near Williams, Arizona; and Grand Canyon National Park, a popular side trip for Route 66 … Continue reading Justin Scarred returns to Route 66 in Arizona

A lot going on with Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor festival

Towns along a 90-mile stretch of Route 66 in northern Illinois offer a lot during Saturday's Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival, but Wilmington's seems especially enticing. Not only does that city's Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offer the chance of seeing the famous Smokey Bear hot-air balloon and newborn bison, but the new owners of … Continue reading A lot going on with Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor festival

El Reno installs new Route 66 monument

The city of El Reno, Oklahoma, on Wednesday installed a 10-foot-tall Route 66 monument, days before the annual El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day festival this weekend. The monument, made by PremierCraft in nearby Oklahoma City, sits at West Wade Street and South Choctaw Avenue, near Sid's Diner. It's designed so tourists can sit inside the … Continue reading El Reno installs new Route 66 monument

Miami makes a festival out of adding murals

The Route 66 town of Miami, Oklahoma, added five murals to its downtown district over the weekend and produced a festival around it, to boot. Mural Fest 66 featured the work of five artists who used the walls of downtown buildings as their canvas. Most of the artists came from Oklahoma, but one hailed from … Continue reading Miami makes a festival out of adding murals

New Mexico Tourism produces new video about Route 66

A few days ago, the New Mexico Tourism Department uploaded a 12-minute video about Route 66 in the Land of Enchantment. Typical of the department's New Mexico True videos, it's a high-quality production: I commend it to your attention. https://youtu.be/3hLVfSQlzs4 Interviewed in the film are: Johnnie Meier, owner of the Classical Gas Museum in Embudo … Continue reading New Mexico Tourism produces new video about Route 66

Several Route 66 cities receive brownfield grants

Several large Route 66 cities will receive brownfield grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "to assess, clean up and redevelop underutilized properties while protecting public health and the environment." According to a news release from the agency, 144 cities will receive a total of $54.3 million. Here are the Route 66 communities that will receive … Continue reading Several Route 66 cities receive brownfield grants

Vandalism at Blue Whale prompts security upgrades

The iconic Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, soon will receive security improvements after vandalism occurred at the Route 66 landmark earlier last weekend. KOTV in Tulsa had some details about the damage: Volunteer Linda Hobbs remembers the phone call she got earlier this week saying someone vandalized the beloved Blue Whale Park. "Had pulled picnic … Continue reading Vandalism at Blue Whale prompts security upgrades

Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter

Although Walt Disney Co. officials so far remain silent about the issue, reports have emerged that John Lasseter, chief executive of Disney-Pixar's animation divisions, may not return to either company amid allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The news will dishearten many fans of Route 66. Lasseter, who directed Disney-Pixar's 2006 hit film "Cars" that … Continue reading Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter