Eric Swanger is planning on driving the length of Route 66 in a few days. What makes his trip special is he's doing it entirely on a Vespa scooter. He starts from Chicago on May 6. He e-mailed: I am keeping a blog and posting a ton of pics. For the Route 66 segment, I'm … Continue reading A Vespa on 66 … and other notebook items
Category: Events
Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going
Using a bunch of upcoming Route 66 festivals in Southern California as a news hook, Carol Bidwell of the Long Beach Press-Telegram writes a good article about the Mother Road's history and where it stands at the present day. It includes talk about what happens after the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program ends in 2009. … Continue reading Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going
Fun Run preview
This coming weekend's Fun Run, directed by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, is the subject of a preview in the Kingman Daily Miner, including an extensive schedule for the event. The Fun Run, which anticipates more than 800 entrants, is a car/motorcycle cruise that winds on Route 66 from Seligman to the Topock/Golden … Continue reading Fun Run preview
State of the road in Illinois
Using the upcoming Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Weekend as a jumping-off point, the Bloomington Pantagraph takes a look at the current state of the Mother Road in the Land of Lincoln. And despite current problems like a faltering economy and high fuel prices, the future of Route 66 looks bright. "International travelers come from … Continue reading State of the road in Illinois
‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest
Amanda Overmyer, a recently deposed contestant on this season's "American Idol," will perform a show during the inaugural Berdoo Bikes & Blues Festival in San Bernardino, Calif., according to a news release today. Opening ceremonies will include her version of the Star Spangled Banner on Friday, May 2, on the Time Warner "D" Street stage … Continue reading ‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest
Prime the pumps
The gas pumps at Roy's in Amboy, Calif., began working again in earnest on Thursday, reports the Inland Press-Enterprise. Hundreds of travelers, including motorcyclists on the annual Laughlin River Run, stopped in to cool off with sodas and water and to fuel their vehicles. Even before Okura formally reopened the restored gas station at 11:30 … Continue reading Prime the pumps
Webb City’s loss may be Route 66’s gain
Webb City, Mo., has decided to pull the plug on its annual Mining Days after 29 years, reports the Joplin Globe. It usually was held in the last week of September. However: In its place, the city wants to put on a series of other annual festivals with different themes in the downtown area, including … Continue reading Webb City’s loss may be Route 66’s gain
“Abe on 66” bookstore opens tomorrow
Remember the announcement about an "Abe on 66" bookstore in Bloomington, Ill., which specializes in items from Route 66, Abraham Lincoln and "The Wizard of Oz"? It opens Friday. It's at 402 1/2 N. Main St. (map here). However, this excerpt from the Bloomington Pantagraph's story troubled me: Initial store hours at Abe on 66 … Continue reading “Abe on 66” bookstore opens tomorrow
Michael Martin Murphey to perform benefit for Route 66 center
Michael Martin Murphey, best-known for his hits "What's Forever For" and "Wildfire," will perform a solo show in the historic Armory building in Chandler, Okla., at 7 p.m. Sunday, reports the Tulsa World. General admission tickets are $20 each, with reserved seating $30 each. All proceeds will go toward the Route 66 Interpretive Center, which … Continue reading Michael Martin Murphey to perform benefit for Route 66 center
First look of Carthage museum coming up
The public will get its first look at a Route 66 display for the Jasper County Courthouse on April 16, reports the Carthage (Mo.) Press. The person in charge of the Route 66 display is Brad Belk, executive director of the nearby Joplin Museum Complex. The cost of the museum is being partially paid for … Continue reading First look of Carthage museum coming up