An organization in Springfield, Missouri, announced a new facade grant program to support Route 66 businesses before the highway's centennial celebrations this year. The West Central Neighborhood Alliance in Springfield announced the Mother Road Business Curb Appeal Program, reported the Springfield News-Leader. Approved businesses can receive up to $500 in matching reimbursement funds for exterior … Continue reading Route 66 businesses in Springfield, Missouri, offered grants to improve storefronts
Category: Events
Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May
The long-closed Shamrock Court motel along old Route 66 in Sullivan, Missouri, announced on Facebook on Sunday that it will begin taking online reservations in late May. Rich Dinkela, recent past president of the Route 66 Association of Missouri, acquired the motel, then spent years making huge -- and costly -- repairs to the building, … Continue reading Shamrock Court begins taking reservations, scheduled to reopen in late May
Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner
The landmark Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, California, will host a celebration of life on Feb. 28 for the restaurant's longtime owner, Andrea Pruett. The California Historic Route 66 Association reported the event will be from noon to 4 p.m. that day. The public is invited, and the family invites attendees to share their memories … Continue reading Bagdad Cafe to host celebration of life on Feb. 28 for its longtime owner
Mary Beth Babcock named grand marshal of 100th edition of Tulsa Christmas Parade
Prominent Route 66 advocate Mary Beth Babcock last week was named the grand marshal of the centennial edition of the Tulsa Christmas Parade. Organizers sprung the announcement on her at her Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66 shop. More from the big surprise: TulsaPeople magazine also covered the reveal. This year's parade will be on … Continue reading Mary Beth Babcock named grand marshal of 100th edition of Tulsa Christmas Parade
“Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma, will open its "Will Rogers Highway: Route 66" exhibit on Feb. 27. The exhibit opens at 5 p.m. Admission will be free. The Cherokee Phoenix reported: The exhibit launches with the 1880s, illustrating America’s push for better roads beyond rough wagon trails, which spurred the rapid Good … Continue reading “Will Rogers Highway: Route 66” exhibit opens on Feb. 27 in Claremore
Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier
In celebration of Route 66's centennial, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point of the highway. The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its role in American history, culture and adventure will take place on March 25, according to a news release. The … Continue reading Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier
Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner
In August, two men plan to drive the 2,400-mile length of Route 66 in a restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker in tribute to the car's late owner. The road trip by Markku Jaakkola and Jacob Gilbert will be part of an Official Route 66 Centennial event. Jaakkola, a Finnish‑born automotive storyteller and quality engineer, wrote … Continue reading Restored 1973 Chrysler New Yorker will be driven on Route 66 in tribute to its late owner
Over 1,000 cars already registered for Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa
Registration for the Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa has logged 1,000 participants -- months before the big event. According to a news release, 1,023 classic-car owners from 26 states had completed their registrations. Organizers aim to break the Guinness World Record for the largest classic-car parade of 2,491 cars. With the parade not … Continue reading Over 1,000 cars already registered for Route 66 Centennial Capital Cruise in Tulsa
Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday joined with other state leaders mark the kickoff of Route 66's centennial and announced $4 million in grants for numerous tourism bureaus to boost that effort. The announcement was made in Granite City with officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Agriculture … Continue reading Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Relighting ceremony set for April 11 for Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow
The Bristow (Oklahoma) Historical Society \announced that a lights-on ceremony will be set for the evening of April 11 for the long-dark Chrysler Plymouth tower sign. The ceremony will take place at about 8:15 p.m. The tower sign once stood a block or two from Route 66, but it has been moved to the Mother … Continue reading Relighting ceremony set for April 11 for Chrysler Plymouth tower sign in Bristow