Organizers for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, say the recent event drew about 65,000 people, which tied the record set in 2019. No festival occurred in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers during previous festivals had projected attendance of 70,000 to 80,000 people. According to the Springfield Business … Continue reading About 65,000 people attend Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, tying its record
Category: Events
Updated list of speakers announced for Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference
An updated list of speakers recently was announced by organizers of the seventh annual Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference set for Oct. 20-23 at the Pontiac Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center in Pontiac, Illinois. This year's theme for the conference is "America's Main Street Welcomes the World." (Disclosure: The Route 66 Miles of … Continue reading Updated list of speakers announced for Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference
Hear Angel Delgadillo’s induction speech for the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame
Last month, 95-year-old Angel Delgadillo of Seligman, Arizona, was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Paradise Alley. A number of details emerged from the event, but little about Delgadillo's induction speech itself. This week, a video of Delgadillo's speech emerged on YouTube. According to a Facebook post from Delgadillo's … Continue reading Hear Angel Delgadillo’s induction speech for the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame
Albuquerque dedicates new bronze statues dedicated to “Breaking Bad” lead actors
Statues of the main characters of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman from the "Breaking Bad" drug kingpin drama were dedicated Friday at the Albuquerque Convention Center, with co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul present at the unveiling. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and "Breaking Bad" creator and director Vince Gilligan also attended the ceremony to dedicate … Continue reading Albuquerque dedicates new bronze statues dedicated to “Breaking Bad” lead actors
Rescue Celebration held at Painted Desert Trading Post site
About 60 people attended Saturday what was termed a Rescue Celebration for the once-moribund Painted Desert Trading Post building on a remote stretch of Route 66 in eastern Arizona. The Route 66 Co-op four years ago bought the long-abandoned property, which was in imminent danger of collapse, and shored up the building so it would … Continue reading Rescue Celebration held at Painted Desert Trading Post site
California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway earns national award
The National Scenic Byway Foundation recently gave a Hospitality Award to the California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow Scenic Byway. The byway was one of eight that received an award during the national dinner and ceremony in Leavenworth, Kansas, in May. The Victorville Daily Press reported: The Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway was … Continue reading California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow National Scenic Byway earns national award
Needles Regional Museum to mark 47th birthday of Spike from the “Peanuts” comic strip
The Needles Regional Museum along Route 66 in Needles, California, on Aug. 13 will mark the 47th birthday of Spike, the hat-wearing, mustachioed dog who lives in the desert near Needles in the "Peanuts" comic strip. Spike, who is Snoopy's brother, first appeared in the comic on Aug. 13, 1975. According to the museum, "Peanuts" … Continue reading Needles Regional Museum to mark 47th birthday of Spike from the “Peanuts” comic strip
Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial marks its centennial next month
The Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial will celebrate its 100th year in Gallup, New Mexico, during its Aug. 4-14 event at Red Rock Park. According to a news release: One of New Mexico’s longest-running events, the Ceremonial Centennial Celebration will be a mixture of in-person and virtual events. Scheduled events include: One World Beat (the theme of … Continue reading Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial marks its centennial next month
Angel Delgadillo inducted into Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame
Angel Delgadillo of Seligman, Arizona, last week was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame for his championing of Route 66 for decades. The honor occurred July 14 during the 2022 Governor’s Tourism Awards Gala in Paradise Valley. The award is given to a person "who has earned a lifetime distinction through many years … Continue reading Angel Delgadillo inducted into Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame
Rockwood Motor Court to relight a replica of its original neon sign on Aug. 13
The Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri, will host a relighting ceremony on Aug. 13 for a replica of its original neon sign. The Route 66 motel didn't specify a time, but sunset that day will be at 8:07 p.m. local time, with darkness occurring about 30 minutes after that. Keep in mind that darkness … Continue reading Rockwood Motor Court to relight a replica of its original neon sign on Aug. 13