Birthplace of Route 66 Festival expanding to three days in its return from COVID-19

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, is expanding from two to three days this summer after returning for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's festival -- the 10th -- is slated for Aug. 11-13. According to OzarksFirst.com, organizers hope to draw 70,000 to 75,000 people to … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Festival expanding to three days in its return from COVID-19

Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, "The Price Is Right" television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop. "The Price Is Right" tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- during … Continue reading Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

Neon for Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan is relighted during a ceremony

The long-anticipated relighting of a neon sign and architectural neon for the historic Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan, Missouri, occurred Saturday evening with dozens of roadies in attendance. Here is a short video, posted on Facebook, by Douglas Rice of the lighting countdown: Property owner Roamin' Rich Dinkela posted a live feed from the festivities: … Continue reading Neon for Shamrock Court motel in Sullivan is relighted during a ceremony

Music lineup announced for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and OKC

The full music lineup recently was announced for the Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in June, which includes one intriguing act -- Son Volt. St. Louis-based Son Volt was one of essentially three bands born out of the 1993 breakup of a highly influential country-rock band, Uncle Tupelo. (The other two … Continue reading Music lineup announced for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and OKC

Coleman Theatre in Miami hosting a film festival this weekend

The historic Coleman Theatre in downtown Miami, Oklahoma, is playing host to Sunny Side Up Film Festival on Friday through Sunday after it was delayed for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizer Rock Whitehead talked to the Joplin Globe about the event: The festival is bringing to Northeast Oklahoma a diverse cast of filmmakers to show off … Continue reading Coleman Theatre in Miami hosting a film festival this weekend

New Mexico Route 66 Association gives Heritage Award to two Tucumcari businesses

The New Mexico Route 66 Association earlier this week presented its Heritage Award to Loretta's Burrito Hut and the Roadrunner Lodge Motel, both of the Tucumcari. Each winner gets a complimentary business membership to the association, a listing in the association's quarterly magazine and a metal Route 66 sign. New Mexico Route 66 Association President … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association gives Heritage Award to two Tucumcari businesses

Life-size statue of Jim Hinckley to be dedicated in Kingman on May 27

A life-size bronze statue of prominent Route 66 author and advocate Jim Hinckley will be dedicated on May 27 in downtown Kingman, Arizona. The event will be part of a block party from 3 to 10 p.m. to present a public arts project, "Kingman Tours: A Walkabout with Jim Hinckley." That day also will be … Continue reading Life-size statue of Jim Hinckley to be dedicated in Kingman on May 27

“Rescue Celebration” set for Painted Desert Trading Post in July

The Route 66 Co-op that saved the Painted Desert Trading Post site in eastern Arizona from imminent collapse is throwing a "rescue celebration" on July 22-24. The Route 66 Painted Desert Trading Post group on Facebook announced the event Wednesday. The group is asking for a $10 donation through PayPal to help defray the costs. … Continue reading “Rescue Celebration” set for Painted Desert Trading Post in July

Tickets go on sale for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in June

The organizers of the Route 66 Road Fest scheduled on consecutive weekends in June in Oklahoma City and Tulsa announced this week they have placed tickets on sale. The festival was scheduled for mid-2021 but postponed a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact tickets now are available shows the growing confidence the pandemic … Continue reading Tickets go on sale for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in June

Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea

A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of Olive Oils 66 Service Station, a 1930s-style auto repair shop in Chelsea, Oklahoma, one block off Route 66. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, attended the ceremony, where you can see a small-model mockup of the shop. Project Chelsea also posted … Continue reading Ground broken on Olive Oils 66 Service Station in Chelsea