The historic Captain Creek Bridge along an alignment of Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, recently reopened after the state's Department of Transportation improved and reconstructed the span using its original pony trusses. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook noted the completion of the project: "Although the original 1932 trusses no longer support the bridge, … Continue reading Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction
Category: Events
Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet will open to the public later this year after it holds its first Hall of Fame ceremony on Aug. 31. Inductees of the inaugural class are Buddy Guy, Chicago, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Muddy Waters, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March and longtime disc … Continue reading Illinois Rock and Roll Museum to open later this year after first Hall of Fame induction
Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Many drive-in theaters did a booming business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because it was the only safe or open entertainment venue for people to watch movies and, in some cases, go to concerts. According to a story from CNN Business, the good times for the drive-ins may not be over: Last … Continue reading Data indicates surge of business at drive-in theaters may persist
Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival
The next phase of the Oklahoma Music Trail will be launched this weekend at the inaugural Route 66 Heritage Festival in downtown Miami, Oklahoma. The trail currently is a well-developed website shepherded by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also is Oklahoma's tourism chief and a big Route 66 advocate. The Joplin Globe had details on … Continue reading Next phase of Oklahoma Music Trail to launch at Route 66 Heritage Festival
Kingman dedicates Route 66 drive-through shield
The Kingman Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, on Saturday night unveiled its new, lighted Route 66 drive-through shield during a ceremony, and dozens of classic-car drivers availed themselves of it. Smiley Ward posted dozens of photos from the event: Here's a video from the scene by the Kingman Visitor Center. If it won't allow embedding, … Continue reading Kingman dedicates Route 66 drive-through shield
Big Boy locomotive will make several stops in Route 66 towns in Missouri, Oklahoma
The legendary Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive owned by the Union Pacific Railroad will make stops in several Route 66 towns in Oklahoma and Missouri in August during its 2021 tour. The Big Boy will make scheduled stops at these Mother Road cities: Aug. 12, Vinita, Oklahoma, at East Flint Avenue crossing; 9:45 a.m. … Continue reading Big Boy locomotive will make several stops in Route 66 towns in Missouri, Oklahoma
Springfield came within an eyelash of losing its Route 66 Mother Road Festival
The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield, Illinois, will return in September for its 20th edition after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the event landing a new manager Reporting by the Springfield State Journal-Register indicates the city came close to losing the festival entirely after it had become a … Continue reading Springfield came within an eyelash of losing its Route 66 Mother Road Festival
First phase of Illinois Route 66 Experience coming next month to Illinois State Fair
One of the entrance gates of the Illinois State Fair will be the site of the first phase of the Illinois Route 66 Experience when the fair begins on Aug. 12. The attraction will be at Gate 2, which is at the corner of Sangamon Avenue and Ninth Street in Springfield. According to a news … Continue reading First phase of Illinois Route 66 Experience coming next month to Illinois State Fair
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival canceled due to COVID-19 upsurge
Next month's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, was canceled Monday due to concerns about an upturn of COVID-19 cases in the region. The festival, which typically draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people, was axed for a second straight year because of the pandemic. It had been scheduled for Aug. 13-14, including a … Continue reading Birthplace of Route 66 Festival canceled due to COVID-19 upsurge
Kingman to dedicate new Route 66 drive-through sign on July 24
Prompted by popular demand during the Arizona Route 66 Fun Run, a Route 66 drive-through sign will be dedicated near the Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, on the evening of July 24. A temporary drive-through "Historic Route 66" shield had been erected each year during the Fun Run at the end of the three-day … Continue reading Kingman to dedicate new Route 66 drive-through sign on July 24