Webcast of the Cars Land grand opening event

Disney has posted the full webcast version of the Cars Land grand opening event from Wednesday night. You'll see a brief appearance by Michael Wallis, author of "Route 66: The Mother Road" and voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs from "Cars," at the 9:20 mark. https://youtu.be/UIJLlj8WK1c

Two Oklahoma acts will play show for Route 66 art project

Rockabilly artist J.D. McPherson and punk-rock band Broncho will play shows Wednesday night at the historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa to raise money for Public Arts Project 66, which seeks to add public art along Route 66 in Oklahoma. More about the art project can be found here: https://youtu.be/nP2Eg4gcOik The show also will serve as … Continue reading Two Oklahoma acts will play show for Route 66 art project

Impressive authors and artists list at Tucumcari festival

A few days ago, Kevin and Nancy Mueller at the Blue Swallow Motel asked me to check out the list of authors and artists slated to appear at the inaugural Wheels on 66 festival on June 7-9 in Tucumcari, N.M. I have to admit, for a first-year event, the list is pretty darned impressive: Christopher Robleski, … Continue reading Impressive authors and artists list at Tucumcari festival

Dancing with the sun

A lot of striking images were seen during the solar eclipse a few days ago in the Southwest. However, this video for the Route 66 Powered Paragliding club in New Mexico beats 'em all. The video was produced by Barak Naggan.

Joplin — one year later

Today marks the first anniversary of the tornado that ravaged Joplin, Mo. The mile-wide twister killed 161 people, injured more than 1,000, and destroyed nearly 8,000 homes and businesses. It remains the worst tornado to hit the U.S. in 60 years, and is without a doubt the worst disaster to befall a Route 66 city. … Continue reading Joplin — one year later

Tulsa Art Deco Museum opens today

The Tulsa Art Deco Museum, dedicated to that city's abundant style of architecture, opens today in the lobby of the downtown Philcade Building at 511 S. Boston Ave., reported the Tulsa World. More about Tulsa Art Deco, from a 2008 film by Jack Frank: https://youtu.be/rkMQdEW6v5A Local artist William Franklin, president and founder of the museum, … Continue reading Tulsa Art Deco Museum opens today

The finished 3-D sidewalk mural in Pontiac

During the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival in Pontiac, airbrush artist Tang Dongbai spent the weekend painting a three-dimensional sidewalk mural downtown. Here's the finished product: He finished the mural last Monday, but the artwork was barricaded for two more days until the paint cured. I believe one of the fish in the painting … Continue reading The finished 3-D sidewalk mural in Pontiac

Will Rogers, Carol Duncan voted to Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame

Longtime Oklahoma Route 66 volunteer Carol Duncan and the late comedian, writer, and actor Will Rogers will be inducted into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame when the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton officially reopens May 26, according to a news release today from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. The Hall of Fame … Continue reading Will Rogers, Carol Duncan voted to Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame

Marriage at the Blue Whale

A couple got married Saturday at the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla. KOTV in Tulsa has the story from the Route 66 landmark: I've heard that a few couples have been married there, but this one was the most elaborate.

Newberry Springs will receive a historical marker

The small Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, Calif., will receive a historical marker Sunday from a fraternal organization at The Barn on Route 66 bar, reported the Desert Dispatch newspaper of nearby Barstow. The members of E. Clampus Vitus, aka The Clampers, are building the monument. The fraternity, which consists of history buffs, has erected … Continue reading Newberry Springs will receive a historical marker