The Barc-ee's near Route 66 in Marshfield, Missouri, recently announced its temporary closure and a forthcoming name change weeks after Buc-ee's sued it for trademark infringement. Barc-ee's announced the closing on Facebook and added: "We’ll be announcing our brand new name, fresh new look, and our next location as we step into this new chapter … Continue reading Barc-ee’s announces temporary closure, will change name after Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit
“Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
City leaders in Springfield, Missouri, recently announced "a major sculpture" honoring Route 66 would be installed near the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven hotel. According to KSPR-TV in Springfield, the $1 million project will commemorate the city being the so-called "birthplace of Route 66" in 1926. Cora Scott of the city said it would … Continue reading “Major” Route 66 sculpture planned near Rail Haven hotel in Springfield
Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
The town of Canute, Oklahoma, has landed a $695,000 grant through the Oklahoma Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, state officials confirmed last week to KECO radio in nearby Elk City. Among the projects for the grant is the restoration of the iconic Cotton Boll Motel neon sign and repainting of the Washita Motel sign. Funds … Continue reading Canute awarded nearly $700,000 grant, including to restore Cotton Boll Motel sign
Bristow Historical Society awarded grant to restore Chrysler Plymouth tower sign
The Bristow Historical Society of Bristow, Oklahoma, announced last week it had been awarded a state grant to restore and relight the Chrysler Plymouth neon tower sign closer to Route 66. More details from the society: The sign is about 100 feet tall, and the society claims it would be the tallest freestanding sign on … Continue reading Bristow Historical Society awarded grant to restore Chrysler Plymouth tower sign
Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8
The years-long quest to restore the long-dark neon sign at the defunct Road Runner's Retreat truck stop near Chambless, California, soon will become a reality. The Facebook account for the site announced a few days ago that it would host a relighting ceremony for the sign on Nov. 8. It stated that more details would … Continue reading Relighting ceremony for Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign set for Nov. 8
Ribbon-cutting to mark completion of renovations on Rainbow Bridge set for May 2
The Route 66 Association of Kansas recently announced it will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of renovations to the century-old Marsh Arch Bridge (aka Rainbow Bridge) near Baxter Springs, Kansas. The ceremony will be at 1 p.m. that day. The association uploaded a bunch of before-and-after images of the refurbished bridge. The … Continue reading Ribbon-cutting to mark completion of renovations on Rainbow Bridge set for May 2
New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned
The resurrected version of Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, will be auctioned on May 15 after opening about six years ago. OzarksFirst.com first reported that the property on the south side of Springfield (not on Route 66), along with its fixtures and equipment, will be auctioned starting at 1 p.m. on May 15. The … Continue reading New version of Red’s Giant Hamburg will be auctioned
Springfield, Missouri, will host kickoff of Route 66 centennial celebrations
Springfield, Missouri, has been chosen from a national search to be the host city for the kickoff of Route 66's centennial celebrations next year. According to the Springfield News-Leader, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Springfield had been selected by the U.S. National Route 66 Centennial Commission and the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. As the … Continue reading Springfield, Missouri, will host kickoff of Route 66 centennial celebrations
The Drive Home VII will travel all of Route 66 in January
A cross-country trip sponsored by America's Automotive Trust, Detroit Auto Show and National Route 66 Centennial Commission apparently will be the first significant event of the highway's centennial in 2026. The three entities recently announced "The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure," which they dubbed as "a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country drive celebrating … Continue reading The Drive Home VII will travel all of Route 66 in January
City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday
The City of St. Louis on Friday is officially recognizing Ted Drewes Day, in honor of the landmark Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stands. On that day, the stand at 6726 Chippewa St. (aka Route 66) will offer 96-cent single-scoop cones or 96-cent single scoops of custard in a "hometown baseball team helmet" -- presumably the … Continue reading City of St. Louis to celebrate Ted Drewes Day on Friday