So I recently did a little Google searching, trying to find any sort of song about Route 66 and Christmas together. I utterly struck out with that quest. So you budding songwriters, here's your chance to fill a niche. In the meantime, I did find this gem by Tulsa-based rockabilly artist JD McPherson, who a … Continue reading From the holiday playlist: “Santa’s Got a Mean Machine”
Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary
The landmark Marsh Arch Bridge, aka the Rainbow Bridge or Brush Creek Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, celebrated its 100th birthday this week. According to several online sources, including the well-researched Vintage St. Louis and Route 66 page on Facebook, the bridge opened on Dec. 20, 1923 -- about three years before U.S. 66 was … Continue reading Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary
County seeks artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from Tijeras to Albuquerque’s east side
The arts board of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, is seeking proposals from artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from the east side of Albuquerque to Tijeras. Sculptures also will be along Highway 14, aka The Turquoise Trail, to Sandia Park north of Tijeras. All will be part of Phase 3 of the Outposts public … Continue reading County seeks artists to create sculptures along Route 66 from Tijeras to Albuquerque’s east side
Route 66 will figure prominently in Illinois Tourism’s Rose Parade float
Illinois Tourism has entered another float in the 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day, and Route 66 figures prominently in the design. According to a news release: To reflect the Rose Parade’s theme, “Celebrating a World of Music,” Enjoy Illinois will spotlight the state’s music history along Route 66 with its … Continue reading Route 66 will figure prominently in Illinois Tourism’s Rose Parade float
City of Albuquerque wants augmented-reality projects for its stretch of Route 66
The City of Albuquerque is inviting artists to submit augmented-reality projects to help celebrate Route 66's centennial in 2025 and 2026. The city's Department of Arts & Culture has issued a request for proposals through Jan. 31 "to identify AR projects that will immerse, educate, engage, and entertain the public and visitors in Route 66 … Continue reading City of Albuquerque wants augmented-reality projects for its stretch of Route 66
Boots Court motel in Carthage wins $120,000 grant to beautify its visitors center
The city council of Carthage, Missouri, approved a $120,000 grant to the foundation of the Boots Court motel to create green space and other improvements at its adjacent visitors center. The vote by the council was 8-1, with the only dissenting voter saying he supported the historic Route 66 motel but wanted more information about … Continue reading Boots Court motel in Carthage wins $120,000 grant to beautify its visitors center
Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program
The initial application period for the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program opened Friday, making $6.6 million available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. Oversight for the grants will be by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of Oklahoma residents who live and work on the Mother Road. The application period will close at 5 … Continue reading Application window opens for Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program
First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri
The first Buc-ee's mega-convenience store along the Route 66 corridor opened Monday on the northeast side of Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Buc-ee's sits just north of Interstate 44 and Old Route 66, off Exit 84. Here's a report from OzarksFirst.com on the opening day: Here's a video report from opening day: https://youtu.be/Bxw3dprUsN8?si=ZRvkhgJHF4AY8h1x When we call … Continue reading First Buc-ee’s store along Route 66 corridor opens in Springfield, Missouri
Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79
Claudia Heller, a longtime columnist for several newspapers in Southern California and an enthusiastic Route 66 researcher, died at 79. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported she died on Dec. 11 after a lengthy illness. She and her husband of 60 years, Alan, were just a few days from each celebrating their 80th birthdays. Claudia … Continue reading Claudia Heller, longtime columnist and Route 66 historian, dies at 79
Three named to Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame’s latest class
Three individuals will be inducted into the Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame during a ceremony next month. The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society announced the third set of inductees last week. The ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, during the society's … Continue reading Three named to Laclede County Route 66 Wall of Fame’s latest class