The Albuquerque City Council is budgeting $300,000 to begin planning for a Route 66 centennial event in 2026. KRQE-TV quoted city councilor Klarissa Pena, who summarized why she thought the celebration would be important: “Communities throughout the nation suffered a decline of the historic route when highways were built, so what do we do to … Continue reading City of Albuquerque budgets $300,000 for Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026
Tag: Matt Pinnell
Oklahoma bucked travel slump during COVID-19 pandemic
The state of Oklahoma did better than the U.S. in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Route 66 playing a major role. The Center Square, which specializes in state- and local-level government and economic reporting, talked to David White, legislative liaison for Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. White said the Sooner State's tourism industry did … Continue reading Oklahoma bucked travel slump during COVID-19 pandemic
Robot on 66 statue installed in Oklahoma City near Tower Theatre
Oklahoma's lieutenant governor on Thursday presided over the dedication of an 8-foot-tall replica of a classic toy robot along Route 66 in Oklahoma City in front of the historic Tower Theatre. This is the second big robot along the Mother Road in Oklahoma. The first is stationed at the Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on Route … Continue reading Robot on 66 statue installed in Oklahoma City near Tower Theatre
Sapulpa lights up its first Tree of Hope for the holiday
The city of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, held a ceremonial lighting Tuesday evening of its inaugural, 26-foot-tall Tree of Hope and other Christmas-themed decor in its downtown area. About 100 people attended the event for the tree-lighting, which featured a Route 66-themed topper, reported the Sapulpa Times. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who oversees the state's tourism department, … Continue reading Sapulpa lights up its first Tree of Hope for the holiday
RoadTripOK crew posts finale of its 52-week video series
The RoadTripOK crew this week posted its final video from a yearlong weekly series of attractions in Oklahoma, including several along Route 66. Two of the destinations are in the Route 66 town of Oklahoma City: the Oklahoma State Capitol Tourism Information Center, which has many Oklahoma travel souvenirs and free travel brochures and maps, … Continue reading RoadTripOK crew posts finale of its 52-week video series
AAA Oklahoma to launch early celebration of Route 66’s centennial
AAA Oklahoma will get an early start on the 2026 centennial of Route 66 by launching the U.S. 66 Road Fest event from Tulsa to Oklahoma City next year. According to a news release from AAA, the festival starting in mid-June 2021 also will include all the communities along Route 66's 420 miles in the Sooner … Continue reading AAA Oklahoma to launch early celebration of Route 66’s centennial
Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
Some proceeds from Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell's annual Luau on the Green and golf tournament later this month will benefit the historic Threatt Filling Station along Route 66 near Luther, Oklahoma. The family that owns the station made the announcement on Facebook a few days ago. They stated: We are honored, thankful and excited … Continue reading Golf event by Oklahoma lieutenant governor to benefit Threatt Station
Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios in Tulsa throws the switch on its new neon sign
Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on Route 66 in Tulsa threw the switch on its new neon signs Wednesday evening during an event broadcast live on the internet because of the coronavirus pandemic. About 300 people tuned in on Facebook Live to watch the ceremony, which included honky-tonk music from Jacob Tovar and a documentary about … Continue reading Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios in Tulsa throws the switch on its new neon sign
Route 66 stakeholders trade ideas at Oklahoma’s first Route 66 Convention
A bunch of Route 66 business owners or advocates of that historic highway gathered this week at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for the first Route 66 Convention in that state. The event was shepherded by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also runs the state's tourism department and has made boosting visitorship in … Continue reading Route 66 stakeholders trade ideas at Oklahoma’s first Route 66 Convention
Art-installation tribute to Muffler Men goes up on Route 66 near Calumet
A California-based artist recently conceived of cutout paintings of Muffler Men that recently were erected along old Route 66 in Calumet, Oklahoma. John Cerney of Salinas, California, who has art pieces all over the United States, creates a piece of public art he gives away once a year. As collaborator Scott Farmer of Sculpture Island … Continue reading Art-installation tribute to Muffler Men goes up on Route 66 near Calumet