Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

A drive-through Route 66 shield is being constructed on Old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, between the historic Front Street Bridge and the downtown area. The Joplin Globe in nearby Joplin, Missouri, had the details: Dale Oglesby, owner of B&B Discount and a former mayor of Galena, provided a large forklift to move the frame … Continue reading Drive-through Route 66 shield being built in Galena between downtown and historic viaduct

New Mexico Route 66 Association unveils centennial logo

The New Mexico Route 66 Association recently unveiled an official logo commemorating the upcoming centennial of Route 66. According to the association's newsletter to members, the logo was designed by Darryl Willison. "Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive merchandise featuring this stunning design, coming soon!" the association stated. Route 66 will mark 100 years in … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association unveils centennial logo

Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership recently released its report on its activities for the fourth quarter of 2023. Bill Thomas, chairman of the partnership, summarized highlights from the report in an email: The Route 66 Road Ahead State Associations Advocacy Working Group is discussing an informational piece that celebrates the upcoming Centennial and which … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership issues its fourth-quarter report

Route 66 enthusiast in Italy launches fundraiser to produce eight-episode documentary

Roberto Rossi, a Route 66 enthusiast and author in Italy, recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an eight-episode documentary about Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. Rossi wants to raise 25,000 euros for the production. Shooting would begin from Chicago to Los Angeles over 21 days this fall, with air … Continue reading Route 66 enthusiast in Italy launches fundraiser to produce eight-episode documentary

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

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

More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

Now we know better where that proposed $6 million for the Blue Whale would go. The City Council of Catoosa, Oklahoma, last week unveiled a proposed master plan for the iconic Blue Whale site along Route 66 as envisioned by Hampton Creative of Tulsa. Among the additions would be a mini-golf course, a new visitors center, … Continue reading More details revealed of proposed renovations for Blue Whale site in Catoosa

New Mexico Tourism requests $5M for Route 66 centennial without apparent input from state association

The New Mexico Tourism Department is requesting $5 million from the state legislature for Route 66's centennial in 2026, but a 12-member centennial coalition group apparently has no representation from the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper first reported last month that the state Tourism Department appeared before the Legislative … Continue reading New Mexico Tourism requests $5M for Route 66 centennial without apparent input from state association

Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

The Tulsa Route 66 Main Street organization wants to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District in southwest Tulsa before Route 66's centennial in 2026. The Red Fork neighborhood runs south of the Arkansas River and ends at 33rd West Avenue, with Route 66 right in the middle. News on 6 in Tulsa reports: … Continue reading Tulsa Route 66 organization aims to restore historic buildings in the Red Fork District

City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66

The City of Tulsa announced it is offering matching grants of up to $40,000 to help restore the facades of historic buildings along its Route 66 alignments. The grant program was established with the help of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission. The announcement was made at the historic Circle Cinema, which undoubtedly would be eligible … Continue reading City of Tulsa now offering facade matching grants for historic buildings along Route 66