The Oklahoma Route 66 Association recently announced that its 2026 Route 66 centennial T-shirt features artwork from late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire. Waldmire, a well-traveled hippie whose intricate pen-and-ink drawings were beloved by the Route 66 community, was also the inspiration for Fillmore the Volkswagen minibus in Disney-Pixar’s 2006 "Cars" film. He was also … Continue reading Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s official centennial T-shirt features Bob Waldmire artwork
Tag: Springfield IL
Big Boy locomotive to make several stops in Route 66 towns in Illinois, Missouri in July
The legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive is scheduled to make stops or pass through several Route 66 towns in Illinois and Missouri in mid-July. According to Big Boy's schedule, it will pass through or stop at these Route 66 municipalities: July 18, depart at 8:15 a.m. from Bloomington, Illinois (no public … Continue reading Big Boy locomotive to make several stops in Route 66 towns in Illinois, Missouri in July
Route 66 Motorheads to host Centennial Cultural Program honoring journey of ultramarathoner
As part of celebrating Route 66's centennial, Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield, Illinois, will host a centennial cultural gathering on June 6 centered around the journey of endurance runner Tomasz Sobania. The day begins with the independently organized Route 66 Centennial 5K Footrace at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and continues at Motorheads with an invitation-only … Continue reading Route 66 Motorheads to host Centennial Cultural Program honoring journey of ultramarathoner
“Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Visit Springfield (Illinois) and Lake Springfield Marina, starting in June, will offer "Submerged Route 66" tours of the highway that was inundated by the creation Lake Springfield in the 1930s. Tours will start on Mondays and Fridays three times a day in early June and will run through early October. Those who wish to participate … Continue reading “Submerged Route 66” boat tours in Springfield will start in June
Michael Wallis to be keynote speaker at Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Organizers for the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced that "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis will be the keynote speaker for the Oct. 8-11 event in Springfield, Illinois, during the highway's centennial year. Wallis, also the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in Disney‑Pixar’s popular and influential "Cars" films, … Continue reading Michael Wallis to be keynote speaker at Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Route 66 photographer David Schwartz’s work to be featured at gallery in Springfield, Illinois
Visit Springfield and The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space in Springfield, Illinois, announced the addition of "The Road That Takes You" exhibition by David Schwartz, the photographer behind this year's forthcoming Route 66 centennial stamps by the U.S. Postal Service. A ribbon cutting and grand opening is planned for Friday, March 27, at 3 p.m. … Continue reading Route 66 photographer David Schwartz’s work to be featured at gallery in Springfield, Illinois
Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield
A fire broke out Friday morning at The Curve Inn, heavily damaging the 90-year-old tavern just off Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The Springfield State-Journal Register, speaking with Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk, reported that crews "encountered heavy fire and smoke in the bar and restaurant beer garden, along with a partial roof collapse." A … Continue reading Fire heavily damages historic Curve Inn tavern in Springfield
Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday joined with other state leaders mark the kickoff of Route 66's centennial and announced $4 million in grants for numerous tourism bureaus to boost that effort. The announcement was made in Granite City with officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Agriculture … Continue reading Illinois governor announces $4 million in tourism grants for Route 66’s centennial
Holiday leftovers
Here are a few items that have crossed the Route 66 News desk in recent weeks: --- The board of directors of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival distributed $10,000 to five local charities in the Springfield, Illinois, area. For the first time in the event’s history, funds generated by the festival were distributed to … Continue reading Holiday leftovers
Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield
Mel-O-Cream Donuts recently unveiled a new sign at its store along Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois. The sign is shaped like a Route 66 shield doughnut (naturally). The store also announced during the event that it will have extended hours (until 6 p.m.) and new menu items, including ice cream. This particular Mel-O-Cream is at … Continue reading Mel-O-Cream Donuts unveils new sign near its Route 66 store in Springfield