Not content with owning the world’s largest rocking chair, the Fanning 66 Outpost and General Store on Route 66 in Fanning, Mo., has added at least one more unusual attraction to its arsenal.
Jim Viehman, a reporter for KSDK-TV in St. Louis, interviewed store owners Dan and Carolyn Sanazaro a few days ago about the rocking chair and got more than what he bargained for.
From the news release:
Viehman’s presence prompted Sanazaro to fire his Civil War replica cannon for the newsman. With a flash of fire and billowing smoke, the cannon will no doubt become a new attraction at The Outpost General Store this travel season. Viehman asked Sanazaro why he wanted to add a cannon to the other attractions at the store and its satellite businesses, an archery center and taxidermy business.
“Well, we are the ‘Outpost’, and I thought an outpost should have a cannon like they would have in the old days of the outpost forts. It just adds another attraction to break up travel for folks.”
Here’s the store’s cannon blasting away. I sure hope some wise guy doesn’t put a cannonball into the thing before Sanazaro fires it next time.
Also, the Fanning Outpost has a new Route 66-themed mural on the side of the building. You can see it here:
The Mother Road can always use a few more cheerful eccentrics like Dan Sanazaro.
(Photos and colorful descriptions courtesy of Jane Reed)