One of the events on tap for the Route 66 International Festival in Kingman, Arizona, on Aug. 14-17 is the dedication of the Route 66 Walk of Fame along Andy Devine Avenue (aka Route 66).
This week, the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for the Walk of Fame of individuals “who transformed Route 66 from a highway to an icon” (click on the link for more info on each nominee):
- Andy Devine
- Michael Wallis
- Angel Delgadillo
- Bob Boze Bell
- David and Mary Lou Knudson
- John and Lenore Weiss
- Dr. John Lingenfelter
- Bob Waldmire
If you want to held fund the Route 66 Walk of Fame or nominate someone, call Julie Lowe at 928-753-1477.
Other recent news from the festival:
— The Road Crew, a music group from Nashville that’s recorded two albums inspired by Route 66 and has played at several Route 66 festivals, will be performing at the Kingman festival after a fundraising effort to cover the band’s travel expenses raised more than $3,000.
— A Route 66 Crossroads of the Past & Future conference is among the slate of activities scheduled for the festival. Confirmed speakers include Wallis, Jim Ross, Kaisa Barthuli, Jerry Asher (Plug Share), Ed Klein, Ron Hart, Rudy Garcia, Kumar Patel, and representatives from most state Route 66 associations as well as the Dutch, Czech, and German associations.
— A display of Bob Waldmire’s artwork will be at the festival.
— A film festival will feature works by Shellee Graham, Ester Brym, award-winning independent filmmakers and movies on Route 66.
— The authors, artists, and collectors exhibition will also include displays from Route 66 associations, along with collections or works by Mike Ward, Steve Rider, Joe Sonderman, Chery Eichar Jett and others.
— Bob Boze Bell will introduce a new book, “The 66 Kid,” about growing up on Route 66 and is developing an interactive Route 66 exhibit with the tourism office.
— Children’s book author Anne Slanina will host an “Annie Mouse on Route 66” Party for the children in conjunction with Betsy Parker.
— Among the events include a reunion concert Saturday night of The Lettermen, which had its hitmaking heyday during the 1960s.
— A Route 66 awards banquet hosted by the Route 66 Alliance isn’t happening. The event was removed from the festival’s schedule a few weeks ago (although it’s still mentioned on the festival homepage and other websites). Alliance co-founder Michael Wallis said the banquet was called off for several reasons, among them including not being able to find a venue for it.
That’s not it by a long shot in terms of festival activities. For more, consult the festival’s website.