The city of Needles, Calif., is planning a Nov. 11-12 gala to mark the 85th anniversary of the creation of U.S. Highway 66, reported the Needles Desert Star.
Plans thus far are to have car show participants come into town around lunch time Nov. 11, sign into the hotel they are going to stay at and receive their “poker card.” They then will get ready to participate in a procession that will begin around the Burger Hut on Broadway. There will be a barbecue for the participants.
The second day of the event will feature a car show, a disc jockey playing 50s music and a street dance that evening. Group members are planning to have vendors at the event also. The event falls on Veteran’s Day weekend so the group intends to include some type of patriotic ceremony to pay homage to veterans.
While plans are being solidified, they are still subject to change. The location of the car show is yet to be finalized along with what vendors will be available and other details.
The report indicates that the organizers are being prodded by members of the California Historic Route 66 Association to get going on the event. Having been involved in other festival planning myself, I’d say the association’s polite-but-firm pleas are appropriate.
Has it really been almost 10 years since I introduced Michael Taylor in El Garces? Wow! Seems like just yesterday. Looking forward to getting together again with some roadies on the 85th!