Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

The Public Art Committee of Baxter Springs, Kansas, announced a forthcoming public mural emphasizing the town's history, including Route 66. According to the Spring River Current and KSNF-TV, the mural will be funded by a $7,500 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Rural Development, with matching funds from the Ronald … Continue reading Public art panel announces mural to highlight Baxter Springs history, including Route 66

Cloud Gate, aka The Bean, in Chicago reopens to the public after months of construction

The "Cloud Gate" sculpture, better known as "The Bean," reopened to the public Sunday after being off-limits due to construction at Grainger Plaza in Chicago. The ABC-TV affiliate in Chicago reported the construction barricades were removed that day after the artwork was closed in August. Upgrades include new stairs, accessible ramps, paver replacement, a waterproofing … Continue reading Cloud Gate, aka The Bean, in Chicago reopens to the public after months of construction

Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially opens in Amarillo

The Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially was christened and opened Friday after the original Volkswagen Beetles were moved to Amarillo from their original home in Conway, Texas. The Facebook excerpts below include photos from Visit Amarillo, a video from the ceremony, more images from Dora Meroney of the Old Texas Route 66 Association and … Continue reading Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch officially opens in Amarillo

Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone

The soon-to-open Bug Ranch in Amarillo likely will be eligible for tax-increment financing for its move from Conway, Texas, and other improvements at the site. According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the City Council approved the development of the Big Texan Slug Bug Ranch project on its first reading as part of the East Gateway Tax … Continue reading Amarillo City Council gives initial approval for Bug Ranch being in tax-increment finance zone

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month

The landmark Cadillac Ranch on Amarillo's west side is celebrating its 50th year this month, with a show at the Amarillo Museum of Art through Aug. 15. Texas Highways published a terrific article about the Cadillac Ranch art installation off Route 66, including its genesis back in 1974 and photos from that time. I commend … Continue reading Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo marking its 50th anniversary this month

Grand opening and christening for new Bug Ranch in Amarillo set for June 14

The newly formed Bug Ranch Association has scheduled a grand opening and christening for the new Bug Ranch location in Amarillo later this month. These free events will be at 6 p.m. June 14 at 1415 Sunrise Drive in Amarillo (map here) at the Starlight Ranch Event Center and near the Big Texan RV Ranch. … Continue reading Grand opening and christening for new Bug Ranch in Amarillo set for June 14

Theater in Prescott to host a book launch for Bob Boze Bell’s “The 66 Kids”

The Phippen Museum, in honor of the Phippen's 50th-anniversary Western Art Show & Sale, will present "The 66 Kids Road Show" on May 24 with Western artist and True West magazine's Bob Boze Bell at the historic Elks Theatre in downtown Prescott, Arizona. "The 66 Kids Road Show" will premiere songs and stories about "Two-Lane Tales" and growing … Continue reading Theater in Prescott to host a book launch for Bob Boze Bell’s “The 66 Kids”

Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90

Rudy Gonzales, who handpainted signs large and small for more than a half-century along Route 66 in New Mexico, died on April 21. He was 90. A rosary and memorial Mass for Gonzales will be held Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, according to his obituary. Route 66 News published a feature about … Continue reading Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90

Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced last week the Bug Ranch installation in Conway, Texas, will be moved near the Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo. The association stated in a Facebook post: So happy our Association worked with Mrs Crutchfield the Conway location owner and Bobby Lee of the Big Texan, Who stepped … Continue reading Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo

City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side

The City Council of Albuquerque recently approved an application to New Mexico's tourism department for a $500,000 grant to build a Route 66-themed gateway on the east side of town. The resolution notes the gateway would be similar to a west-side structure at 64th Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), and that the east … Continue reading City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side