Route 66 Road Ahead encourages applications for Hometown Grant program

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership encourages towns with populations of 50,000 people or fewer to apply for a grant of up to $50,000 to fund projects to build, rebuild or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in their Route 66 communities. Towns could implement tech upgrades at their public libraries, refresh local … Continue reading Route 66 Road Ahead encourages applications for Hometown Grant program

New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber

The New Mexico Route 66 Association announced this week it would give its annual Heritage Award to the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce. The honor is in recognition of the updated beautification of the chamber building by its executive director, Scott Crotzer, while keeping its original mid-century architecture charm from its groundbreaking in 1966. The … Continue reading New Mexico Route 66 Association to give Heritage Award to Tucumcari Chamber

Grand Canyon Caverns fined for safety violations after elevator malfunction last fall

Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn near Peach Springs, Arizona, was fined $6,250 and issued three citations from the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health after an elevator malfunction in October left tourists stranded for hours. The Arizona Republic confirmed the details with ADOSH spokesman Trevor Laky: ADOSH found a steep staircase at the caverns … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns fined for safety violations after elevator malfunction last fall

Several Illinois Route 66 sites get state funds from tourism, transportation programs

Several spots on Route 66 in Illinois were among the 89 that will receive a total of $22.5 million from the state's Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Also, several Route 66 sites also received funds from the state's Transportation Enhancement Program. Here are the Route 66-related tourism recipients and the total grant: $25,187 to … Continue reading Several Illinois Route 66 sites get state funds from tourism, transportation programs

Replica of Camp Joy archway being considered near tourist cabin at Lebanon park

A smaller replica of the archway that greeted visitors to the Camp Joy tourist camp in Lebanon, Missouri, is being considered in front of one of the original cabins at the city's Boswell Park. According to a story on the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society website, Craig Fishel told the society during a recent board … Continue reading Replica of Camp Joy archway being considered near tourist cabin at Lebanon park

Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa adding a second vintage car for rides

Last year, the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, offered rides in a 1922 Packard for a small fee. This year, the museum is taking reservations for rides in the Packard and a second, century-old vehicle -- a 1922 Cadillac -- starting in the late spring. 1922 Cadillac Rides will cost $15 … Continue reading Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa adding a second vintage car for rides

Mobil 1 Muffler Man to become a permanent fixture at Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

The Muffler Man temporarily erected during Mobil 1's "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" campaign last summer soon will become a permanent part of the Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma. The Route 66 restaurant made the announcement during the relighting ceremony for its refurbished neon sign, then put it out on social media the next day: The … Continue reading Mobil 1 Muffler Man to become a permanent fixture at Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita

City of Amarillo throwing a party to commemorate Route 66-themed water tower

The City of Amarillo is holding a "Route 66 Water Tower Celebration" on Wednesday morning to commemorate the new Route 66-themed paint job on its large water tower just off Sixth Avenue. According to a news release from the city, the party will be at 9 a.m. at Smitty's Food Park at 3913 Sixth Ave. … Continue reading City of Amarillo throwing a party to commemorate Route 66-themed water tower

Joplin City Hall marks 50th year of its Thomas Hart Benton mural

The city hall of Joplin, Missouri, on Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of its dedication that included a commissioned Thomas Hart Benton mural, who began his artistic career in the city. Joplin City Hall is at 602 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) and is only a short distance from Seventh Street, also an alignment … Continue reading Joplin City Hall marks 50th year of its Thomas Hart Benton mural

Route 66 Interpretive Center in Edwardsville likely will be open by summer

The new Route 66 Interpretive Center, located in a former gas station in Edwardsville, Illinois, will be open to the public by late spring or summer once remodeling for the project is finished. The building at St. Louis and West streets (aka Route 66) also once served as a dental office. Last summer, Great Rivers … Continue reading Route 66 Interpretive Center in Edwardsville likely will be open by summer