The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently launched a new video series that touts the agency's efforts to revitalize Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. In late 2023, the agency launched the Route 66 grants program, allowing communities to apply for funding for municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66. To date, 24 projects have … Continue reading New video series spotlights Route 66 revitalization efforts in Oklahoma
Yukon 66 Pit Stop development inches closer to reality
A proposed Yukon 66 Pit Stop that would include a 100-foot-tall oil derrick, a Muffler Man, a food-truck park, antique vehicles and an entertainment stage in downtown Yukon, Oklahoma, advanced closer to reality last week. According to KOCO-TV in nearby Oklahoma City, the city's Planning Commission approved the plans for Yukon 66 Pit Stop if … Continue reading Yukon 66 Pit Stop development inches closer to reality
Latest Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants given to 10 recipients
The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership announced the 10 latest grant awards from its Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants Program. The 2024 round of the grant program was completed last month, with $2,000 awards to: Andrea Parson-Briley, Carterville, Missouri, for trolly renovations and a Route 66 mural at Supertam on 66. The project also seeks to provide … Continue reading Latest Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grants given to 10 recipients
Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3
The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, announced Joel Baker of American Giants LLC will be the volunteer docent at the museum from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 3. Baker, who lives in Colorado and doesn't get to Illinois often, also will speak at the … Continue reading Joel Baker to appear at American Giants Museum on Nov. 2-3
New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs
City leaders of Baxter Springs, Kansas, on Monday held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to mark the completion of the enormous "The Baxter Springs Historical Mural" that features Route 66 and other touchstones of the city's past. A meet-the-artists event for the father-and-son team of A.J. and Jordan Wood also will be held from 10 a.m. to … Continue reading New, history-themed mural dedicated in Baxter Springs
Route 66 Bull Bash held in front of Coleman Theatre in Miami
Here is something you don't see every day: a professional bull-riding competition literally held on Route 66 in front of the Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma. The event was the Route 66 Bull Bash on Saturday which also included live music, a block party, a beer garden and a broadcast of the Oklahoma-Texas football game … Continue reading Route 66 Bull Bash held in front of Coleman Theatre in Miami
Bridge for Old Route 66 between Glenrio and San Jon won’t be ready by 2026, but path is passable
There is good news and bad news about traveling Old Route 66 between Glenrio and San Jon in New Mexico. The bad news is a new bridge that would replace another span destroyed by flash flooding in May 2023 won't be finished by Route 66's centennial in 2026. The good news is county road workers … Continue reading Bridge for Old Route 66 between Glenrio and San Jon won’t be ready by 2026, but path is passable
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City commissioned an economic impact study to help justify a forthcoming $40 million capital investment campaign. It's safe to say the results from the subsequent study from RegionTrack are eye-opening, which initially was reported by The Oklahoman newspaper. Some highlights from the report: The museum drew … Continue reading National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum draws nearly 10,000 monthly, makes huge economic impact
26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved
More than two dozen business owners in downtown Springfield, Missouri, complained about the effect of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and asked for changes that might include moving it. The Springfield Daily Citizen obtained a copy of the letter to the city and festival organizers signed by the 26 owners. They claimed the August … Continue reading 26 business owners complain about Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, may want it moved
New, retro-styled neon sign goes up in downtown Joplin
A new but throwback-looking neon sign -- with a Route 66 shield featured prominently -- was installed Thursday for the forthcoming House of Speed shop at 610 S. Main St. (aka Route 66) in Joplin, Missouri. Here's a video of the sign being installed: The sign was designed by Sign Brothers of nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, … Continue reading New, retro-styled neon sign goes up in downtown Joplin