The August edition of Chillin’ on Beale Street is history. To say the very least it left me eagerly anticipating the September version, the Kingman Street Drags and a massive block party afterwards.In June, Chillin’ on Beale Street attracted enough attention to fill a full city block with cars and activities. Last night there were two full blocks of vintage, classic, and custom vehicles as well as almost four blocks of activities.
This collection of vintage military vehicles hints at the diversity of automotive history on display last evening. Other highlights included a nice 1925 Chevy coupe, a late 1950s Harley Davidson, and a beautiful Nash Metropolitan in yellow and white with a for sale sign.
At the far east end of the Beale Street festivities we had a first class bluegrass band. At the other we had a DJ cranking out the hits from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and even the 1990s.
Then there was the farmers market and games such as valve cover racing. With temperatures in the high 70s and the slightest of breezes it was a delightful evening for the whole family. Here is a little Route 66 trivia for you. These little shops were originally cabins at a tourist camp on Route 66 out near Hyde park. Then they were relocated to Kingman and operated as a motel. They were moved to this location to make room for the Holiday Inn Express.
For us the best part of the event was sharing a sidewalk table in front of Beale Street Brews & Gallery with some very dear and very old friends. Suffice to say this coffee shop has excellent coffee’s and espressos
For us the best part of the event was sharing a sidewalk table in front of Beale Street Brews & Gallery with some very dear and very old friends. Suffice to say this coffee shop has excellent coffee’s and espressosAs we sat and talked the night away crowds ebbed and flowed, acquaintances and old friends stopped to talk, and cars cruised past. It was though we had a front row seat to the most delightful and raucous parade, an endless stream of colorful hot rods, vintage classics, thundering motorcycles, laughing families, and young lovers savoring the pulsating excitement hand in hand. What a wonderful evening!
It is my sincere hope that is truly the beginning of a new era in Kingman. If this is what we have to look forward to then we may have to postpone thoughts of trying Alaska for a year or two!
