From the evening of the last report in Edmond, Oklahoma to this mornings report from the Chalet Inn in Groom, Texas there hasn’t been time to spit or pay attention. Every day began at 5:00 and did not end until at least 10:00, and every day was a delightful whirlwind of meetings, friends, food, adventure, music, and fun.
As I am behind on my updates from the road, and as the schedule today calls for driving to Gallup, and visiting with Dennis at the Midpoint Cafe as well as Kevin and Nancy at the Blue Swallow Motel, I will provide a few highlight and updates now, and a more detailed report with photos later.
For weeks I have alluded to a big event in Kingman next year but now the announcement can be made, my adopted hometown will serve as the host city for the 2014 Route 66 International Festival. Michael Wallis of the Route 66 Alliance, the sanctioning body behind the event made the official announcement at the Route 66 economic summit meeting in Joplin.
The organizers behind the Kingman edition face a real challenge as the folks in Joplin led by tourism director Patrick Tuttle set the bar very, very high. The festival in Joplin, including a secondary event in nearby Galena, was nothing short of amazing.
To be honest, I have never witnessed anything like this on Route 66, or anywhere else. Downtown Joplin was like Times Square on New Years Eve, and in Galena there was no parking, no place to walk, and scant place to set a chair for the concert. Even with rain people were laughing and in general, having fun.
I have so much to share in the coming weeks – great restaurant and lodging ideas, photos, updates from Kingman, and so much more. Now, however, the road is calling.
Had a great time and hope to see you in Kingman