Okay, the holiday season is fast approaching which signals that we are closing in on the end of another year. From a personal perspective 2013 has been an amazing year filled with triumph, trials, and adventures. From the perspective of our association with Route 66, it has been an amazing year filled with triumph, trials, and adventures.
Now, lets turn our eyes toward the future. I will provide details about exciting developments on Route 66 that loom on the horizon, and then will break out the crystal ball before making long term predictions.
If you would be so kind, I would then like to hear about what you see in regard to the future of Route 66. I would also be interested in hearing of your plans as they pertain to the old double six in 2014.
In regard to the popularity of Route 66, judging by the tourism on the road that I have witnessed this year compared to last, and the inquiries received about me meeting with tour groups or my availability for making a presentation, there was a dramatic increase this year. Looking toward 2014, indications are that the old roads popularity will fuel even more travel next year, which in turn means that communities will capitalize on that popularity and that there will be more interest in renovating properties.
As plans move forward for the 2014 Route 66 International Festival, it is looking as though the City of Kingman is about to awaken to something discovered a few years ago in Galena, Cuba, and Pontiac – the international popularity of Route 66 is an incredible catalyst for community development. After meeting with organizers this morning I learned that to date inquiries about the event have been received from nine countries, that several car clubs in the Los Angeles area are organizing a cruise to the festival, and that a New Zealand based tour company is organizing a Route 66 cruise that will include three days of the festival.
Next year acclaimed author and historian Joe Sonderman, in conjunction with Chery Eicher Jett, will be introducing a new book about Route 66 in Illinois. This will be another title in the Route 66 series penned by Joe for Arcadia Press.
If all goes as planned, I will be introducing the Route 66 historic atlas at Cuba Fest in Cuba next year. In this endeavor I documented a few crime and disaster locations, as well as sites with a film or celebrity association.
A few years ago Tucumcari introduced a little wingding held in conjunction with the annual New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour. In 2013 it morphed into a full scale festival, and for 2014, Rockabilly on the Route scheduled for next June is shaping up to be a very big thing.
In fact it looks as though 2014 will be a banner year for events and festivals all along the route. As exhibit “A” consider the calendar of events at Route 66 News.
Now, may I ask what your Route 66 plans are for 2014? May I also inquire as to what you see in the future for Route 66?
Jim… the link to the calendar of events takes you to 2012 events, not 2014.