Okay, in answer to your questions about the 2014 Route 66 International Festival, I don’t know, or should I say that the answers are forthcoming. My understanding is that the organizers (Kingman Now LLC) in an historic partnership with Hualapai Tourism, the title sponsor, are laying the groundwork for the final stage of event development.
As evidence of this I present the fact that as per request, a list of Route 66 artists, authors, and collectors, as well as representatives from state Route 66 associations and Native American artist guilds, with contact information, was compiled and presented yesterday. Still, if you have interest in having a place in the event center, or in being a vendor at the event, contact the organizers through the festival website or contact me and I will get your information to them.
The numerous calls and notes of inquiry received in the past few weeks reflect my excitement as well as my hunger for updates. As Kingman is my adopted hometown, and the Route 66 community is my adopted family, I feel an obligation to obtain and share answers.
Lets start with questions pertaining to lodging. Kingman has a wide array of options available including two historic Route 66 properties (Hilltop Motel and El Trovatore Motel), a wide array of camp grounds and RV parks, and even a bed and breakfast or two. The Go Kingman website is a great place to start the search.
One of the common concerns expressed pertains to the off chance that every room in town is taken. Well, that would present only a slight inconvenience as Laughlin, Nevada with thousands of reasonably priced rooms at the casinos is less than thirty miles away. Oatman and Needles, two communities developing activities to coincide with the festival, are even closer to Laughlin.
In regard to the Route 66 Alliance (the sanctioning entity for the festival) website, I am unsure why the festival in Kingman is not listed in the calendar of events. A request for an explanation has been sent and I am awaiting a response.
In regard to the film festival, it too is under development. I spoke with Rob Chilcoat (sgtroc462@yahoo.com) recently and have confirmed that several film makers will be showcased including Ester Brym with Autumn of Route 66. If you have a film and would like to have it included in the schedule contact Rob.
Another common question received pertains to activities for the entire family. I recently talked with Mike and Steve Wagner of Kingman Now LLC and was informed that plans are for the bowling tournament to have a youth league, and that the golf tournament may also have a youth component.
I should also note that there are some great family friendly attractions in the area. This includes excellent mountain bike or hiking trails, some of which are under the pines in Hualapai Mountain Park, a Frisbee golf course in a local park, and Grand Canyon Caverns.
As the event is a celebration of Route 66 and the great American road trip cruise nights and cruising will be an important part of the festivities. Gary Cron of Baby Boomer Radio is talking about organizing a cruise from the LA area, and David Heward of Holbrook is moving forward with plans to expand and involve the Route 66 Electric Car Club.
Saving the best news for last, there is this little tid bit to share that exemplifies the fact that Route 66 is a linear community composed of interesting neighborhoods rather than individual towns or cities. I will confirm this and provide details latter but it has come to my attention that a grass roots effort to have Joe Loesch and the Road Crew perform at the festival, and to fund that appearance, is about to begin!
Okay, if you have questions about the festival, and can’t get an answer, let me know. One way or the other, you will get a response.
See you in August –
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In regards to the “Frisbee golf course”.Thank you for mentioning this great sport. There are plans in the works to have a tournament the weekend of the festival. Which will include at least 2 of the 3 “Disc Golf” courses here in Kingman.
The Road Crew is the icing on the cake at all Rt. 66 Festivals. Hope that effort comes to fruition.
Thanks for this update, Jim. FYI for some reason the link to the Route 66 Electric Car Club in not working correctly.