At our Arizona homestead it was a relatively quite, productive, and surprisingly stress free weekend. A valiant attempt was made to clean and organize the office in an effort to prepare for full commencement of the new project, and a massive spring cleaning of the homestead was launched (this will take a few weeks) but ample time was made for enjoying a few good meals, a little reading, conversations with a few old friends, basking in the unseasonably warm weather with my dearest friend, and just relaxing in general. The latter took the form of a long walk in the labyrinth of canyons near our house, and an evening movie (It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World). A little work crept in as there was need to finalize arrangements for the Rudy Maxa’s World interview on Saturday with Steve Roth.
Meanwhile, all along Route 66, and throughout the international Route 66 community, exciting developments were unfolding. Amanda and David Brenner of Texas made the official announcement that they were about to take on a massive motel renovation project in Tucumcari.
This delightful but faded and well worn village in eastern New Mexico has a long ways to go if they hope to become the next Pontiac, Illinois, Cuba, Missouri, or even Galena, Kansas. Still, there is ample evidence to indicate that Tucumcari is emulating the mythical Phoenix.
Exciting events, original Route 66 restaurants that are again thriving, and two refurbished vintage motels (Motel Safari and Blue Swallow Motel) that have become attractions in themselves are ample evidence that Tucumcari is on the fast track to becoming a destination.
Manifesting the patience of Job, and a great deal of tenacity, Kathy Anderson of Oklahoma is seeing her long dreamed of Billboard Museum moving closer to becoming a reality. The launching of a major fund raising campaign garnered national attention for her project, and again put Route 66 in the spotlight.
In Needles, Linda Fitzpatrick joined forces with area car clubs to develop a fascinating concept that will promote businesses along Route 66 between Needles and Seligman and encourage visitors to the Route 66 International Festival to a bit of exploration. This dynamic lady is also working to craft a fund raising campaign for the refurbishment of the historic theater in Needles.
In Kingman the chamber of commerce is working tirelessly to organize the various components to ensure the Route 66 International Festival is memorable as well as historic. An exciting component of this years event is participation of the electric vehicle community.
This aspect seems to be taking on a life of its own as word spreads through social media and the issuance of press releases by organizations such as the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation. Fostering this participation is inclusion of historic vehicle owners, proponents, and infrastructure developers in the conference on Route 66 related issues.
On Wednesday, I should be able to provide updates about festival development as there is an organizational meeting hosted by the chamber of commerce on Tuesday evening. You can also contact the chamber of commerce for information at (928)753-6253.
Somewhat under the radar is the ongoing project to refurbish the Frontier Motel and Restaurant in Truxton, Arizona. I spoke with the owner last week and learned that plans are to have the facility up and running in time for the Route 66 International Festival.
It is shaping up to be a most exciting year on the old double six. Do you have plans that include Route 66 this year?
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