BRINGING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED TO YOU
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| The historic Senator Highway in Arizona |
Its not exactly a well kept secret that my dearest friend and I enjoy adventures on the road less traveled, especially for followers of this blog. Nor is it a secret that followers of the blog share a similar fascination. After all, last week the posting of the three part series about our adventure to Crown King, Arizona, and along the historic Senator Highway garnered more page views, and more requests for additional information, than anything yet posted this year.
Additionally, the books written reflect our passions. Their sales reflect the fact that adventurers and armchair adventurers also long for the road less traveled, and the wonders awaiting discovery there.
All of this and the interest sparked by interviews such as last weeks on Rudy Maxa’s program, have inspired the publicist and I to discuss serious expansion of development of the lecture series, and making myself more available to speak at conventions, events, and as a keynote speaker for organization. With that said, if my services can enhance an event, convention, or function, please drop me a note.
Okay, as we wrap up the week the next order of business is a quick look down the road, and the answering of some questions received this week, specifically about the Route 66 International festival. Lets start with the festival.
For business owners and corporations, the festival represents some incredible opportunities for international promotion through advertising or sponsorship of key events. An additional opportunity is found in the sponsorship of the Road Crew (see upper right column).
We now have a central point of contact for all advertisement or sponsorship. This will also be the point of contact for vendors, authors, artists, collectors, route 66 associations, or chambers of commerce wishing to have a display area at the festival. That contact is the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce, (928)753-6253.
Even though there are still months to go, I suggest making arrangements as soon as possible. When talking with the chamber director last week, I learned that they are looking into the rental of additional buildings in the historic district to meet demand.
The film festival aspect is also growing rapidly. Even though numerous independent film makers have committed to participating there is room for more.
I am hoping vintage and classic car enthusiasts will not let the heat deter them from participating. Yes, it will be warm, okay hot. Still, Kingman is at least 15 degrees cooler than Las Vegas or Phoenix, and is often at least 20 degrees cooler than communities along the Colorado River.
It does not appear to be much of a deterrent for VW fans, electric vehicle enthusiasts, or motorcycle riders. TNT Engineering, site of a Bob Waldmire exhibit during the festival, is hosting their annual customer appreciation celebration in conjunction with the festival and early indications are that several hundred VW enthusiasts will be in attendance.
The electric vehicle involvement with the festival is taking on a life of its own. There will be a display of historically significant electric vehicles at the Powerhouse Visitor Center, possible Tesla participation, and enthusiasts from throughout the United States will be bringing vehicles to the festival.
This might be a tremendous opportunity for communities along Route 66. If you have facilities for vehicle charging in your town, perhaps the chamber of commerce should promote this and coordinate that promotion with the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce.
Linda Fitzpatrick is working to ensure Needles, Oatman, and Topock have something to offer. Now, the city of Holbrook under guidance from Kathleen Smith at the chamber of commerce is working on a major event for the weekend before the festival to ensure folks traveling the road have an opportunity for a full week of fun under the Arizona sun.
Even though there will be an array of authors in attendance, I would be quite remiss if I did not note participation by two of the most famous. First, Bob “Boze” Bell of True West will be attending to introduce his new book about growing up on Route 66 in Kingman.
Next, Anne Slanina will be attendance. Work is under way for a fun filled Annie Mouse Party to be included in festival activities.
IN short, the festival is shaping up to be something rather spectacular this year. I hope you can attend.