ON THE ROAD TO THE CENTENNIAL
Meanwhile, as cities and villages large and small begin planning events, parties, and festivals for 2015 all along Route 66, and as the City of Edwardsville with guidance from the steadfast Chery Eichar Jett moves forward in the development of plans for the Halloween event next year, Scott Piotrowski is piquing interest with the announcement that he has been working on the creation of a full fledged Route 66 festival to be held at the historic western terminus of Route 66 in Los Angles in 2016. It appears as though the recent festival in Kingman has ignited long simmering passions among Route 66 enthusiasts. It has also unleashed the “can do” spirit that has transformed this highway into an internationally acclaimed icon.
This is being made manifest in more than just event and festival planning in the United States and Europe. In Kingman, Arizona Werner Fleischmann is giving the historic Brunswick Hotel a new lease on life. In Truxton, Arizona, Stacy and Allen Greer are breathing new life into the Frontier Motel and restaurant. Ed Klein has purchased the long dormant Front Street Garage in Galena, Kansas. Gar and Heidi Engman are keeping the legacy of the historic Teepee Curios alive while their neighbors, the Brenner’s, transplants from Texas, are transforming an abandoned motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico into the showpiece Roadrunner Lodge.
From Chicago to Santa Monica there is a contagious enthusiasm is sweeping along Route 66, a sense of vibrancy that is inspiring dreamers and travelers alike. It looks like we are on the road to what promises to be an exciting centennial celebration. Meanwhile, in my corner of the world, there is a need to address storm damage from July, respond to a pile of correspondence, finalize plans for an anniversary celebration, to get the current book back on track, and to complete the proposal for another. So, this weekend the phones will be off and the chances of a posting or two may be slim.
Then, in coming weeks I will need to address travel arrangements for our adventure to Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri where we will introduce the next book, a companion work for The Route 66 Encyclopedia, visit with friends, and enjoy the music of the Road Crew. at Belmont vineyards. There is also the need to coordinate book signings, interviews and speaking engagements on this tour.
As I give thought to the planning of our forthcoming Route 66 adventure in October, I am amazed by how summer seems to have lasted but a few weeks. Festival development consumed my thoughts and attentions more than I realized.
Indications are that 2015 will be one for the record books all along Route 66. As my dearest friend and I are at a true crossroads in life, we look toward the new year with a mix of eager anticipation and a hint of trepidation.
In all honesty, isn’t that how we always look toward a new year?