by jimhinckleysamerica | Aug 21, 2014 | Uncategorized
A spirited debate has commenced on Facebook about the recent festival in Kingman, the unfolding plans for an event in Edwardsville, Illinois in 2015, frustrations associated with the disjointed planning of events, and even what constitutes a successful Route 66 festival. So, as the blog affords the space needed for an adequate response it seemed the best place to put in my two cents worth.
First, from its inception the annual Route 66 International Festival exemplified what makes Route 66 unique, special, and memorable. It was an event where people gathered to share laughter, memories, and tales of adventure. At its core the festival was, and is, a family reunion.
With the passing of years it became increasingly apparent that there was a missing component in the festivals. That was the need to disseminate information, to provide educational resources, and to foster the development of cooperative partnerships. At the 2014 Route 66 International Festival this shortcoming was addressed.
In an unprecedented spirit of unity representatives from most state Route 66 associations, and several European Route 66 associations as well as organizations representing various aspects of the Route 66 community came together to share ideas and information. An international audience watched the proceedings live. As it was archived, the Route 66 Crossroads of the Past and Future Conference will continue to serve as a valuable reference for years to come.
Now, we stand at a crossroads. We have learned that in 2015 an official Route 66 International Festival will not be taking place. Even if one were to be organized immediately there isn’t enough time for our international neighbors to make plans for attendance.
However, we do have an event in Edwardsville, Illinois next fall. Cheryl Eichar Jett, official pinata for the event, provided a few details in her blog.
It has been less than four weeks since the City of Edwardsville agreed to host and develop a conference coupled to their historic Halloween festivities that will have a Route 66 theme in 2015.
In that short period of time endorsement has been received from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway director, and Michael Wallis of the Route 66 Alliance. An historic facility has been secured for the conference and workshops. The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director with the National Park Service has provided input during initial meetings.
So, we have a solid foundation upon which to create a festival. All we need now is the reception, the Route 66 Family Reunion festivities launched by Nick, Kumar, and Rich at the festival in Kingman, and perhaps an awards ceremony.
At this juncture my suggestion is that we come together as a community and provide assistance to the City of Edwardsville to ensure the event is a success, and transform it into a Route 66 International Festival. I also suggest we turn our attentions toward 2016 and the development of a festival and conference that could serve as the kick off for the countdown to the centennial.
I am well aware that the fall season is not ideal. However, it would provide our international neighbors with a better opportunity for participating than a summer event in 2015. In addition, the components are in place, and the City of Edwardsville needs a Route 66 boost. It will also provide Route 66 business owners with an opportunity to participate and contribute.
Unlike the festival in Kingman, the conference could dominate the weekday, and the weekend and evenings could be set aside for festivities. This could serve as a template for the structure of future festivals.
As we plan future festivals we need to keep in mind that few people will be able to attend a festival and a conference. We should also consider that a festival held between the first of June and first of September will most likely conflict with another event on the road.
I have one more argument for the support of the Edwardsville event. A Route 66 themed Halloween festival is a very different slant. Besides, Steve Rider has already placed “dibbs” on coming in costume dressed as Jim Hinckley.
by jimhinckleysamerica | Aug 20, 2014 | Uncategorized
Okay, we still have a few months to go before closing out the year and there are some great Route 66 events scheduled along the old double six between Chicago and Santa Monica. Topping our list is Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri where I will introduce the next book.
Today, however, I would like to look toward 2015, and provide a bit of insight as well as my thoughts on what role the recent festival in Kingman will play in future events.
In regard to long term development of cooperative partnerships that benefit the entire Route 66 community, here as well as abroad, there is little doubt that the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Route 66 Crossroads of the Past and Future Conference (here is the link for the archived conference) presented the best opportunity for long term ramifications of a positive nature. As an example, consider unfolding developments in Edwardsville.
Yesterday I received notice from Michael Wallis of the Route 66 Alliance that instead of an international Route 66 festival next year, support would go toward development of events in Edwardsville, Illinois. At this early date plans for the city sponsored event are two fold; a conference with workshops immediately followed by Route 66 themed Halloween festivities.
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| Coming soon! |
I am rather confident that if the event in Illinois gathers support and enthusiasm from the international Route 66 community in coming months, as I am confident that it will, one or more of the “roadies” will announce inclusion of an “unofficial” celebratory party in the roster of events. Such was the case at the festival in Kingman and that party turned out to be one of the festivals highlights.
A Halloween theme will definitely add a new and unique slant to the idea of Route 66 celebrations. Interestingly enough there is an historic basis for this.
The city has hosted a Halloween parade, on Route 66, since 1926 with the exception of two years during World War II. However, the event actually predates certification of the old double six by two years. These conferences, and the success of the festival in Kingman coupled with the need to announce events at least a full eighteen months in advance has resulted in the initiation of discussions for another event 2016. Indications are that it would also have two components, the festivities and the conference with accompanying workshops.Even though we are still just over a decade away, I am hoping that all of this sets the stage for the development of the partnerships needed to launch a major centennial celebration in 2026. Lord be willing, and the creek don’t rise, I am hoping to still be here for that party!That lead in opens the door to the next plug of the day, the Route 66 Walk of Fame that was dedicated at the opening ceremony for this years Route 66 International Festival in Kingman, Arizona. As envisioned, the honorarium to the individuals that helped transform this highway into an icon will eventually stretch the length of the Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66) corridor through the cities historic district. To nominate an individaul and fund a brick, contact the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce. 
After the festival in Kingman, Route 66 enthusiasts initiated a number of conversations about the event, previous festivals, what was dropped, what should have been kept, and what the future holds. In one of these conversations it was noted that the annual awards celebration was one of the traditions that should have continued. As I gave thought to this, an idea came to mind. Why can’t we have an awards event? Why couldn’t the Route 66 community draft a list of six or seven categories, and have a Route 66 business sponsor each category? A Facebook page should suffice for nominations as well as voting. Simply ask for nominees in each category and that nominations be made before a certain date. Likewise with voting. Or, perhaps, the host city could include this in their event website. What are your thoughts and ideas?
by jimhinckleysamerica | Aug 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
As the 2014 Route 66 International festival officially closed last evening at 10:00 PM, I lack hard numbers, details, or specific information about festival attendance but I do have a few indicators of its success. The sidewalks pulsed with people for more than six blocks on Andy Devine Avenue, and the street was filled with classic, custom, and antique cars as well as VW’s and Tesla’s. On Beale Street there was actual traffic congestion, the sidewalk teemed, parking spaces were filled for blocks in all directions, and restaurants were filled to capacity for hours on end.
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2014 Route 66 International Festival in Kingman,
Arizona. |
Even better, in spite of the warm weather there was a veritable sea of smiling faces found throughout the historic district and people honestly seemed to be having a good time. Then there was the Route 66 Crossroads of the Past & Future conference with people watching the proceedings live all along Route 66 as well as late into the evening, all around the world.
Attendees came from the Colorado River Valley and Phoenix, the Ukraine and Massachusetts, Canada and Florida, Germany and the Czech Republic, California and the Netherlands.
If these factors are any indicator at all, my guess is that it was a successful festival. Now, we look toward the next chapter and 2015. First, however, I will provide a festival wrap up as well as share a few of the highlights.
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| Author Jim Hinckley and Mike Ward with his “major award.” |
Every festival seems to have an underlying comedic theme. Last year it was a novelty hat with attached wig. This year it was an historic artifact, empty bat guano fertilizer cans from an almost forgotten enterprise north of Kingman that operated in the early 1950s.
Several weeks ago I received dozens of these little gems in various sizes and thought that they might be a fun gift to share with some of my friends, fellow Route 66 enthusiasts, and associates. My thought was that these guano cans turned pencil boxes would generate a laugh or two but had no idea that they would provide such entertainment for all concerned.
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The world’s first electric vehicle museum opened at the
Powerhouse Visitor Center during the 2014 Route 66
International Festival. |
Most of the day was spent imitating a celebrity by posing for pictures, signing books, posters, and t-shirts, and answering questions about Route 66 and Kingman. I also squeezed in a bit of time to enjoy the traditional Yahoo Route 66 E-group breakfast hosted by Mike and Sharon Ward with my wife and friends, and to document the historic event while checking out the VW show and the railroad museum with my son.
My dearest friend and I also kept an appointment to meet with Jerry Asher, Roderick Wilde of the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation, Bob Oldfather, and Tudor Melville to discuss the new electric vehicle museum that officially opened during the festival. I also wanted to thank each of them personally for their contributions.
This turned out to be one of the numerous highlights of a very chaotic day in which I struggled to blend the aborted Friday schedule and obligations with the very full Saturday schedule.
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My dearest friend at the tiller of a 1930 Detroit
Electric with Bob Oldfather as an instructor. |
The stimulating conversation about electric vehicles as well as the embryonic electric vehicle museum (the first of its kind in the world) that will be housed in the Powerhouse Visitor Center and its projected growth over the course of the next few months set the stage. In an instant the festival theme of Route 66 as the crossroads of the past and future was made manifest.
First, my dearest friend was given a crash course in the operation of a very rare 1930 Detroit Electric. Next, a stimulating ride in a Tesla west along Route 66 courtesy of Tudor Melville. In an instant every other car on the road seemed as antiquated as a Model T Ford.
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Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association, left,
and “Croc” Lile with their major awards. |
At 5:00, I served as the guide for the walking tour through the historic district that had been originally scheduled for Friday afternoon. Enduring the heat to learn a bit about Kingman’s colorful history, and to hear me beat my gums about colorful characters, were Kaisa Barthuli of the National Park Service, Dries and Marion Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association, Mike May and his family from Las Vegas, and Joe Sonderman.
We arrived back at the event center in time for me to sign a few books, to help my dearest friend who had boxed things up, to present Kaisa Barthuli with her major award, and to reload the Jeep. Next, we quenched our adequately stimulated appetite with a delightful dinner spiced by laughter and wonderful conversation at El Palacio in the former Kingman Drug building.
For me the shortcoming of the festival was the fact that in the rush of things compounded with the chaos of a conflicted schedule, I missed visiting with friends like Nancy Barlow and KC Keefer, Ken Youden and Bill Daughtrey, and a few dozen others. In addition, a misunderstanding about schedules also resulted in missing a proposed interview.
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Left to right, author Jim Hinckley, author Chery Eichar Jett,
and Joe Loesch of the Road Crew. |
My dearest friend and I closed out the fun filled day, but not the festival, at Locomotive Park with friends and the Road Crew performing under a beautiful desert sky. My last service of the day was a brief thank you to all who attended the festival, and an introduction for Chery Eichar Jett, the representative from Edwardsville, Illinois. She provided an invitation and basic information about an exciting event being developed for 2015.
Afterwards, my dearest friend and I decided to call it a day rather than attend the blow out party for Route 66 enthusiasts taking place at the El Trovatore Motel. Exhaustion and a promise to take Rich Dinkela on an exploratory adventure before the 8:00 AM meeting provided adequate incentive.
Resultant of the pressing travel schedule of Route 66 association and Alliance representatives, attendance of the morning meeting was poorly attended. Still, Mike and Sharon Ward, Chery Eichar Jett, Dries and Marion Bessels, Kaisa Barthuli, my dearest friend and I discussed basic details about the conference being developed for 2015.
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| “Roamin’ Rich” with his major award. |
At this time only the most basic details have been resolved such as the fact that it will take place at the end of October in Edwardsville, Illinois. Even though there hasn’t been an indication that an international festival is being planned for 2015, this late date will ensure that there isn’t a conflict of interests.
Additionally, it will allow the conference and workshop to be held in conjunction with the cities historic Halloween Parade and activities that have taken place since 1924, with the exception of two years during World War II. It will also allow Route 66 business owners to participate.
At this time plans are in the formative stage with a website and Facebook page on the list of things to do. Still, this morning we all agreed that it is imperative each Route 66 association be kept apprised of developments, and that these organizations be asked for input. We were also of the opinion that the communities along Route 66 should be kept in the loop.
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One of the first inductees in Kingman’s Route 66
Walk of Fame. |
With that said, please feel free to share thoughts and ideas about the proposed conference as well as the content of workshops. Keep in mind that we envision an event that builds on this years internationally televised Route 66 Crossroads of the Past & Future Conference.
Next, I would like to provide a bit of information about an interesting endeavor that is currently unfolding. Open Road Productions, Inc., a Michigan based company, is now offering a limited, special service in association with Jim Hinckley’s America, the loose title for my various tour services and photograph series available on the Legends of America website.
In a nutshell, tours in the American southwest, and along Route 66 between Amarillo and Santa Monica, will be customized to your groups specific interests in an effort to ensure a unique as well as memorable adventure. For more information contact Open Road Productions at rthomas@openroadprod.com or drop me an email.
Last but perhaps of most importance, a very hearty thank you. I have received a great deal of praise for my role in the outcome of the festival.
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| Rick Zimmer with his major award. |
Yes, I worked on hard on its development. Still, my dearest friend deserves a great deal of credit. After all, she patiently supported and encouraged me when I was ready to hang up my spurs, and offered advice with near perfect timing.
There is absolutely no way this festival would have come together with the efforts of Dora Manley, and the support she received from her husband. Still, what ensured this festivals success was you, the Route 66 community.
This festival is a manifestation of the spirit, the essence of what makes Route 66 a community unlike any other. Without the efforts of Rick Zimmer, Joe and the Road Crew, Tom Dion and Melba, what type of celebration would this have been?
Without the sacrifice of time and expense from the Route association representatives here as well as abroad, without Kaisa Barthuli, and our city manager, without the perseverance of Bob Boze Bell, James Gross and his crew, Buz Waldmire, Mike and Sharon Ward, Dries and Marion, without the support of those who stayed home to keep the businesses open, what type of event would we have had?
Without the association representatives, artists, authors, and collectors, without the conference speakers, without the people who simply came to see old friends, what vibrancy would there be?
To each and every one of you who attended the historic event or who followed the conference on line, thank you. This was your festival. This was your event. This was a celebration of the community you created.
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The legendary 0 to sixty in 1.9 second White Zombie
at the new electric vehicle museum in the Powerhouse
Visitor Center. |
by jimhinckleysamerica | Aug 16, 2014 | Uncategorized
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Shellee Graham at the authors and
artists exposition. |
Well, if the first full day of the 2014 Route 66 International Festival is any indication, Saturday will most likely be one for the record books. Okay, before we get to details a quick apology is most definitely in order.
Situations at work coupled with a pressing family issue resulted in our having to forgo participation in the festival for most of the day and this evening. So, most of my information about the days festival activities are of the second hand nature.
To Jerry Asher, Tudor Melville, Roderick Wilde, and our visitors from the electric vehicle community, thank you for tonight’s invitation. Perhaps tomorrow I can meet with you at the Powerhouse and peruse the historic electric vehicle exposition.
George and Bonnie, Dries and Marion, and to all the others who issued my dearest friend and I dinner invitations this evening, thank you. May I suggest that on Saturday evening we gather the largest group of Route 66 enthusiasts possible, find a place for dinner, and then listen to the Road Crew under a starlit sky in Locomotive Park?
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The first steps in transforming the Route 66
corridor into a walk of fame. |
Next, for those who stopped by the exhibition center today, as promised, I will be there from 10:30 to at least 1:30 on Saturday to answer questions or sign books. I will also lead the approximate one hour historic district tour, with a close out stop for ice cream, that was promised for this evening. The tour leaves promptly at 5:00 from the Beale Celebrations event center
To make up for Friday evening, if there is interest, I will lead another on Sunday morning. If that is of interest please notify me on Saturday.
Highlights of the tour include the church where Clark Gable and Carol Lombard were married, the historic jail, sites associated with Buster Keaton, Amelia Earhart, and Charles Lindbergh, and commentary on local history. In some instances vintage photos will be used to provide a then and now perspective.
Okay, lets review the highlights of the day. Lets start with the unprecedented conference that was broadcast live from throughout the world. Well, on the festival Facebook page the indication is that the link for the Youtube channel reached 2,940 people.
When you consider the fact that many viewers were international, this is quite amazing. Needless to say, this leaves me quite excited about the long term ramifications of the conference and eager to assist the City of Edwardsville in taking this idea to the next level.
Tomorrow, Saturday, is the second day of the unprecedented conference. For those interested in following the proceedings, here is the link. This is the link for the archive with todays broadcast.
Locomotive Park was a veritable beehive of activity that stretched into the evening with music by the Road Crew and Jess McEntire. The historic electric vehicle exposition that has garnered international attention opened in the Powerhouse Visitor Center. Sponsored by the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation, this unique exhibit is truly one of a kind.
Participants at the authors, artists, collectors, and Route 66 association exhibition in the Beale Celebrations center were rather surprised by the throng of visitors. Usually Friday’s are relatively subdued but if this is any indicator, I am rather confident that Saturday will be a packed house.
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| Can anyone identify these miscreants? |
The last minute change of venue for the film festival didn’t seem to dampen enthusiasm. A full slate for Saturday ensures another banner day.
Now, its a bit early to ask but if you are a visitor, what is your impression of Kingman?
by jimhinckleysamerica | Aug 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
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Left to right, Angel Delgadillo, the living legend,
Michael Wallis of the Route 66 Alliance and an
acclaimed author, and author Jim Hinckley. |
The beauty of this festival is the simple fact that it is truly a manifestation of the essence, of the spirit of Route 66. The entire event suffered from the extensive use of duct tape, bubble gum, and bailing wire in its development.
The original organizers did nothing to offer leadership, a cohesive sense of direction, and even less to grasp early promotional opportunities. Then they quit.
The festival then became the problem child of the chamber of commerce. Just as development began picking up steam, the chamber director relocated to California.
There was never a functional website. Few press releases were ever issued. A litany of issues resulted.
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The one and only Melba with Kumar Patel of the
Wigwam Motel in Rialto.
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There was, however, the Route 66 community and the igniting of passion in Kingman. A call for volunteers to assist in downtown clean up resulted in more than 300 people turning out on a Saturday morning, A similar call packed a meeting room to the point of overflowing into the hallway. Social media, email, on line forums and message boards, posters distributed along Route 66 by Dora and Kurt all fueled a growing sense of contagious enthusiasm and excitement in the Route 66 community.
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| The crowd gathers for the walk of fame dedication. |
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| The reception at the Powerhouse Visitor Center. |
Last night the unique passion, spirit, and essence of the 2,100 mile Route 66 community was made manifest in the grand opening for this years 2014 Route 66 International Festival. It kicked off with the dedication of the Route 66 Walk of Fame honoring the people who contributed to development of Route 66 and its transition from highway to icon including John and Lenore Weiss, David and Marylou Knudson, Michael Wallis, Angel Delgadillo, and Bob Waldmire to name a few. This was followed with a simple presentation by Kaisa Barthuli, program manager of the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Awards were given to the owner of the Route 66 Motel and Hilltop Motel.
The festivities seemed to grow in passionate intensity with the reception at the Powerhouse Visitor Center, and then moved out into the community as folks continued the festivities of what amounts to an oversized family reunion at restaurants throughout the city. As my vacation time was rescinded, my dearest friend and I made it an early evening after a wonderful dinner at El Palacio shared with the Lile’s of Amarillo, Jerry McClanahan, our intrepid friend from the Ukraine that I mistakenly thought was from Russia, Kumar Patel, Jim and Kathe Owen, Rich Dinkela, Nick Gerlich, and host of other associates that filled half of the restaurant.
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Author Akio Takeuchi and his family from Japan with
Jerry McClanahan. |
Today an effort will be made to balance obligations at the office and issues associated with its closing, with those made to festival organizers and attendees. It should be quite interesting.
The slate of activities include day one of the Route 66 Crossroads of the Past and Future Conference (700 W. Beale Street) that will be televised live on the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Youtube channel. The film festival continues (corner of Oak and Fourth Street), the authors and artist exhibition opens at the Beale Street Event Center, the electric vehicle exhibition at the Powerhouse opens, and tonight the Road Crew performs at Locomotive Park.
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| Joe Sonderman and Jerry McClanahan. |
Then, on Saturday, the crescendo begins with a flourish of activities, excitement, and fun.
