Tulsa or bust. That will be our rallying cry on the morning of June 18 when we head east to the third annual AAA Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Road Fest scheduled for June 22 and 23 has to be one of the most unique Route 66 festivals. Where else can you enjoy a car and vintage RV show as well as the culture, the food, the history, the magic, and the colorful characters that are the Route 66 experience in one air conditioned location? What other Route 66 event

Tulsa or Bust

The Route 66 Road Fest was the focal point of Coffee With Jim, the audio podcast from Jim Hinckley’s America. But our visit with Wade Bray, organizer of the event, included a discussion about the Route 66 centennial, the magic of this storied highway, the international nature of the Route 66 community.

It was definitely a road trip inspiring conversation. And even though we have been planning the trip to Tulsa for weeks, Bray ratcheted up the excitement level.

But this is a Route 66 adventure. So, we are planning stops and visits with old friends. And, of course, we are looking for opportunities to tell people where to go. That leads us to a couple questions. Can we see a show of hands, who is driving east on Route 66/I40 to Tulsa for Road Fest? Who else will be making Tulsa or bust their rallying cry this month?

And Why Are You Asking?

My reason for asking is simple. I am wondering if we can add some zest to the trip to Tulsa, for us as well as for fellow travelers. So, who will be heading east along Route 66 to the Road Fest?

As an example, if a reception, program and meet and greet in Tucumcari on the evening of the 19th could be arranged, who would attend? What about in Grants, New Mexico on the 18th or Elk City, Oklahoma on the 20th?

If you have ideas, thoughts, or suggestions, drop us a note. After all, this is a shared adventure.

Coming Attractions

Tentatively I have a program scheduled for the evening of the 18th at the New Mexico Mining Museum in Grants, New Mexico. Confirmation and details are pending, but updates will be provided as quickly as possible.

And I am kicking around some ideas for the evening of the 19th with Connie Loveland of Tucucmari Main Street. As for an evening in Elk City or Clinton, or perhaps Shamrock, Texas, things are less than vague. But I suspect that this too will change quickly.

The bottom line is this, AAA Route 66 Road Fest is shaping up to be quite an event, and we will be there. And along with author Joe Sonderman, I will sharing the stage and telling people where to go. But the big news is that Michael Wallis will also be making an appearance.

Wallis is a leading pioneer in the Route 66 renaissance. He is also a best-selling author, award-winning reporter, historian, and biographer, and a popular speaker. And in 2006 as the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs, he joined an all-star cast in Pixar Studio’s animated feature film CARS. He has had 18 books published, and has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize three times. His book Route 66: The Mother Road is a foundational component in the resurgent interest in the historic highway.

Tulsa or bust!