The Route 66 bicentennial is not something most enthusiasts are thinking about. After all, the tsunami of Route 66 centennial events has yet to crest.

But now is the time to spark conversation about what Route 66 will be 100 years from now. Judging by media coverage this year, the attendance at centennial events, and the money being invested in preservation initiatives, this is an ideal time for talking about what comes next.

In recent months a question about post Route 66 centennial popularity is posed often. My answer is succinct. Even though the United States is currently in a state of dramatic transition and international tourism is in a slump, as long as there is interest in the amazing inspirational American story, there will be interest in Route 66.

In part that is because the entire American story is made manifest in this old highway. Our national prehistory, the societal evolution of the 20th century, and even the future. The lines bewtween these eras is blurred on Route 66.

Route 66 After The Centennial

A glimpse at the future of Route 66 was recently given to a legion of passionate enthusiasts at the 37th annual Route 66 Fun Run. In fact, this event and recent developments make Kingman a microcosm of how Route 66 is still impacting communities.

Sponsored by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, the Route 66 Fun Run highlights the power of cooperative partnerships. Grassroots initiatives, the city tourism office, various nonprofits, and community minded business owners are the reasons for the events continuing success.

This past weekend there were Route 66 centennial celebrations in Newberry Springs, California, Springfield, Missouri, and several other communities. Still, people traveled from throughout the US and came from as far away as Germany and New Zealand to participate in the Fun Run. Why?

The Fun Run is essentially a 160 mile block party. It transforms the old highway in western Arizona into a living time capsule. And it also aptly illustrates why Route 66 has such international popularity as a destination. For that reason a study of the Fun Run should be considered as plans are made for the post centennial future of Route 66.

Changing Times

As with the Route 66 community itself, the Fun Run has changed over the years. In the mid 1990s the big show in Kingman was relocated from Centennial Park to the historic business district. Tesla’s and Lucid’s now particpate alongside hot rods, vintage cars, and antique motorcycles.

Initially it was a regional event. Route 66 enthusiasts and car clubs from Phoenix, Las Vegas, and western Route 66 communities participated. Now people come from all over the world to celebrate this storied highway and linked romanticism. They come to make memories with friends and enjoy the fellowship of like minded enthusiasts. And they come to drive Route 66 through scenic landscapes and share the road with pink Edsels, Model A Fords, and vintage hot rods.

The Fun Run is a blending of heritage, cultural, and experiential tourism. It is the essence and magic of the Route 66 experience made manifest.

THe Route 66 Bicentennial

This is the key to ensuring that Route 66 remains relevant and is even celebrated during the highway’s bicentennial. Preserve the history, but make it relevant. Develop events that fuel creation of a sense of community. Make Route 66 a stage for highlighting the diverse, inspirational and even controversial American story. Use Route 66 to highlight what makes each community unique.

Jim Hinckley’s America is rooted in encouraging people to discover America through road trips. And that is a primary reason that our work centers on Route 66. This is the quintessential American road trip. Route 66 is the American experience made manifest.

Every town has a story. If we want Route 66 to remain relevant, tap into that. Make your community a destination for Route 66 enthusiasts by making it a tangible link to the American story. Restore neon. Commemorate tragedies, celebrate links to Hollywood history, and use the imagination to repurpose historic buildings such as service stations.

Coming Soon

In coming weeks we will delve deeper into the future of Route 66. We will take a closer look at the Fun Run. And we will be talking with the people that working to ensure that Route 66 remains relevant.

And that takes us to Coffee With Jim, our weekly podcast. As you may know, Podbean is suspending the live stream option. So, we set up a Substack account, and tested the platform as a new home for the podcast. Then we turned to our YouTube channel.

After this mornings test run, we have decided to use YouTube. So, join us this coming Sunday morning at 7:00 Arizona time. Jim Hinckley’s America is a shared adventure. So invite your friends.

The new format will allow for comments. And it will allow for call ins. So, it will provide new opportunites for sharing the adventure, and for telling people where to go.