Tulsa Route 66 booster Mary Beth Babcock this week announced the imminent opening of another venture -- the Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost that will feature another Muffler Man fiberglass statue. Babcock stated on Facebook: "Over 16 artists and shops will be under 1 roof. The ultimate mix of merch, vinyl, books and gifts. … Continue reading Meadow Gold Mack Route 66 Outpost in Tulsa opening on May 18
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90
Rudy Gonzales, who handpainted signs large and small for more than a half-century along Route 66 in New Mexico, died on April 21. He was 90. A rosary and memorial Mass for Gonzales will be held Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, according to his obituary. Route 66 News published a feature about … Continue reading Rudy Gonzales, last of the old-time sign painters, dies at 90
Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted
The sign for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, recently was repainted, and it hasn't looked this good in decades. Next up will be the restoration of the sign's neon tubing. The Facebook account of the site provided before-and-after images: Road Runner's Retreat in late 2023 received a $17,000 cost-share grant from … Continue reading Road Runner’s Retreat sign near Chambless is repainted
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, located west of Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois, will mark reputedly its 100th year on July 27 with classic cars and special pricing during the lunchtime hour. The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The Springfield tourism bureau promised "more details to come" on the event. … Continue reading Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield to hold 100th-anniversary celebration on July 27
Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award
The Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center along Route 66 in Pacific, Missouri, has received a 2024 Preserve Missouri Award from the Missouri Preservation organization. The awards were announced in an email from the organization on Wednesday. The Preserve Missouri awards has recognized outstanding efforts and projects around the state since 2002. Here's what … Continue reading Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitors Center wins Preserve Missouri Award
American Giants Museum’s grand opening will include installation of two Muffler Men
The American Giants Museum's grand opening on May 24-26 will include the installation of two Muffler Men on the site in downtown Atlanta, Illinois. According to a news release, featured activities on May 24 will include the arrival and installation of a 24-foot-tall Texaco Big Friend giant, one of only six surviving from the original … Continue reading American Giants Museum’s grand opening will include installation of two Muffler Men
City of El Reno receives $1.2 million state grant to revitalize historic gas station
The City of El Reno, Oklahoma, recently announced it had landed a $1.2 million grant from the state's Route 66 Commission to restore a historic gas station. "This Route 66 project aims to enhance the appeal of Route 66 for both locals and visitors and will prepare Downtown El Reno for the Route 66 Centennial … Continue reading City of El Reno receives $1.2 million state grant to revitalize historic gas station
Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo
The Texas Old Route 66 Association announced last week the Bug Ranch installation in Conway, Texas, will be moved near the Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo. The association stated in a Facebook post: So happy our Association worked with Mrs Crutchfield the Conway location owner and Bobby Lee of the Big Texan, Who stepped … Continue reading Bug Ranch moving to Big Texan RV Ranch in Amarillo
City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side
The City Council of Albuquerque recently approved an application to New Mexico's tourism department for a $500,000 grant to build a Route 66-themed gateway on the east side of town. The resolution notes the gateway would be similar to a west-side structure at 64th Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), and that the east … Continue reading City of Albuquerque applies for $500,000 grant to build a Route 66 gateway on its east side
Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park
The City of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, will receive a $2 million state grant to construct a Route 66-themed park near the historic Rock Creek Bridge on the city's west side. Fox 23 in nearby Tulsa reports the city had been seeking to build such a park for a decade. Plans include benches, walking trails, a water … Continue reading Sapulpa gets $2 million state grant to build a Route 66-themed park