Happy spring! Just when we need it most, spring dances in softly and sweetly. This is the season of rebirth, renewal, and road trips. This is the perfect time to head outdoors. Go for a hike or a bike ride or take a drive on the Mother Road.
Welcome to the newsletter of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona. I’m Roger Naylor, Arizona author and travel writer, and it’s my privilege to pen these quarterly newsletters that we hope will inform and entertain.
Happy birthday, Angel
April is always an important month around these parts because that’s when our very own Angel Delgadillo first came into world. So we send a special birthday wish to the one and only Angel, the small town barber who changed the world. His efforts to preserve and protect the Mother Road serve as an example to us all, and he is the best ambassador Route 66 has ever had. Plus, he’s about the sweetest man you’re ever going to meet.
We hope Angel has a memorable birthday surrounded by loved ones. And we look forward to wishing this energetic youngster many, many more happy birthdays!
Fun Run is finally here
How eager we have all been! It’s time to make your plans for the most eye-catching, nostalgia-filled event on the Mother Road! After a two-year hiatus, everyone is excited to see the vehicles flowing down the highway for Route 66 Fun Run. This marks the return of the beloved event for the first time since 2019. Fun Run is a rolling party filled with hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, street rods, jalopies, pickups, and motorcycles. It takes place from April 29 through May 1, 2022.
The colorful caravan pulls out of Seligman and travels the longest intact stretch of Route 66, with festivities at every stop. All are welcome to ride along but for those that want to register for the car show, you can do so on the Association website. It’s only $55. Remember, this is a fundraising event with the proceeds going back into the Route 66 community. Sign up today. You’ll never have more fun spending $55 than on Fun Run!
https://www.historic66az.com/33-fun-run.html
Downtown Diner still slinging burgers
For a minute it looked like the Flagstaff’s Downtown Diner might close for good. The mom and pop eatery has been a staple of downtown Flag for decades. It’s a classic old-school diner dishing up tasty comfort food at reasonable prices. In late February, it looked liked the restaurant would close as the owner struggled with health issues. But as is often the case with beloved businesses on and around the Mother Road, someone steps forward to save it. Downtown Diner is now operated by Mark Gent, son of the previous owner and operator Nancy Tracy.
During my brief stint as a college student at Northern Arizona University—before I dropped out to pursue a life of rambling around Arizona—I cut many a morning class to grab breakfast at Downtown Diner. It is a lovely, timeless little sanctuary and I’m happy to know it will still be around. Especially since one of my other downtown Flag hangouts, the lunch counter at McClellan’s 5 and 10, closed eons ago. The next time you’re craving a juicy burger and old-fashioned hand dipped milkshake, slide into a booth at Downtown Diner. You’ll find it at 7 E. Aspen Avenue.
Taking it Easy in Winslow
The most famous corner on all of Route 66 will be packed on April 30. Starting at 9 a.m. the first annual Winslow Arts Festival kicks off. It’s long overdue in a town with a vibrant art scene that’s often overlooked. Dozens of artists in a variety of mediums will have their work on display at the Route 66 Plaza. Local bands will entertain as well and the festivities continue until 2 p.m. But that’s just the beginning of the fun.
Then it’s time for the much anticipated “Take it Easy” 50th Golden Anniversary celebration! It’s hard to believe but it’s been a half-century since that special little tune first came out. “Take it Easy,” written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey was released on May 1, 1972. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, the song peaked at No. 12 on the charts that summer. Over the decades it has grown into a beloved cult classic and provided Winslow with a lifeline to a world of travelers who come from around the globe just to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. Such a fine sight to see.
The “Take it Easy” 50th Golden Anniversary goes from 3-7 p.m. at the Route 66 Plaza on April 30. There will be lots of kid-friendly activities and live music as the bands keep the corner jumping. While no one can say for sure, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if someone kicks out the jams with a rocking version of “Take it Easy.” Come on out and be part of rock and roll history.
Arboretum at Flagstaff reopens for spring
Nature lovers can rejoice with some always welcome news. Following their winter nap, the Arboretum at Flagstaff reopens for the season on May 1. Spread across 200 acres and sheltered by towering ponderosa pines, the Arboretum is a botanical garden, nature center, and scientific research station bursting with plant and animal life. This is what the backyard of our dreams looks like.
Unlike some botanical facilities that tend to be more formalized, a gentle shagginess permeates the Arboretum. Gardens flow from one to the next and diffuse plantings blend together in a relaxed natural setting. Visitors can follow winding gravel paths at their leisure or can take a guided tour to gain more insight into the lush flora spread across the Arboretum’s grounds. Don’t forget to check out their well-stocked gift shop. For more details, visit www.thearb.org.
Classic cars and trucks in Williams
You’ll find plenty of shiny metal lined up in Williams on June 10-11. That’s when the 7th Annual Williams Historic Route 66 Car & Truck Show takes place. Classic vehicles and future classics are on display for everyone’s enjoyment. Sponsored by American Legion Cordova Post 13, the event includes slow drags, a burger burn, an American Graffiti-themed cruise, and live music. It’s hard to imagine a better combination than a summer day in the Arizona high country on Route 66 ogling some sweet vintage rides. To enter a vehicle for judging, sign up at www.williamshistoricroute66carshow.com.
Wailing and drinking in Flagstaff
June 10-11 is a happening weekend in Northern Arizona. While the car show is going on in Williams, guitars will be wailing in Flagstaff. The Blues and Brews Festival is in its eighth year and features a lineup of 10 bands, including Anders Osborne, Cedric Burnside, and Mr. Sipp. There will be lots of vendors on hand selling arts and crafts, food, wine, and of course, local beers will be flowing. Can’t enjoy heartbreaking blues without a cold beverage.
Best of all, the Blues and Brews Festival doesn’t start until 2 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. So you can catch some of the car show in Williams in the morning, and get to Flag in time to hear about a woman who done someone wrong. Or divide the events up over the two days if you want. You’ll need tickets for Blues and Brews, held on the soft lawn of the Continental Driving Range, so go to www.flagstaffblues.com to snag them. Don’t forget your lawn chair and a good weeping handkerchief.
Hope to see you soon
Well, that’s it for now. Make sure that 2022 full of Route 66 and Arizona adventures. The next newsletter should land in your inbox in July.
If you have items of interest you’d like to share in an upcoming newsletter, you can email them to me, Roger Naylor, at [email protected], or to Nikki Seegers, Director of Operations at Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona at [email protected].
Thanks for being part of the Route 66 family. Happy motoring!