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The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, in collaboration with the National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program (NPS), is providing an update and preview of national-level Route 66 Centennial activities and events that have been approved by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. legislated intent of the Commission, and its work to date:
THE ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL WEBSITE Launching in early 2025, the Route 66 Centennial website is designed to:
The New Mexico Route 66 Centennial Coordination Group held its forth centennial stakeholders meeting September 17, 2024 at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). Special guest speakers included Debbie Johnson of the Route 66 Centennial Commission, Lisa McGivern’s of the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, and Laisa Barthuli, Route 66 Corridor Program manager of the National Park Service. The Department of Tourism and the New Mexico Route 66 Coordination Group provided updates from board members where available. New Mexico Route 66 Association president, Melissa Beasley-Lee, vice president, Nam Tran, and association advisor, David Nidel, were on hand to provide input on questions pertaining to the kickoff of the centennial celebrations as well as a few projects still in the works nationally. The next meeting to be held in Grants is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. Before leaving campus, association president, Beasley-Lee and husband Mike Lee made a stop at the SFCC Visual Arts Gallery to experience DREAM BIG!, the art of George Rodrique. The exhibit consists of thirty original paintings from the private collection of Rodrigue’s widow, Wendy Rodrigue Magnus, and include some of the artist’s most famous Blue Dog canvases, iconic portraits of Cajun personalities, and rarely seen artworks inspired by his lifelong love of New Mexico. Wendy explains the theme of the exhibition: “Dreams are the portal to creativity. They are tied to instinct and desire, and they are the birthplace of ideas. This exhibition seeks to inspire through stories of pursuing one’s dreams, meeting one’s fears, and expressing our art, whatever it may be, with the full wonder of our imagination.” The artwork is presented through a collaboration with SFCC School of Arts and Design, SFCC Continuing Education, SFCC Foundation, and the Life & Legacy Foundation. The exhibition continues through October 2.  The U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission, established by Congress to oversee the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Route 66 in 2026, invites submissions for national, multi-state, or single-state activities, projects, events, or programs. Submissions will be vetted by the Commission’s national working groups and those deemed appropriate will be elevated to the full Commission where approved submissions will be officially submitted to Congress as the Commission’s recommendations. The Commission seeks to commemorate the Mother Road's historic milestone and enhance its legacy through a variety of initiatives. "The Route 66 Centennial is not just a one-time celebration; it's a platform for generating national pride in the road and expanding economic opportunities for the communities that it winds through," said Jen Paul Schroer, Vice Chair of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The Commission, comprising members from each of the eight states along Historic Route 66, is guided by seven strategic principles: 1) Celebrate & Honor, 2) Preserve, Protect & Enhance, 3) Generate Tourism Demand, 4) Tourism Development, 5) Economic Development, 6) National Collaboration, and 7) Research & Education. These principles serve as the foundation for identifying fitting and proper activities to mark this monumental occasion. CALL FOR IDEAS: FOUR FOCUS AREAS “We are calling on individuals, organizations, and communities to submit their innovative ideas, to make this event truly transformational. Concepts should fit into one of our four priority areas,” stated Rod Reid, Chair of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. The areas of focus are as follows: Commemoratives & Publications The Commission seeks ideas that recognize the role Route 66 has and continues to play in our nation’s history through projects and programs that publicly honor the Road and the people associated with it. Infrastructure The Commission seeks ideas that enhance the overall Route 66 experience for tourists and locals alike, fostering sustained economic benefits across the road through the preservation and improvement of Route 66 infrastructure assets. Events & Celebrations The Commission seeks ideas that involve the public in special, unique, and fun activities/events that mark the historic milestone of Route 66’s 100th anniversary. International & National Marketing The Commission seeks ideas that drive national and international tourism for maximum impact through visitor spending, promoting celebrations, commemorations, and other activities that honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66. SUBMISSION PROCESS Individuals, organizations, and communities are encouraged to submit their concepts through the official submission portal on the Route 66 Centennial Commission's website route66-centennial.com. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by one of four Commission Working Groups at their monthly meetings. Qualifying ideas will be forwarded to the full Route 66 Centennial Commission for consideration as officially recommended activities to Congress. Notification of Results Submissions will be notified of the results on a rolling quarterly basis, ensuring transparency throughout the review process. Rod Reid, Chair of the Route 66 Centennial Commission concluded, "The Route 66 Centennial is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the cultural significance of this historic road. We look forward to receiving creative ideas that will shape the celebration and maintain the spirit of the highway for generations to come." For more information or to submit your ideas, please visit route66-centennial.com.  |
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