The movers and shakers in the effort to celebrate Route 66 internationally were all in one place at the festival in August, 2014.  Authors, producers, foreign guests, musicians, and just plaiin Route 66 lovers gathered, shared stories, and networked.  What fun it was and well attended!  We didn’t sell many books but enjoyed the company!

What a treat to talk with Angel Delgadillo – a humble and loving man.  This small town barber is one of the most recognized and beloved characters along the Route.  Drop in to see him at his barber shop in Seligman.  He’ll even give you a shave. Hotel Beale below:  Once the premier hotel in Kingman, it catered to the many passengers of the Santa Fe Railroad.  In 1906 it was purchased by Tom Devine, father of Actor Andy Devine.

What a great concert by The Road Crew – spreading the history and lore of Route 66 through their music.  They are known as the official musical ambassadors of the Mother Road. 

Below I have the honor of talking with Dries Bessels and his wife.  Dries is the head of the Amsterdam Route 66 Association and a true fan of the Road.  Every year he leads car and motorcycle tours and has investigated every nook and cranny of Route 66.  We have communicated for years, but this was the first time I was able to meet him in person.   

Jim Hinckley (below) is one of the Road’s biggest champions.  He has authored a number of books including Ghost Towns of the Southwest, Backroads of Arizona; and Backroads of Route 66.  I have found him to be kind, humble and more interested in helping fellow authors than competing with them.  He was a driving force behind this Festival.  We enjoyed the festival and meeting fellow Route 66 fans, but when it ended we were off to new adventures beyond Kingman.   So much to see, so little time!  Our ultimate goal was to cruise The Loneliest Highway in America (Route 50, Nevada), but there are adventures to be had en route to the lonely road – and we are ready!