Amarillo Announces Festival Following National Appointments
AMARILLO, TX (January 11, 2023) - Amarillo and Texas Route 66 partners plan to hold the Texas Route 66 Festival June 1 -10, 2023 to kick off celebrations leading up to the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. The Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with area stakeholders and the Route 66 Centennial Commission to create a festival that will highlight Texas Route 66 in its entirety. See the tentative schedule of events and locations here.
President Biden announced his intent to appoint Amarillo National Bank Chairman Richard Ware to the national Route 66 Centennial Commission last Saturday. The Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend activities that would be fitting to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road to Congress. “First the railroads crossed here; then Route 66 brought America through the Texas Panhandle. Millions got their first view of Texas on the “Mother Road”. Plus the song really put Amarillo on the map!” commented Ware.
“Our Texas Route 66 partners are excited to have Richard Ware as our representative on a national level” stated Kashion Smith, executive director of the Amarillo CVB. “The Panhandle is going to set the tone for how Route 66 centennial events should be done moving forward,” Smith continued.
Texas Route 66 partners are excited to support the event and pay their respects to the Mother Road that was responsible for the start of many local businesses. “Route 66 is not only nationally known, but it’s internationally known, and the people that support it come from all over the world,” said Bobby Lee, owner of the Big Texan. “This is a huge economic boost for Amarillo, the Texas Panhandle and the preservation of Route 66,” Lee concluded.
A huge Bulldog Brag to Mr. Watson and his BHS Autotech students for the tune-up of a 1966 Mustang. Mr. Watson, “Chip”, as his students refer to him, is the best teacher for this job! He has the expertise, patience, and kindness that are teaching his students more than just fixing up cars. That being said, his students are gaining first-class instruction in automotive mechanics and are excelling daily in a possible career choice. Thank you very much, Chip, for the help in bringing back a family heirloom that deserves to be back on the road again! Proud to be a BULLDOG! (Courtesy photo)