Cruise into History: Join the Festivities for Route 66's Centenary in Williams, Arizona!


 Celebrate the Centenary of Route 66 in Williams, Arizona!

As one of the most iconic highways in America, Route 66 has long symbolized the spirit of adventure and freedom. In 2026, it turns 100 years old, and what better way to celebrate than by attending the 11th Annual Williams Historic Route 66 Car Show? Scheduled for June 5-6, this event promises a weekend filled with classic cars, custom builds, and the nostalgic charm of vintage Americana.


Located in the charming town of Williams, Arizona—a place often referred to as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”—this car show serves as a tribute to the iconic highway's rich history. Car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Williams, where hundreds of vintage classics, hot rods, and motorcycles will be on display. The event will feature engaging vendors, delightful food options, live music, and a not-to-be-missed “Cruise the Loop” parade, where gleaming vehicles strut their stuff on the Mother Road.

But the festivities don’t stop in June. For those eager to enjoy a long weekend packed with family fun and stunning natural beauty, Memorial Day weekend in Williams is an absolute must. Picture yourself strolling through downtown, where wildlife parks, local eateries, and hiking trails await. Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of the fresh mountain air, while families can explore the town’s many attractions. Williams serves as an excellent base for a Grand Canyon adventure, making it easy to experience the breathtaking sights of one of America’s most treasured national parks.

Related: Bedrock City Still Lives! - Travel To The Home of The Flintstones - Valle Arizona

And speaking of adventures, riding the Grand Canyon Railway is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Throughout the spring and summer, travelers can hop aboard historic steam locomotives departing from Williams to the Grand Canyon. With special departures scheduled for May 21, June 6, and June 25, this journey not only offers a scenic ride through Arizona's high country but also evokes the nostalgia of vintage rail travel. There's something magical about watching the landscape roll by from a steam-powered train—a true throwback to a simpler time.

Looking ahead to the festivities of Independence Day, Williams will host a variety of family-friendly events throughout the weekend. This year, with July 4th falling on a Saturday, visitors can expect a delightful celebration filled with local festivities, including the Freedom Fest Parade and a stunning fireworks show over Historic Route 66. It's the perfect time for a weekend getaway, but be sure to plan ahead as lodging fills up quickly during holiday weekends.

For accommodations, Williams offers a variety of options to suit every traveler's preferences—whether you’re in search of a cozy hotel, a charming bed and breakfast, or a campsite nestled among the pines. The unique blend of shopping, dining, and cowboy action on the iconic Route 66 ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Related: A Nostalgic Journey Down Route 66 - From F Troop to Forgotten: The Rise and Fall of Fort Courage | Ken Hulsey

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, Williams, Arizona, invites you to experience its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality. With countless activities and attractions, this charming town is ready to make your visit truly unforgettable. Start planning your adventure along America’s Mother Road today!




Arizona Kicks on Route 66 - Paperback – by Roger Naylor (Author), Larry Lindahl (Photographer)


Arizona is home to the longest intact portion of Route 66, stretching 158 miles from west of Ash Fork to the California border. In words and pictures, Naylor and Lindahl explore the history and nostalgia surrounding the Mother Road, and the great swaths of Arizona that it passes through. They describe a wealth of spectacular and easy side trips that surround the highway. Arizona, the birthplace of Route 66, is where you can still get your kicks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Curiosity Takes the Wheel: Discovering Shreveport's Historic Central Railroad Station

Image
Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey If you have ever driven on Interstate 20 through Shreveport, Louisiana, you may have noticed a building just north of the highway that looks very much like an old railroad station. I have literally driven past it over a dozen times and wondered just that. A week ago, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to go see if what I was seeing was indeed what I thought it was. (Writing can be hard at times, my friends.)
Read More »

Dames, Detectives, and Superheroes: How 'Spider-Noir' Redefines Classic Noir for a New Generation!

Image
Unraveling the Web: Why 'Spider-Noir' is the Ultimate Nostalgic Thrill Ride! Written By Ken Hulsey Terri and I have a new show that we are hooked on, and we stumbled upon it quite by accident. I was actually searching on Amazon Prime for a new documentary series for both of us to watch since we had just finished watching two really good ones by Ken Burns, Louis & Clark, and The American Buffalo, and the advertising for Spider-Noir ( Watch now on Prime Video ) was the first thing that popped up. I was waiting on Terri to finish up in the kitchen, so I watched the trailer for the show and immediately became interested. 
Read More »

Unlock Extraordinary Blessings: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Transform Lives Today! | Ascend with Pastor Steve

Image
The road through historic Camp Claiborne, Louisiana - By Ken Hulsey  Discover how you can step out of your comfort zone and use the talents and passions that God has given you to make a difference in the lives of others. In this inspiring message, we talk about ordinary people doing extraordinary things by simply utilizing their skills to serve others. Whether you're a mechanic, an artist, or a teacher, find out how you can bless God's kingdom and bring comfort and hope to those around you. Watch now and be encouraged to let God love through you!
Read More »

Step Back in Time: Uncover the Hidden Gems of Old Salem in Winston-Salem! | A Cross Country Odyssey

Image
 Story and Photos By: Ken Hulsey Winston-Salem is a charming small city with excellent dining and a vibrant downtown district. The area is also rich in history, exemplified by the wonderfully preserved colonial-style village and museum of Old Salem. Visitors should be sure to explore the historic dwellings, streets, and sidewalks of this captivating destination, where treasures of the past await around every corner.
Read More »

Steaming Back in Time: The Enchantment of the Legendary Red River and Gulf Railroad - Southern Forest Heritage Museum

Image
 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey This past Saturday, I spent the afternoon exploring the grounds of the Southern Forest Heritage Museum in Long Leaf, Louisiana. The museum is situated on the site of the former Long Leaf Sawmill Complex, which was one of many mill complexes in the region. While the mill itself is fascinating to explore, I chose to focus on the old facilities of the Red River and Gulf Railroad on this gloomy day.
Read More »

Remembering Our Heroes: The Brave Journey of U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Erskin Leon Hulsey

Image
Written By Ken Hulsey On this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor my uncle, U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Erskin Leon Hulsey. He was shot down during a bomber mission over Germany, and his remains were never recovered. According to a letter from the Adjutant General of the United States Army, Leon (as he was known to family) was piloting a B-26 Marauder medium bomber on a raid targeting a German factory complex on December 6, 1944. At approximately 3:30 PM, the plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near the German town of Düren.
Read More »

From Vintage Cars to Antique Finds: Why Kramer Junction is a Must-Stop on Highway 395!

Image
 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Kramer Junction, a small desert outpost along Highway 395 in California, offers some surprising treasures for those willing to stop and explore. Kramer Antiques is a unique shop filled to the brim with vintage finds, collectibles, and memorabilia from bygone eras. Outside, an array of classic cars and trucks immediately attracts attention, hinting at the wonders that await inside.
Read More »

Toys By Roy - Winrock Center Mall - Albuquerque, New Mexico - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Image
If you grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico , during the 60s, 70s, or 80s, you likely have fond memories of Toys By Roy. The store was easily recognizable thanks to the large rocking horse logo on its front. In 1961, Roy Ater opened his first Toys By Roy in the brand-new Winrock Center Mall, which was marketed as ‘the largest in the Southwest.’ Ater’s toy store quickly became one of the mall's first and most successful retailers. Over the following years, Toys By Roy expanded into a successful franchise with 34 locations across 9 states.
Read More »

Bunkie: A Tale of Decline and Missed Opportunities in Central Louisiana | A View from the Wrong Side of the Tracks

Image
Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Like many towns in central Louisiana, Bunkie was once thriving; however, today it is merely a shadow of its former self. Prosperity in Bunkie appears to depend on which side of the Union Pacific Railroad one is on. If you're on the west side, you are still hanging on by a thread; if you are on the east side of the tracks, you find yourself in a literal ghost town. This area is marked by an endless row of failed businesses and abandoned buildings. Unfortunately, the business district is gone and will likely never return.
Read More »