In a proactive move to commemorate the upcoming centennial celebration of Route 66, Nikki Seegers, director of operations for the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, led a vibrant discussion and brainstorming session at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce. The discussion revolved around formulating strategies to mark the 100th year of the historic highway, ensuring the event is as memorable as possible.
The meeting witnessed a commendable assembly of stakeholders from the length and breadth of Route 66. Notably, representatives from towns such as Winslow, Holbrook, Flagstaff, Ashfork, Seligman and Kingman attended. These representatives, involved with diverse sectors ranging from shops to nonprofits and government tourism departments, shared insights on enhancing the splendor of the landmark year.
One of the highlights of the meet was Seegers emphasizing the association’s commitment to Route 66. She stated that the association would be keen to extend support for events scheduled for the centennial year. Expressing a preference for already established events, such as the car show in Kingman and the Christmas parade in Winslow, Seegers mentioned the association’s readiness to provide monetary contributions or help in planning these events, ensuring their grandeur.
Additionally, the meeting was a platform to synchronize a unified message for the year, amplifying the significance of the celebration. Among the myriad of creative ideas, a standout proposal was the ingenious reuse of the Arizona centennial signs from 2012, to resonate with the highway’s 100th year.
Kiva Couchon, director of Industry Affairs at the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), brought in a different dimension by attending the session virtually. Highlighting the state’s commitment, Couchon told the meeting attendees that the AOT’s plan to allocate a part of the year’s budget specifically for promoting the Route 66 centennial. She said this would be a major project the AOT would be focusing on for at least the next three years. She also underscored the integral relationship between Arizona tourism and the highway. Couchon explained that a significant portion of Arizona’s tourism, especially international tourists, is drawn to the highway. Many tourists, while visiting the iconic Grand Canyon, also cherish the experience of Route 66.
The spirit of innovation was evident when attendees from Seligman pitched the idea of constructing grand arches on Route 66 to mark the centennial. These arches, slated for completion by the fun run, which takes place around the time of the beginning of the highway’s centennial year—a marquee event in Seligman—are expected to add a distinct charm to the highway. To uniquely position Arizona’s centennial efforts above other states, the group deliberated on spotlighting Arizona’s pivotal role, especially Seligman’s, in the historic preservation of Route 66. It was in Arizona that a committed group spearheaded the movement to grant the highway historical status after its decommissioning by the federal government, leading to the formation of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, thus salvaging this iconic pathway.
While the meeting didn’t carve out a concrete plan, it was undeniably a stepping stone in galvanizing collective efforts. The gathering kindled collaboration among various tourism spots along Route 66, ensuring the highway’s centennial in 2026—specifically on Nov. 11—is an affair to remember.
