The Texas Route 66 Festival recently took Amarillo by storm, attracting road trip enthusiasts, history buffs, and locals alike. This iconic festival, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the legendary Route 66, brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the city.
From bus tours to Cattle Drives, the Miss Texas Route 66 Pageant, and more, we’re looking back at some highlights from this fun-filled week of events.
A Taste of the Wild West
The Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive and Parade, an annual event, known for its authentic cowboy spirit, took on an exciting twist this year by introducing classic cars into the mix.
Wheels of Nostalgia
The Classic Car Show was a spectacular tribute to the golden era of motoring with a dazzling display of vintage automobiles and meticulous restorations at the ANB Route 66 Celebration.
The Yellow Rose of Texas: The Official Car of the Texas Route 66 Festival
During the Texas Route 66 Festival, The Yellow Rose, a 1957 Cadillac Coup de Ville, gracefully debuted as the festival's official car, embodying the spirit of the iconic highway thanks to Bill's Backyard Classics.
Corn Dogs & Glory
In the heart of Amarillo, Texas, along the legendary Route 66, a culinary delight was perfected—the corn dog. Participants competed for the Texas Route 66 Corn Dog Eating Contest Champion title at the ANB Route 66 Celebration.
Vintage Charm
The Miss Texas Route 66 Pinup Pageant at the ANB Route 66 Celebration was a delightful display of vintage charm and timeless beauty, celebrating the essence of the iconic era with style and grace.
Iconic Route 66 Bus Tours
Participants took a fascinating journey through Route 66’s rich history and culture on our Texas Route 66 East/West Bus Tours. Each tour stopped at all of the landmarks and hotspots that have shaped the history and culture of the legendary Mother Road.
Gratitude and Appreciation: A Heartfelt Thank You!
A special thank you to our sponsors that made this event possible: Amarillo National Bank, Reed Beverage, Inc., Telemundo Amarillo, NewsChannel10, Bill's Backyard Classics, Townsquare Media Amarillo, and Sonic Amarillo. Your generous support and belief in our vision played a pivotal role in bringing the Amarillo National Bank Route 66 Celebration to life.
We are also grateful to our friends from the other Texas Route 66 counties, local Route 66 Associations, and 6th Street business owners. Your collaboration, dedication, and shared enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this event a success! Together, we are laying the foundation for an extraordinary journey leading up to the centennial of Route 66 in 2026.
Save the date!
As the dust settles from this year's incredible event, we are thrilled to announce that next year's festival is already on the horizon! Mark your calendars for June 6-15, 2024, as we prepare for an even more amazing experience along the historic Mother Road.
