First of two car cruise-ins kicked off the Route 66 Days in Logan County

 

[June 23, 2022] 

Atlanta Tourism and the Logan County Tourism Bureau have joined forces to implement the Route 66 Days throughout the county. On June 18th both organizations hosted a kick-off event that included two separate car cruise ins, one held in Atlanta in the early morning, and the other at the Mill on Route 66 Museum in the afternoon.

The Atlanta event was a ‘Cars and Coffee’ event starting at 8 a.m. and wrapping up at 10 a.m. The heat of the week might have played a role in the low participation level of the event on Saturday morning. Though the temperatures were not as severe as they had been earlier in the week, it was still warm. For those who are not car collectors, it should be noted that a large number of the older makes and models do not have air conditioning in the cabs, so making a trip on a day that hits the high 80’s even, is quite warm for vehicle occupants.



In spite of the low attendance, Atlanta Tourism Director Whitney Ortiz was not deterred. She was outside in the shady area enjoying visiting with those who came to visit the town and its attractions. She was also promoting the new Route 66 Days that involves visiting locations in Atlanta, Elkhart, Lincoln and Mount Pulaski.

Visitors receive the cards and then go to at least six businesses in the four communities. After shopping at the business, the card is marked at the check-out. When the shopper has the six marks, the cards are then turned into a choice of five locations spread out across the four towns. Then, on July 11, there will be a drawing from the collections of cards and one lucky shopper will win an excellent gift bag filled with gift cards and merchandise provided by the local businesses.

In Atlanta there are a number of spots one can visit for a relaxing morning in a small historic Route 66 community. The main drag through town is Arch Street, and is where the car cruise in was held. Facing Arch Street and across the street from the Atlanta Public Library is the Atlanta Route 66 Park.





The park is surrounded by a brick wall. On the street side of the wall there are Route 66 shields that have been custom decorated. The majority of these shields are on Arch Street, but around the corner on the street side facing the library a new array of shields is going up.

Ortiz had explained that at each cruise in there will be a new shield presented and participants and visitors may sign the shield. The shields are being mounted onto the wall after the event.

 

The park on the inside of the walls if a very pleasant and peaceful place filled with markers to visitors to view including a narrated Route 66 wayside marker and several relics representing the Atlanta school. The park also has a new butterfly garden.

Many people come to Atlanta to see the big hotdog guy. The Paul Bunyon statue is a Route 66 landmark and while he is famous not many would know that he is also a little egotistical. It was very notable on Saturday as photos were taken on the opposite side of the street, that big guy slid in and photo-bombed almost every picture.

His presence was quite noticeable in a photo taken of Missy’s Sweet Shoppe. It was like he was saying, “Sure sweets are good, but don’t you need a hot dog first?”



Missy’s Sweet Shoppe is the newest business on the main drag in Atlanta. Missy Gaither has been managing a baked goods business out of her home for quite some time, but now, she is leasing the space that is commonly known as the Palm’s Grill.

While it was a slow start to the day, it was interesting to see the few cars that were on hand, especially two Studebakers that arrived for the show. The two drivers did not know one another and each had no idea that there would be another car like their own at the cruise in. They chuckled about the coincidence and swapped stories about their respective vehicles.

Ortiz commented on the event, saying that tourism season is ramping up and it had been a busy week, so even though ‘on duty,’ she was somewhat enjoying a more laid-back day.

[Nila Smith]