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 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.
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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] |
