A centennial caravan celebrating Route 66 will travel its 2,448-mile stretch from June 6 through June 25, featuring stops across all eight states and showcasing historic preservation and cultural heritage. Melissa Beasley-Lee, who has been passionate about Route 66 for decades, is leading New Mexico’s role in the celebration. “I will be driving one of the lead cars. Well, mine will be the lead car through New Mexico, but one of the core cars,” Beasley-Lee said. The caravan will bring together vehicles from across the route, including lowriders and classic Model T’s. “It has a special meaning for me to be traveling with all eight states,” Beasley-Lee said. Organizers are focusing on preservation during the journey, with stops at locations that have undergone restoration work and others in need of preservation efforts. “Our focus is on preservation, so we will be looking at some places that have had preservation work over the years and some that are in need of some preservation,” Beasley-Lee said. For New Mexico’s portion of the trip, organizers hope visitors will experience the state’s rich history and cultural offerings. “We do have a very rich history. New Mexico, you know, we have the oldest state capitol in the country. And a lot of people don’t realize that. And we have so much to offer with our pueblos and also our Hispanic communities,” Beasley-Lee said. She expressed excitement about showcasing New Mexico’s unique contributions to the journey. “To show off New Mexico, I’m really excited about it,” Beasley-Lee said. The caravan also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Route 66 for future generations. “Recognizing that Route 66 is still here and very much alive, and also that historic preservation is vital for us to leave some 66 for generations to come for you,” Beasley-Lee said. Beyond preserving history, the event aims to connect travelers along the way. “I hope that they get the feeling and realize that we’re all one linear family,” Beasley-Lee said. Organizers are encouraging everyone to participate and drive with them during the caravan.For more on the caravan & to track their trip: Click here
A centennial caravan celebrating Route 66 will travel its 2,448-mile stretch from June 6 through June 25, featuring stops across all eight states and showcasing historic preservation and cultural heritage.
Melissa Beasley-Lee, who has been passionate about Route 66 for decades, is leading New Mexico’s role in the celebration.
“I will be driving one of the lead cars. Well, mine will be the lead car through New Mexico, but one of the core cars,” Beasley-Lee said.
The caravan will bring together vehicles from across the route, including lowriders and classic Model T’s.
“It has a special meaning for me to be traveling with all eight states,” Beasley-Lee said.
Organizers are focusing on preservation during the journey, with stops at locations that have undergone restoration work and others in need of preservation efforts.
“Our focus is on preservation, so we will be looking at some places that have had preservation work over the years and some that are in need of some preservation,” Beasley-Lee said.
For New Mexico’s portion of the trip, organizers hope visitors will experience the state’s rich history and cultural offerings.
“We do have a very rich history. New Mexico, you know, we have the oldest state capitol in the country. And a lot of people don’t realize that. And we have so much to offer with our pueblos and also our Hispanic communities,” Beasley-Lee said.
She expressed excitement about showcasing New Mexico’s unique contributions to the journey.
“To show off New Mexico, I’m really excited about it,” Beasley-Lee said.
The caravan also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Route 66 for future generations.
“Recognizing that Route 66 is still here and very much alive, and also that historic preservation is vital for us to leave some 66 for generations to come for you,” Beasley-Lee said.
Beyond preserving history, the event aims to connect travelers along the way.
“I hope that they get the feeling and realize that we’re all one linear family,” Beasley-Lee said.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to participate and drive with them during the caravan.
For more on the caravan & to track their trip: Click here
