The Holbrook (Ariz.) Tribune-News has an article about the restoration work being done on Holbrook's historic railroad depot.

… The project is slightly behind schedule, mainly due to the need for changes in the restoration plans, but he still expects the majority of work to be complete in time for the busiest part of tourist season.

Images of the Holbrook depot can be found here. 

And here's an interesting tidbit in the very last paragraph:

Mayor Bryan Smithson noted that he would like to begin looking at ways to fix up other historic properties in the area, such as the Bucket of Blood Saloon.

Hat tip to Brian Kreimendahl. 

David Mitchell, an actor in Ireland, will tour Route 66 on a BMW motorcycle with the Route 66 Challenge to raise money for Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin, according to Dublinpeople.com.

“My efforts this year are to assist the ICU in getting a CT scanner and we hope to raise close to the necessary target,” David said.

David's preparation has been elevated by support from BMW Ireland with the use of an F 650 GS Dakar motorcycle and BMW Motored Rider Equipment during his training.

The tour begins in October. Details of the Route 66 Challenge can be found here. 

The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield, Ill., will be the site of the first Willys Jeep reunion this coming weekend. There will be about 70 Willys Jeeps on display, reports the Springfield Journal-Register. 

Dennis Caraway, spokesman for the reunion, said vehicles will range from the classic Army Jeep to the Jeepster convertible. The featured vehicle will be the 1966-73 Jeepster Commando, which was bigger than a traditional Jeep.

Production of the original Jeep began around 1941. It was first made by a company called Bantam, which was too small to keep up with demand after World War II broke out. Contracts also were awarded to Ford and Willys to produce Jeeps, and Willys ended up making most of the vehicles.

After the war, Willys began producing Jeeps for civilian use. Farmers used them to work fields, and ranchers also found uses for them. Some people put snowplows on them, and still other people used them strictly for fun.

The reunion has its open Web site here. 

The Sapulpa Daily Herald has details about the Route 66 Art Show & Sale in the Collins Ballroom in Sapulpa, Okla., on June 2-3. Information also can be found here.

Those who've been early readers of this site might remember the announcement that Robby Love, aka the Roller Rapper, and his bevy of babes were going to embark on a Route 66 tour this summer.

Another press release Tuesday night announced Love's kickoff of the tour on July 6 with a show at USA Skates in Chicago.

His performances along Route 66 are aimed at bringing people together across the nation for a celebration of giving love and kindness unconditionally. 50% of CD sales will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R), and 16 other local charities along the way.

…

"With all the struggles in the world, the problems with family life and with youth obesity, this event is important because it is healthy, fun and brings people together in a positive way. I am proud that my music never features violence, drugs, bling-bling or blatant sexuality," states the Roller Rapper.

"To keep the entire world involved in my historic tour, daily video blogs will be posted on the website (http://www.rollertour.com/) so everyone can join the adventures that will highlight all of the fascinating faces and places that make Route 66 a unique travel experience," he concludes. Some of the cities that the Roller Rapper will visit include Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The Roller Rapper will be accompanied by the famous Love Girls who are a stunningly beautiful group of entertainers who add fun and glamour to the shows.

Before you scoff, Robby has the backing of the creative genius and manager behind KC and the Sunshine Band. He's also had some hit singles on iTunes iFilm. Love is the type of guy with enough cheeky optimism to make a success of this thing.

The Madison County Record has details about the 10th annual Route 66 Festival in Edwardsville, Ill., on June 9-10.

The gala has one new twist:

A new program that will be added this year is the Poker Run. This is a fun and exciting event that will be offered from 3-6 p.m. Participants will travel to five different locations throughout the city including Crushed Grapes, Dairy Queen, Auto Tire, and Royal Office Supplies.

At each location, a playing card will be given. At the fifth and final location, the Festival, the cards will be handed in. The best poker hand wins.

So if you're in the St. Louis area, head over to the metro-east and check it out.

Steve Vaught of thefatmanwalking.com in his May 15 journal (at the bottom of the page) tells about the leg of his cross-country walk from the West Coast to New York City and his return home.

So … I wonder what's next for him?