Will Rogers Awards Banquet |
2007 Will Rogers Awards Recipients |
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The top award is the Will Rogers and it is given to an individual or group that has done the most for Route 66 in the past and is still doing something in the present. The award recipient is chosen by the Will Rogers Foundation in Claremore, Oklahoma and he/she/they must demonstrate the highest standards associated with the Will Rogers name. The 2007 recipient is Michael Wallis, author, lecturer, historian, and of course the voice of the "Sheriff" in Pixar's hit movie Cars. Michael is honored for the tremendous job he does in bringing the message of Route 66 to the general public. For many of us it was Michael Wallis that introduced us to the wonders of the Mother Road.
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The second award is the Cyrus Avery and goes to a worthwhile Route 66 preservation project. The city of Chandler, Oklahoma, is proud of its heritage. The restoration and preservation of the old Chandler Armory is proof of what can be done when a few people get together to preserve a part of the Mother Road history for future generations.
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This award goes to the person that the Route 66 community feels is the best ambassador for the Mother Road. Through no personal gain other than the love of Route 66 this person travels and promotes Route 66. A true Lady of the Mother Road, Marion Clark has promoted Route 66 and good eats along the Mother Road for years. Her book, The Route 66 Cookbook is chocked full of authentic recipies from real Route 66 eateries; it is a must have for all those who love the lore and romance of the cafes and diners of old Route 66.
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This award is for a person or persons who have done an extraordinary job promoting and preserving Route 66 over the years. Delbert and Ruth Trew have devoted years to the preservation and promotion of Route 66 through books, the Texas Old Route 66 Association, and Devil's Rope and Route 66 Museum in McLean, Texas.
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This award is for a Route 66 business that, through all odds, has been able to stay open and continue the road's tradition when most have been forced to close down. This year we honor Larry and Pat Wofford of Route 66 Harley-Davidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their unique Art Deco style building and Route 66 Diner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, shows their love of the Mother Road and their dedication in sharing Route 66 with others. Larry and Pat are celebrating two American Legends - Route 66 and Harley-Davidson. What could be better than that?
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The Route 66 community owes a debt of gratitude to David and Mary Lou Knudsen. They started the National Route 66 Federation and the awards recognition banquets many years ago. In 2006 the Route 66 Preservation Foundation took over the awards but make no mistake, it was through the Knudsen's pioneering efforts that we started it all. They are truly "founders" in every sense!
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This special award is in recognition of the work Greg has done to bring the Route 66 Community together. He founded the Yahoo Route 66 eGroup years ago never realizing the force it would become in the dissemination, preservation and promotion of Route 66. Over the years many wonderful friendships have been made through this group.
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2006 Awards Recipients
The first Will Rogers Awards Banquet was held in Albuquerque, NM in June 2006. Click the button to the right to see the 2006 Award Recipients |
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2007 Route 66 Festival and Will Rogers Awards Banquet
June 21 - 24 Clinton, Oklahoma |
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As the communities that Route 66 meandered through consist of large cities and quaint towns, the contribution that each has given to the Mother Road is often equal in value. Because of this value the Route 66 Preservation Foundation chose Clinton, Oklahoma to be the host city for the 2007 Route 66 Festival held from June 21-24, 2007. In a state that truly has a significant Route 66 heritage such as Lucille’s (Provine Station), The Blue Whale, and in Clinton one of the famous Valentine Diners. Oklahoma’s heritage is only enhanced by being the home of Cyrus Avery “the father of Route 66” and Will Rogers, who the highway was dedicated to. The festival was a resounding success with their state of the art, Frisco Conference Center, the Route 66 Museum, and the 143-acre Acme Brick Park, which transforms a common brick company into a creative family park. The community of Clinton opened its doors to the world wide venue of Route 66 enthusiasts and put on one of the best, if not the best, Route 66 festivals of all time. It is obvious that Clinton is proud of its Route 66 heritage!
2007 Clinton Route 66 Festival Photo Gallery
(click on image for larger photo)
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