Get Your Kicks on the 75th of Route 66

All roads will lead to Albuquerque later this month for a three-day blowout to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the storied Route 66, which once ran for more than 2,400 miles between Chicago and Santa Monica.

Although Route 66 associations in the eight states along the highway plan various commemorative events this year, the biggest is expected to be July 20 to 22 in Albuquerque. Why Albuquerque? It claims to be the only spot where the route crosses itself; also, New Mexico claims to have the longest intact stretch (18 miles) of the original route.

The festival, called “Remember the Route,” will offer an array of kitsch, cars and, well, kicks.

Among the more than 30 events: a car cruise down Central Avenue, part of the original Route 66; a classic car show; a synchronized motorcycle performance by the all-female Hardly Angels; a chance to hobnob with artists, writers and photographers who have celebrated Route 66; an expo of road memorabilia; and a John Steinbeck gala, named for the author who dubbed 66 the Mother Road. Many events are free or low cost.

For information, contact the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, telephone (505) 222-4342, Internet https://www.abqcvb.org.

There are many Route 66 fan Web sites, among them https://www.national66.com, maintained by the nonprofit National Historic Route 66 Federation.

Compiled by The Times staff