[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SAN BERNARDINO'S ROUTE 66 RENDEZVOUS CELEBRATES THE OPEN ROAD

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                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2000

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is accurate to say that for 
Americans headed West to Southern California, all roads pass through 
San Bernardino County. And for one weekend this month, a half-million 
people from across the United States will head straight to San 
Bernardino to celebrate the most storied road of all: Route 66.
  In Its 11th year, the Route 66 Rendezvous in downtown San Bernardino 
has grown from 300 cars and 4,000 people to 2,448 vehicles viewed by 
600,000 visitors last year, making it one of the nation's largest free-
admission events. Through the strong support of local businesses--led 
by chief sponsor Stater Bros. Markets--and thousands of volunteers, the 
city of San Bernardino has created one of the top family-oriented 
events in California, according to the state's Division of Tourism.
  Celebrating the car culture that has been such a part of modem 
American history, the Rendezvous invites the thousands of visitors to 
watch the classic vehicles parade, race their engines in a decibel-
measured contest and burn out their tires at an abandoned raceway. Kids 
are given a chance to build and keep their own toys.
  It is no surprise that renewed interest in the fabled Route 66 has 
led America to San Bernardino County. Over 200 miles of the Mother Road 
carry travelers from the forbidding Mojave Desert to the doorstep of 
Southern California's cities. Those who are rediscovering the first 
cross-country highway have a tremendous resource in Barstow, where the 
newest and most exciting Route 66 museum has opened in the historic 
Harvey House railroad depot. Further along the highway West is another 
fine museum in Victorville.
  Children who grew up in San Bernardino knew Route 66 as the home of 
the Wigwam Motel--and eventually as the home of the nation's first 
McDonalds restaurant. It was the road that brought the nation to 
California, and helped create the most populous and vibrant state in 
the country.
  This year's celebration will be highlighted by the induction of four 
new members of the Cruisin' Hall of Fame, which enshrines the people, 
machines and institutions that have contributed the most to our nation 
of car lovers. The inductees this year are the toymaker Mattel, for the 
ubiquitous miniature Hot Wheels cars; the Beach Boys musical group; 
J.C. Agajanian, a legendary owner of the Ascot Speedway; and the Woody, 
the hand-built station wagon that was the sports utility vehicle of its 
day.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in recognizing 
these new members of the Cruisin' Hall of Fame for their contributions 
to our nation's popular history and culture. And please join me in 
congratulating San Bernardino for hosting the Route 66 Rendezvous, a 
celebration of America's romance with the automobile.

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