NMDCA News:
SANTA FE — People better bring their appetite for historic cars and big steaks as the spirit of Route 66 rolls into Santa Fe. The Route 66 Centennial Caravan and 72oz Steak Challenge is making a stop at New Mexico History Museum and the Santa Fe Plaza from 1–7 p.m., Saturday, June 13.
The event kicks off with “Route-beer” floats served in the History Museum’s Palace of the Governors courtyard at 1 p.m. followed by a caravan of historic cars driving into the Plaza around 2 p.m. where they’ll be parked the rest of the day. At 3 p.m. local dignitaries and special guests commemorate 100 years of the historic route. DJ Christina Swilley will be spinning 50’s and 60’s tunes at this family-friendly event.
The 72oz Steak Challenge, presented by The Big Texan Steak Ranch® of Amarillo, TX, and Santa Fe’s Bull Ring steakhouse begins at 5:30 p.m. The caravan hits the road again at 7 p.m., heading to its next stop in Santa Rosa, NM. Activities inside the museum are included with museum admission while events on the Santa Fe Plaza are free.
“We’ve been honoring the 100th anniversary of Route 66 this year and are excited to bring the community together at the significant Palace of the Governors, as well as the Plaza, to celebrate,” said Maria Sanchez-Tucker, Interim Director at the History Museum. “This special event will bring history to life through classic cars, music, art, and food, and we hope to see people of all ages attend.”
This year, the History Museum is honoring Route 66 through a commemorative lobby mural, pop-up exhibits, and special events. The caravan spotlights the original Route 66 alignment through Santa Fe, where the Palace of the Governors and Santa Fe Plaza were important stopping points for travelers.
The Santa Fe Steak Challenge will also dare contestants to gobble down a massive four-and-a-half-pound steak along with a baked potato, 3 shrimp, side salad, and a roll in under one hour. Steak will be provided by the Big Texan Steak Ranch® and side dishes by the Bull Ring. To take part, contestants must post a video or message on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok explaining why they’re the perfect candidate, tagging @thebigtexan and including their city as a hashtag for consideration.
About New Mexico History Museum
New Mexico History Museum, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, offers a welcoming place for exploration of multifaceted views on history, dialog that bridges social and cultural divides, and reflection on the conditions needed for a more resilient, just, and sustainable future. The museum campus is located on the north side of the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Learn more at nmhistorymuseum.org.
About National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
NTHP is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic sites; tell the full American story; build stronger communities; and invest in preservation’s future. The NTHP’s Preserve Route 66 initiative advocates for permanent, federal National Historic Trail designation for the historic route and provides grants and other assistance to legacy businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies serving Route 66.