SEPTEMBER 2003
Running through downtown Kingman is the longest original stretch of Route 66 in Arizona. Kingman was there as the “Mother Road” brought Dust Bowl farmers to new opportunities in the West, as the highway transported military supplies in WW II and as the new ‘50s “family vacation” brought thousands more in search of scenic wonders. Today, visitors to Kingman can relive old times and make new memories. First stop should be the Powerhouse Visitor Center. While the helpful staff provides information on all that Kingman has to offer, kids will be enthralled by model trains running around the mezzanine.The building houses the Historic Route 66 Association Headquarters and Gift Shop, a 50’s Diner, the Route 66 Museum and several businesses. History is a theme to be savored in Kingman. Not only does the downtown offer a walking tour of 27 sites and have over 60 buildings on the National Historic Register, there are antique shops that entice and interesting museums to explore. Newest is the Route 66 Museum, where murals, photos and life-size dioramas highlight travel along the 35th parallel that became Route 66 from frontier days to the 50s. Other attractions include the Bonelli House, a marvelous example of Angloterritorial architecture furnished with peri-
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od pieces; the Mohave Museum of History & Art, including a tribute to local movie star Andy Devine; and the Kingman Army Airfield Museum. Kingman’s history was also shaped by the railroad - in fact the Santa Fe line runs through town - and in Locomotive Park you can visit the last steam engine to travel the route. Another major draw for visitors to Kingman are the many recreational opportunities in the area. The town lies in a high desert valley surrounded by scenic mountains and lakes. The 3,400 ft elevation means mild temperatures in which to hike, bike, camp and picnic. A favorite destination is beautiful Hualapai Mountain Park, 14 miles southeast of Kingman. Hiking trails wind upwards from 5,000 to 8,400 ft and wildlife and birds abound. One of Arizona’s most popular sports is golf and Kingman has two 18-hole championship golf courses including Cerbat Cliffs. a municipal course in a beautiful natural setting. Meticulously maintained greens, tough tight fairways and sculptured tees with an above-average USGA rating make Cerbat Cliffs great to play. This very affordable course also provides a driving range, chip and putting greens, a completely stocked pro shop, lessons, and a full bar and grill, not to mention unrestricted tee times. Fun in Kingman may also mean attending one of the exciting events held throughout the year. For great family entertainment there’s nothing like a coun-
ty fair and on September 11th - 14th the 57th Mohave County Fair brings all the familiar and enticing sights, sounds, and smells... games and thrilling rides provided by Brown Amusements, the 4-H competition and FFA livestock auction, the baking, crafts and other exhibits, and the delicious foods at the vendors. September 27-28 brings one of the season’s major events - the Andy Devine Days PRCA Rodeo and Parade celebrating Kingman’s western heritage. The public is invited to an “Old Fashioned Western Family Evening” hosted by Martin Swanty Dodge and the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce on Wed, the 24th and to the 33rd annual parade downtown at 10pm on the 27th. The rodeo takes place at the Mohave County Fairgrounds at 1pm both Sat. and Sun. Get your fill of exciting action with Team Roping, Saddle Bronc, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Bareback Riding and more. Another premier event is the Kingman Air & Auto Show on October 4-5. The show is honored to have been selected to have the United States Air Force A-10 Demonstration team performing precision aerial maneuvers and to have a Heritage Flight, which teams a state-of-the-art fighter flying in close formation with a World War II P-38 Lightning vintage fighter. Also bringing thrills and delight will be Kent Pietsch’s comedy airplane act, the Silver Wings wing walking, car show with classics to hot rods to one of a kind customs, drag racing and more. One of the pleasures of basing a get-
STATEWIDE AZ PAGE 3 away in Kingman is the variety of day trips in the area. The “almost” ghost towns of Oatman and Chloride entice with their mining history, gunfight reenactments, and local artists and crafters. Hoover Dam is a sight to behold, named one of America’s “7 Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.” Driving Route 66 provides many interesting places to explore, including the Grand Canyon Caverns. Tour the unique dry cave 210 feet below the surface with its beautiful rock formations. One of the most exciting options is to visit Grand Canyon West. There, under the guidance of the native Hualapai Indians, you will find a much less congested look at the canyon than found at the National Park. They offer a variety of tours, relating the history and legends of their land as you enjoy a bus ride, short hike and BBQ meal; an ATV adventure - the only one available in the Grand Canyon; pontoon rides on the Colorado River - reached by helicopter; and most thrilling of all, a one-day whitewater rafting trip available April-October. As you relax, explore and enjoy Kingman, head to JB’s Family Restaurant for home-style cooking. There is a daily breakfast buffet, and a great choice of items for lunch and dinner. Try the soup, salad and fruit bar, the burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta and desserts. Kids eat free on Wednesdays and a child 10 & under gets a free kid’s meal when an adult entree is purchased. There is also a senior menu and discount. Beer and wine is served. JB’s is located at 2949 E. Andy Devine Ave (old Rt. 66). Isn’t it time you discovered Kingman? Come and visit... you’ll be surrounded by warm western hospitality that will make you feel right at home. For more information about these events and attractions see pages 23 and 37. Visit Kingman’s new website at www.kingmantourism.org or call the friendly folks at the Powerhouse Visitor Center at 1-866-427-RT66. Rodeo photos ©PRCA PRO RODEO
Grand Canyon West
Powerhouse Visitor Center Open Daily 9am-6pm
• Bus Tours (with buffet BBQ meal) • Smooth Water Pontoon Rides • The River Runners White Water Adventure • Only ATV Tours Available at the Grand Canyon
120 W. Route 66
1-866-427-RT66 (7866) www.kingmantourism.org
“Let the Hualapai People Be Your Guide”
928-699-0269 or 888-255-9550
www.grandcanyonresort.com
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September 26 & 27, 2003 Friday Noon-11pm, Sat 10am-10pm Hwy 95 between El Rodeo & Aztec
WEDNESDAY - Prayer Breakfast THURSDAY- Blue Grass • David Parmley & Continental Divide • Arizona Tradition FRIDAY - The Coasters SATURDAY - The Bed Races • The Grande Parade • Arts & Crafts Fair •
Pooch Party • Music on the Terrace • Art Walk • Fall Fun Fair • Papa Doo Run Run
SUNDAY - Arts & Crafts • Art Walk • Main Buffalo Light House Dedication • Praise Concert
Ft. Mohave, Az Rumors - The Legend of Fleetwood Mac 4 Way Street - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute Band Carmoco Productions - Hypnotic & Magical Entertainment Bon Ton Zydeco Game Booths • Craft Booths • Raffle Prizes • Fresh Hot Corn Moonridge Animal Park • Beer Garden
Free Admission • 928-704-CORN