Joint Special Council/BFPD
05/19/26 05:30 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Community Promotion
Doc ID: 6400
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
MEASURE Q COMMUNITY PROMOTIONAL FUND REQUEST – ROUTE 66 - MAIN STREET OF AMERICA CARAVAN EVENT JUNE 7, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Route 66 - The Road Ahead is seeking assistance from the City of Barstow’s Measure Q Community Promotional Fund. They are requesting a waiver for the facility use fee at the Harvey House on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to host the Main Street of America Caravan event.
The goal of this caravan is to showcase the communities, businesses, history, and culture along the route.
DISCUSSION:
The Road Ahead Partnership is organizing a caravan that will travel across the eight states of historic Route 66. This caravan aims to highlight the communities, businesses, history, and culture along the route, focusing particularly on the towns where events will be held.
Barstow is a significant part of the California Route 66 story. From its beginnings as a railroad town to its vibrant downtown during the 1950s, when travelers flocked to its motels, restaurants, and roadside attractions, Barstow has long been a welcoming destination for those journeying along the Mother Road.
Today, the caravan will help shine a spotlight on the businesses and landmarks that continue to keep that spirit alive. The city embraces Route 66, evident in its restored signage, colorful car-themed marquees along the route, and many historic attractions that still welcome visitors today. Over a dozen points of interest in Barstow are currently featured on the newly updated California Historic Route 66 Association website.
The event will take place at Casa del Desierto, one of Barstow’s most recognized historic landmarks. By hosting the caravan event there, organizers hope to attract new visitors to the city and encourage future tourism. The murals throughout Barstow beautifully tell the story of the city’s past, and these stories will be shared with attendees during the event.
A news crew will join the caravan throughout its journey, and local media outlets have also been contacted to help spread excitement and awareness about the event.
As part of the festivities, The Big Texan Steak Ranch will host a steak-eating contest, where competitors will race against the clock to finish the famous 72-ounce steak meal, complete with a baked potato, shrimp, salad, and all the trimmings. This contest is expected to add a fun and lively atmosphere to the celebration.
Organizers anticipate an attendance of approximately 100 to 300 people, with additional viewers expected through a live stream broadcast, allowing audiences across the country to experience the excitement, hospitality, and unique charm of Route 66 that Barstow has to offer.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
05/19/26 05:30 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Community Promotion
Doc ID: 6400
AGENDA ITEM
Harvey House Rental Fee $931.72
TUP & Inspection Fee $223.10
Total $1,154.82
FISCAL IMPACT:
The requested facility use fee waiver will be funded through the Measure Q Community Promotional Fund, Account No. 102.150.542.07.755.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City Council approves the use of Measure Q Community Promotional Funds in the form of a facility use fee waiver of $1,154.82 for use of the Harvey House for the Main Street of America Caravan Event.