Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott AZ

Arizona Roundup Special

Celebrating America's 250th in Arizona's Hometown

As America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence, few places capture the spirit of the nation's birthday quite like Prescott, Arizona. In this special Fourth of July edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Sharlot Hall Museum Director of Development and Marketing Sally Jackson for a lively conversation about history, community, patriotism, and one of the most remarkable Independence Day celebrations anywhere in America. Together they invite listeners behind the scenes of one of Arizona's most beloved traditions while introducing an exciting new event that promises to become a Fourth of July tradition for generations to come.

A Celebration 250 Years in the Making

This year's Independence Day carries extraordinary significance. America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, and Prescott—a community whose own history is deeply intertwined with the American West—is preparing to celebrate in unforgettable fashion. Rosebrook and Jackson recall childhood Fourth of July memories, family traditions, fireworks, rodeos, and small-town celebrations before turning their attention to the remarkable events taking place at Sharlot Hall Museum during this historic week. The result is a warm and personal conversation that reminds listeners that history is not simply something we study—it is something we celebrate together.

Introducing American Heritage Day

One of the highlights of the episode is the introduction of the Museum's inaugural American Heritage Day, taking place on Friday, July 3. Designed as an old-fashioned family celebration, the event combines education, entertainment, patriotism, music, food, living history, children's activities, and community fellowship.

Visitors will enjoy:

Living history demonstrations

Historic buildings open throughout the campus

Pioneer games

Music from the Phoenix Pioneer Brass Band

Patriotic ceremonies

The reading of portions of the Declaration of Independence in both English and Spanish

Patrick Henry's famous 'Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death' speech

Historic military presentations

Family activities

Crafts

Children's parade

Historic exhibits

A traditional Fourth of July picnic atmosphere

The World's Oldest Rodeo

No Fourth of July in Prescott would be complete without the World's Oldest Rodeo. Listeners receive an insider's look at the famous Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, the historic parade, and the Museum's largest parade participation in decades.

Historic Arizona Bicentennial Wagon

Restored Farm Wagon

Beautiful Percheron horse teams

Historic flags representing America's growth

Vintage automobiles

Volunteers in period costume

Sharlot Hall Museum's impressive community presence

Bringing History to Life

One of the strengths of this conversation is its reminder that museums are far more than collections of old artifacts. At Sharlot Hall Museum, history lives. Whether visitors are watching blacksmiths work, listening to cowboy poetry, participating in pioneer games, or hearing the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud, history becomes personal. Throughout the conversation, Rosebrook and Jackson continually emphasize that preserving history is ultimately about serving future generations.

A Summer Filled with Discovery

The Fourth of July celebration is only the beginning. The episode previews an exciting lineup of summer programs including:

Twilight Tales

Cowboy poetry performances

Victorian workshops

Flag-making events

Downwinder educational presentations

Author programs

Photography contests

Living History Days

The Junior Bonner film celebration

Prescott Indian Art Market

The return of the Sharlot Hall Folk Music Festival

Each event reflects the Museum's commitment to connecting Arizona's past with today's community.

Why This Episode Matters

At a time when many Americans are searching for places where history, community, and patriotism can still be celebrated together, this episode offers something refreshing. It reminds listeners that patriotism is best expressed through gratitude, service, education, and remembering the people whose sacrifices built our nation. More importantly, it demonstrates that local history remains one of America's greatest treasures. The stories preserved at Sharlot Hall Museum belong not only to Arizona but to the entire country. This is an episode that will leave listeners proud of America's past and hopeful about its future.

Things to Remember

America's 250th Anniversary is a once-in-a-generation celebration.

Prescott offers one of America's most authentic Independence Day experiences.

Sharlot Hall Museum brings history to life through living demonstrations, community events, and educational programming.

Local history helps us better understand our national story.

Celebrating freedom begins by remembering those who preserved it.

Things to Share

Invite family and friends to experience American Heritage Day.

Share this Arizona Roundup episode with anyone who loves Arizona history, Western heritage, or American traditions.

Encourage young people to experience living history firsthand.

Tell others about the many educational and cultural programs offered throughout the summer.

Things to Take Note Of—and Perhaps Act Upon

Attend American Heritage Day on July 3 at Sharlot Hall Museum.

Watch the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade on July 4.

Visit the Museum during its free community hours following the parade.

Become a member of Sharlot Hall Museum and help preserve Arizona's remarkable story.

Explore the Museum's calendar of events and make history part of your family's tradition.

Learn More and Get Involved

Whether you are a lifelong Arizonan, a visitor discovering Prescott for the first time, or someone listening from anywhere around the world, Sharlot Hall Museum offers an invitation to experience history in a deeply personal way. Membership, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, exhibitions, and special events help ensure that Arizona's rich heritage continues to inspire future generations. The Museum welcomes visitors throughout the year and invites everyone to become part of preserving one of America's great historical treasures.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Every generation is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving the stories that shaped its freedom. As America celebrates 250 years of independence, may we do more than remember history—may we live it. Visit a museum. Attend a community celebration. Teach a child. Honor a veteran. Read the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate your hometown. And wherever you are this Fourth of July, take a moment to give thanks for the blessings of liberty and the remarkable people whose courage made those blessings possible. History lives when we choose to remember—and it grows stronger when we choose to share it. Happy Independence Day from everyone at Arizona Roundup and Sharlot Hall Museum.

Every community has a signature event. For Prescott, Arizona, that event is the legendary World's Oldest Rodeo. This special Arizona Roundup program explored the 139th annual World's Oldest Rodeo and the many community celebrations surrounding America's 250th anniversary. Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom

The 2026 theme is 'Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.' Visitors will experience rodeo competition, patriotic ceremonies, community events, parades, music, family activities, and historical commemorations.

A Rodeo Tradition Meets Modern Improvements This year brings grandstand upgrades, improved sound systems, infrastructure enhancements, and a better visitor experience while preserving the traditions that make Prescott unique. National Recognition

National Geographic selected the World's Oldest Rodeo to represent Arizona in its America 250 publication, recognizing it as one of the state's great cultural treasures. Special Nights and Community Tributes

Highlights include Riding for a Cure, First Responders Tribute Night, Military Appreciation events, Old Timers recognition, and other celebrations that honor service, sacrifice, and community.

More Than a Rodeo The week includes parades, dances, museum events, heritage celebrations, historical reenactments, and family activities across Prescott. Sharlot Hall Museum will host American Heritage Day as part of the festivities.

Things to Remember • June 29–July 5: World's Oldest Rodeo

• Theme: Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom

• Expanded shuttle service

• National recognition from National Geographic

• A uniquely Prescott Fourth of July experience

Things to Share

Invite friends and family, promote local history, and encourage others to experience Prescott's traditions and heritage.

Things to Act Upon Purchase tickets early, reserve lodging, volunteer, support local museums and heritage organizations, and participate in community events. The World's Oldest Rodeo is more than a rodeo. It is a celebration of community, heritage, freedom, and the enduring spirit of America. Prescott is ready. America is celebrating. And the World's Oldest Rodeo is waiting.

In this compelling episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, Prescott native and photographer Anne-Marie Shumate shares the deeply moving story behind Vision of Vets, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the lived experiences of America's combat veterans. Through portraiture and augmented reality, veterans' voices come to life, allowing viewers to both see and hear their stories in their own words. From her early days volunteering at the Sharlot Hall Museum to leading a national storytelling effort, Shumate reveals how history, family legacy, and community inspired her work. The conversation explores themes of memory, sacrifice, technology, and the urgency of preserving stories before they are lost.

Key Themes & Highlights

• Living history brings emotional truth beyond textbooks. • Vision of Vets bridges generations through storytelling. • There is urgency as WWII veterans are passing daily. • Sharing stories can be healing for veterans. • Prescott's strong veteran heritage supports this mission. • Augmented reality creates immersive storytelling.

Things to Remember

• Every veteran has a story worth preserving. • History is deeply personal and emotional. • Listening is a meaningful act of respect. • Technology can enhance human connection. • Communities help keep history alive.

Things to Share With Others

• Visit the Vision of Vets exhibit at Sharlot Hall Museum. • Explore stories online at visionofvets.org. • Encourage conversations with veterans. • Support oral history preservation efforts. • Share awareness within your community.

Things to Think About—and Act Upon

• Is there a veteran in your family whose story is unrecorded? • How can you help preserve local history? • What role can you play in connecting generations? • Consider supporting Vision of Vets. • Visit museums as active participants.

Call to Action

Let this episode inspire you to listen more deeply, remember more intentionally, and act more meaningfully. Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, experience the Vision of Vets exhibit, and help preserve these powerful stories. Stay connected and engaged in honoring those who served. When we preserve their voices, we preserve our nation's soul.

There are some conversations that feel less like interviews and more like sitting on a porch swing with someone who remembers where the town's soul came from.

That is exactly what happened on this edition of Arizona Roundup as host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed lifelong Prescottonian Patrick Kuykendall for a warm, funny, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring discussion about growing up in Prescott, serving others, preserving history, and building the future of Arizona.

The result is more than a radio program. It is a reminder that communities are not built only by buildings and businesses. They are built by stories, sacrifice, generosity, memories, and people willing to serve.

And Patrick Kuykendall has done a little bit of all of that.

The Prescott That Lives in Memory

Born and raised in Prescott on June 1, 1965, Patrick Kuykendall shared vivid memories of growing up near Antelope Hills Golf Course and riding "Bus Number Six with Mr. Fee" into town for school every day.

As listeners quickly discovered, this was not merely nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. It was an oral history tour through the living memory of Prescott.

There were stories of downtown drugstores, bazooka gum, walking to Grandma's house after school, and the days when everybody from Skull Valley, Chino Valley, and the surrounding communities rode buses into Prescott because there were no separate high schools yet.

And then came one of the great "only in Prescott" stories.

Patrick described how his father, working at a local gas station in the late 1950s and early 1960s, met a sharply dressed man who arrived in town with two unfamiliar vehicles and a proposition. The man was looking for someone willing to become Prescott's first Toyota dealer.

Patrick's father reportedly looked at the vehicles and famously asked:

"What the hell's a Toyota?"

A short drive to the bank later, armed with a $10,000 line of credit, the Kuykendall family became Toyota dealers in Prescott.

It is the kind of story that perfectly captures the entrepreneurial spirit that helped shape Arizona.

A Town Built by Dreamers and Doers

Throughout the conversation, Stuart Rosebrook reflected on what makes Prescott unique.

People may arrive from somewhere else, but very few arrive by accident.

Patrick observed that most newcomers have a connection, a memory, or a dream tied to Prescott long before they finally move here. They visited for rodeos, camps, vacations, church retreats, or family gatherings. Many spent years imagining life in the mountains before finally making the move.

That sense of intentional community building became one of the strongest themes of the program.

Prescott, they suggested, remains a place where opportunity, history, and hospitality still matter.

The Power of Camps, Community, and Summers in Prescott

One of the most heartfelt sections of the conversation centered around summer camps and the role Prescott played as the "summer camp capital" of Arizona.

Long before air conditioning became common, families escaped the desert heat by coming to Prescott's cool pine forests, lakes, ranches, and camps.

The discussion moved from church camps to Friendly Pines, the Orem Ranch camps, and youth experiences that shaped generations of Arizona children.

The hosts reflected on something increasingly rare in today's world: kids discovering independence, friendship, confidence, and responsibility away from screens and distractions.

It was a powerful reminder that some of the most important education in life happens around campfires, on horseback trails, and during long summer evenings beneath the pines.

Service Never Really Ends

The conversation then shifted from memories to mission.

Patrick Kuykendall spoke movingly about military service, workforce development, veteran advocacy, and community leadership. Having served in the United States Army and the Arizona National Guard, he explained that even after veterans remove the uniform, they never really remove the mindset of service.

His reflections on veterans and community responsibility were among the most inspiring moments of the program.

"You take the uniform off, but you never take the mindset out."

Today, Patrick works with workforce and employment initiatives across Arizona, helping businesses, veterans, and underemployed workers find opportunities and stability. His philosophy is straightforward and compassionate:

"Most people don't need a handout. They need a hand up."

That single sentence may have captured the heart of the entire episode.

Prescott's Future Depends on Its Values

The discussion also explored the growth of Prescott and the challenges facing communities across Arizona.

Patrick spoke candidly about the importance of supporting employers, helping workers move beyond underemployment, and creating a culture where businesses and communities work together rather than against one another.

There was also humor and charm throughout the discussion.

The two men reminisced about black-and-white television, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Rifleman, rabbit-ear antennas, Bob's Big Boy restaurants, and simpler days when families sat together in the evenings rather than staring endlessly at phones.

But beneath the humor was an important message:

Communities survive when values survive.

Hard work. Service. Family. Responsibility. Generosity. Patriotism. Hospitality.

Those timeless Western values remain part of Prescott's identity.

Why Sharlot Hall Museum Matters

As always, the program beautifully reinforced the importance of Sharlot Hall Museum as one of Arizona's great centers for preserving and sharing Western history.

The museum was presented not merely as a collection of artifacts, but as a living gateway into Arizona's story — from ranching and mining to military history, tourism, transportation, entrepreneurship, and community life.

Rosebrook repeatedly emphasized that visitors who come to Prescott are stepping into one of the great stories of the American West.

And in many ways, Patrick Kuykendall himself represents part of that continuing story.

Things to Remember

• Prescott remains one of the most historically important communities in the American Southwest. • Communities are built through service, sacrifice, entrepreneurship, and generosity. • Veterans continue serving long after military duty ends. • History becomes meaningful when stories are preserved and shared. • Camps, museums, and local traditions still shape young lives in powerful ways. • Many people come to Prescott because they were searching for something deeper than scenery.

Things to Share with Others

• The remarkable story of how Prescott became home to one of Arizona's earliest Toyota dealerships. • The role summer camps played in shaping generations of Arizona families. • The importance of helping people move from dependence to independence through meaningful work. • The ongoing work being done in Prescott to support veterans and strengthen community life. • The value of preserving oral histories before they are lost.

Things to Take Note Of — And Possibly Act Upon

• Visit Sharlot Hall Museum and immerse yourself in Arizona history. • Support local nonprofits and community organizations like "100 Men Who Care." • Encourage young people to explore service opportunities, camps, leadership programs, and military service. • If you are an employer, consider giving someone a "hand up" rather than simply dismissing potential. • Take time to record the stories of parents, grandparents, veterans, and longtime residents before those stories disappear forever.

A Final Word

This episode of Arizona Roundup reminds us that history is not only found in museums.

History lives in people.

It lives in memories of downtown Prescott, school bus rides, old diners, summer camps, military service, local businesses, and neighbors helping neighbors.

And perhaps most importantly, it lives in people willing to continue serving their communities long after the spotlight has moved on.

In an age often distracted by noise and division, this conversation offered something refreshingly different:

Gratitude. Perspective. Humor. History. Service. Hope.

That sounds a lot like Prescott, Arizona.

And thankfully, it still does.

The American West lives on—in stories, in memory, and in the voices of those who know it best. In this engaging episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, produced in partnership with the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, listeners are invited on a rich, personal journey with writer, historian, and Emmy Award–winning makeup artist Michael Blake.

Blake's life is a bridge between worlds: from the golden era of Hollywood television and film to the wide-open landscapes of Arizona. His conversation with Rosebrook captures not only the texture of those experiences but also the enduring spirit of the West itself—its values, its myths, and its truths.

A Story Rooted in Imagination and Experience

Raised in the San Fernando Valley during the golden age of television, Blake grew up immersed in Westerns—Gunsmoke, John Ford films, and a steady stream of classic cinema that shaped his imagination. What began as childhood play—cowboys, frontier towns, and heroic ideals—became a lifelong passion.

His career took him deep inside Hollywood, where he worked alongside legends like Lucille Ball and became a respected makeup artist at Universal Studios. Yet even as he built his career in film and television, Blake remained drawn to something deeper: the authenticity and history of the American West.

That passion eventually led him to Arizona—and to writing—most notably about Theodore Roosevelt, often called America's most Western president. Blake's work explores how real people, real challenges, and real landscapes shaped the stories we think we know.

Behind the Scenes—and Beneath the Surface

In this episode, Blake does more than reminisce. He reveals the craft behind storytelling—in film, in history, and in life.

Listeners will hear vivid memories of working on classic productions and learning directly from industry pioneers, fascinating insights into film history, including how iconic scenes and effects were created, and the surprising ways Hollywood shaped public understanding of the American West.

From learning what a tether weight was on a Western film set, to studying Civil War history deeply enough to advise actors on authenticity, Blake demonstrates that curiosity leads to mastery.

The Heart of the West: Lessons That Endure

More than a story about film or history, this episode underscores values that defined a generation—and still matter today.

Things to remember: - Curiosity is powerful – Ask questions and keep learning - Authenticity matters – Truth brings depth and meaning - Character counts – Respect, initiative, and humility open doors - Stories shape us – The heroes we admire influence how we live

Blake reflects on how figures like Matt Dillon, John Wayne, and Theodore Roosevelt helped form a moral compass—illustrating the enduring Code of the West: integrity, courage, fairness, and responsibility.

A Living Legacy Worth Preserving

This episode reminds us that the West is not just a place—it is a shared heritage that continues to inspire.

Through programs like this, the Sharlot Hall Museum plays a vital role in preserving and sharing these stories. By connecting past to present, the Museum ensures that future generations can discover the meaning and lessons of the American West.

Be Part of the Story

If this conversation sparks your interest, consider taking the next step:

Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott Attend live programs and presentations Share these stories with others

Support the Sharlot Hall Museum through membership, donations, and participation—and help keep the spirit of the West alive.

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook continues to bring the voices, stories, and spirit of the West to life—one conversation at a time.

There are some radio conversations that feel less like an interview and more like sitting on the porch with good friends while the smell of rain drifts in from the mountains. This episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook delivered exactly that kind of experience.

Pure Imagination Returns to Watson Lake

One of the major highlights of the conversation centered around Candice Devine's beloved Pure Imagination Festival, which will return in May 2027 at Watson Lake. The festival has become known for blending multiple genres of music, family activities, local artisans, food trucks, camping, kayaking, and community connection into one colorful weekend experience. Candice described the festival as an immersive experience designed to keep music flowing continuously while giving visitors opportunities to explore the natural beauty and creative energy of Prescott.

Prescott: Everybody's Hometown

DJ Sheridan reflected on why people continue moving to Prescott from around the nation. According to DJ, the two major reasons people relocate here are climate and community. Again and again, the conversation returned to the idea that Prescott still feels like a real hometown where people wave at each other, support local businesses, and quickly become part of the community story.

Sharlot Hall Museum: Preserving Arizona's Soul

One of the most inspiring portions of the program focused on Charlotte Hall Museum and the unveiling of a new public statue honoring Charlotte Hall herself — a pioneering educator, historian, and civic leader whose legacy continues shaping Arizona today. The discussion became a reminder that the American West was built not just by cowboys and miners, but by strong women, educators, artists, mothers, and civic visionaries.

Rodeo, Patriotism, and the Biggest Fourth of July in Arizona

Listeners were treated to an exciting preview of Prescott's upcoming Fourth of July celebration, including the World's Oldest Rodeo, fireworks at Pioneer Park, patriotic concerts, family activities, historical reenactments, and Charlotte Hall Museum's new American Heritage Day. This year's celebration promises to be one of the most memorable in Prescott history.

A Town That Honors Heritage While Building the Future

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from the program was this: Prescott is not trying to become someplace else. It is building its future by embracing its history, culture, music, beauty, and sense of community. Whether discussing Route 66, monsoon storms, public art, rodeo traditions, tourism, entrepreneurship, or civic leadership, the conversation continually returned to the same idea — Prescott works because people care.

Things to Remember

Prescott continues to grow as one of Arizona's most vibrant cultural and historical communities.

The Pure Imagination Festival returns in May 2027 at Watson Lake.

Charlotte Hall Museum continues expanding its educational and cultural programming.

The 2026 Fourth of July celebration promises to be one of the biggest in Prescott history.

Things to Share

Share this program with friends considering a visit or move to Prescott.

Encourage others to support local arts, museums, festivals, and historical organizations.

Invite family members to experience the Prescott rodeo and Fourth of July festivities.

Things to Take Note Of and Possibly Act Upon

Visit Sharlot Hall Museum and explore upcoming events.

Support Sharlot Hall Museum's educational mission and historical preservation work.

Mark your calendar now for Pure Imagination Festival in 2027.

At a time when so many communities across America feel rushed, divided, or disconnected, Prescott continues offering something deeply valuable: a place where history matters, where music matters, where neighbors still wave, and where tradition and creativity walk side by side.

Happy trails from Arizona Roundup and the good people of Prescott, Arizona.

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook celebrates community, cuisine, culture—and a historic new tribute to Charlotte Hall

Prescott's most anticipated spring tradition is nearly here, and if the energy inside the latest episode of Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook is any indication, Charlotte Cellar 2026 promises to be one of the most memorable evenings in the event's history.

Broadcast from the beautiful four‑acre campus of Sharlot Hall Museum, this episode features an engaging, behind‑the‑scenes conversation with Sally Jackson, Director of Development and Marketing, and Amber Faith, Development and Membership Specialist—affectionately dubbed the museum's "dynamic duo." Together, they share why Sharlot's Cellar has become Prescott's signature wine‑tasting and garden party event, and how it helps sustain one of Arizona's most important cultural institutions.

A Garden Party with a Purpose

Now entering its second decade, Sharlot's Cellar has grown into Sharlot Hall Museum's largest annual fundraiser, supporting education programs, living history events, archives, and the preservation of Arizona's territorial heritage.

Set for Saturday, May 16, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., the event transforms the museum grounds into an elegant evening promenade where guests wander shaded paths, historic buildings, and vibrant gardens—glass in hand—sampling gourmet bites, fine wines, craft beer, mead, and creative mocktails.

Local Flavor, Expert Pairings

This year's restaurant lineup reads like a who's who of Prescott's culinary scene, paired with expert wine selections. Participating restaurants include the Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Bistro at St. Michael's, El Gato Azul, Gingerly Catered, Shirley's Urban Eats, Triple Creek Kitchen & Spirits, Vincenzo's Authentic Italian Food, Russo's Cheesecake & Deli, Talking Rock, and Pangea Bakery & Café.

Silent Auction, Barrel of Chances & Wine Pull Fun

Guests can participate in a robust silent auction, a budget‑friendly Barrel of Chances raffle, and the ever‑popular Wine Pull—where mystery bottles range in value from $25 to $120.

A Landmark Moment

Just days ago, the museum unveiled a new bronze statue of founder Sharlot Hall in the Territorial Women's Memorial Rose Garden—an enduring symbol of Arizona's cultural heritage and the woman who founded the museum in 1928.

Sharlot's Cellar is more than an evening of fine food and drink—it is a toast to history, community, and legacy.

Tickets are $125 and are available at charlottehallmuseum.org or by calling 928‑445‑3122.

There are anniversaries… and then there are American milestones.

On this episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes one of the true storytellers of the American highway—historian, author, and Route 66 authority Jim Hinckley—for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like an invitation.

An invitation to remember.

An invitation to explore.

And perhaps most importantly—an invitation to hit the road.

As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, Hinckley reminds listeners that this isn't just about pavement and nostalgia. It's about people, purpose, and a uniquely American spirit that continues to travel well—even into the future.

The Road That Refuses to Fade

Route 66 may be "officially" gone, but don't tell that to the thousands of travelers, historians, artists, and dreamers who keep it very much alive.

Hinckley describes it best: Route 66 is "the American story made manifest."

From Native American trade routes to wagon roads, from railroads to highways to air travel, this legendary corridor carries the full sweep of American history—the good, the bad, the gritty, and the glorious.

And in 2026, that story is roaring back to life.

A 160-Mile Block Party (Yes, Really)

If you think a birthday party for a highway sounds a little unusual, think again.

In northern Arizona, the annual Route 66 Fun Run transforms the road into what Hinckley calls a "160-mile block party."

Vintage cars, international visitors, musicians, historians, and road warriors converge from across the globe. This year, the celebration is even bigger—featuring guests from Japan, Europe, New Zealand, and beyond.

Apparently, Route 66 doesn't just belong to America anymore.

It belongs to the world.

The Barber Who Saved a Highway

Every great story has a hero.

For Route 66, that hero might just be Angel Delgadillo—a small-town barber from Seligman, Arizona.

When Interstate 40 bypassed his town, Delgadillo watched businesses fade and communities struggle. But instead of accepting defeat, he sparked a movement—one that would eventually revive Route 66 as a cultural and tourism icon.

Not bad for a guy with a barber chair and a vision.

His story is a reminder: you don't need a big platform to make a big difference.

A Road That Crosses Borders—and Generations

Perhaps the most surprising part of the program is Route 66's global reach.

Behind the Iron Curtain, people once listened secretly to "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" and dreamed of freedom. For many, the road became a symbol of possibility—just like the Statue of Liberty had been for earlier generations.

Today, Route 66 associations exist across Europe, Asia, and Australia. International travelers plan entire vacations around it.

It turns out… the "Main Street of America" has become the Main Street of the World.

Why the Road Still Matters

In a world of GPS shortcuts and high-speed interstates, Route 66 offers something different:

Slower travel

Unexpected conversations

Stories you didn't plan to find

As Hinckley puts it, if you really want to discover America, get off the interstate and onto the two-lane roads.

Because that's where the country still introduces itself—one town, one story, one handshake at a time.

Sharlot Hall Museum: Where the Journey Begins

This episode also highlights the role of the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona—a cultural hub celebrating the history, heritage, and living stories of the American West.

With exhibits, events, and Route 66 programming throughout the centennial year, the museum serves as both a starting point and a gathering place for travelers eager to connect with the past while exploring the present.

Things to Remember

Route 66 is more than a highway—it's a living story of America.

The centennial celebration is bringing global attention back to the Mother Road.

Individuals like Angel Delgadillo prove one person can revive an entire movement.

The real magic of travel happens off the interstate.

Things to Share

Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or a good road trip.

Tell others about the Route 66 centennial—it's a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Invite friends or family to plan a journey together along the Main Street of America.

Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon)

Visit the Sharlot Hall Museum and explore its Route 66 exhibits.

Plan a stretch of Route 66 to drive—don't overthink it, just start.

Use trusted guides, apps, and local visitor centers to enhance your journey.

And yes—bring water. The desert still plays by its own rules.

A Final Word—and a Challenge

There's something quietly powerful about a road that refuses to disappear.

Route 66 doesn't demand your attention—it invites it.

So here's the challenge:

Get off the fast lane.

Take the long way.

Listen to the stories.

Meet the people.

And somewhere along the road…

You just might find yourself.

Ready to begin your journey?

Tune in to Arizona Roundup, visit the Sharlot Hall Museum, and step into the story that's been waiting for you for 100 years.

Now… go get your kicks.

On a recent episode of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomed listeners to a conversation that was as flavorful as it was inspiring—an engaging look at entrepreneurship, creativity, and community through the story of Mercy Clark, founder of Gingerly Catered. Broadcast from the historic grounds of the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, the program offered more than just an interview. It served as a celebration of local talent, culinary craftsmanship, and the vibrant cultural life that continues to grow in Prescott.

A Journey Rooted in Adventure and Reinvention

Mercy Clark's path to becoming a successful caterer in Prescott is anything but ordinary. Born in Athens, Georgia, raised along the Atlantic coast in Stuart, Florida, and briefly exploring life in California, Clark's journey reflects a spirit of adventure and openness to opportunity. What was meant to be a temporary stop in Prescott in 2014 became something much more lasting. Drawn by friendships and the beauty of Arizona's high desert, Clark found not only a home—but a calling.

From Experience to Enterprise

Founded in September 2023, Gingerly Catered has quickly become a valued part of Prescott's event scene, offering customized menus, thoughtful presentation, and a clear passion for the craft. Clark's approach blends creativity and discipline—listening to clients, studying local tastes, and constantly refining her offerings.

Cooking with Creativity… and Community in Mind

Clark's culinary style reflects her diverse background, drawing from Southern cooking, coastal cuisine, and global flavors while staying grounded in Prescott's community preferences. Her philosophy is simple: pay attention, adapt, and serve well.

A Perfect Partnership with the Sharlot Hall Museum

Clark has become a valued partner of the Sharlot Hall Museum, catering events like Twilight Tales and participating in signature experiences such as Charlotte Cellar. These events blend storytelling, history, and culinary excellence—creating memorable community experiences.

The Art of Pairing—and the Joy of the Unexpected

With a background in wine studies, Clark brings an elevated approach to pairing food with wine, beer, and cocktails, crafting experiences that feel both intentional and effortless.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Gratitude, and Celebration

As Gingerly Catered approaches its third anniversary, Clark continues to grow her business while planning a celebration to thank the community that has supported her journey.

Things to Remember

• Great businesses often begin with small opportunities taken seriously • Creativity thrives when paired with discipline • Community partnerships elevate everyone involved • Success is built over time with consistency and care

Things to Share

• Prescott's local entrepreneurs are shaping a vibrant cultural scene • The Sharlot Hall Museum remains a hub of community life • Culinary arts bring people together in meaningful ways

Things to Take Note Of (and Act Upon)

• Plan ahead—top caterers book months in advance • Attend events like Twilight Tales and Charlotte Cellar • Support local businesses • Consider becoming a museum member

An Invitation to Experience More

To fully appreciate Mercy Clark's journey, listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full Arizona Roundup program and experience the vibrant community of the Sharlot Hall Museum. Visit, engage, and become part of the story.

Stuart Rosebrook • Sharlot Hall Museum • Prescott, Arizona

The Story

There are some stories that feel less like interviews and more like road trips—full of unexpected turns, wide horizons, and moments that stay with you long after the journey ends. This episode of Arizona Roundup featuring Terry Moore is exactly that kind of journey—rich with memory, meaning, and the unmistakable spirit of the American West.

A Life Shaped by Light

From Duluth, Minnesota to the deserts of the Southwest, Terry Moore's life was transformed by a move west at age nine. The light changed. The land opened. And something inside him awakened. That awakening would later define his artistic eye and his lifelong fascination with the American landscape.

From California to Calling

Growing up in Southern California, Moore experienced beach culture, travel, and early photography—but ultimately rejected the superficial pull of that world. Instead, he chose the unknown—heading to New Mexico with little more than a car, a dog, and a sense that something meaningful was waiting.

The Turning Point

A single photograph of pollution in the Four Corners region changed everything. That moment launched Moore into environmental advocacy and professional photography—proving that art can inform, challenge, and even change the world.

Saving Route 66 in Real Time

As Interstate highways replaced Route 66, Moore instinctively documented what others overlooked—cafés, motels, roadside stands, and small-town life. His images now serve as a powerful archive of a disappearing America.

A Full Circle in Prescott

Today, more than five decades later, Terry Moore's work is featured at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. The exhibit represents not just photographs—but a life, a legacy, and a love for the road that still calls to all of us.

Things to Remember

• The road shapes us as much as we travel it • Light can change a life • Art carries responsibility • Today's moments become tomorrow's history

Things to Share

• The story of Route 66 as living history • The importance of preserving culture • The power of one voice and one vision

Things to Take Action On

• Take the back roads • Visit Sharlot Hall Museum • Support storytellers and historians • Document what matters before it disappears

Final Thought

The road is not just behind us—it's still ahead. Stay connected with Arizona Roundup. Take the long way. The light is waiting.