GRANTS, N.M. Downtown Grants was revving with horsepower and hometown pride this weekend as the Spokes on 66 Car Show rolled into town, drawing crowds from across the country and filling Route 66 with classic rides, live music, food, and community celebration.
The event, organized by Grants MainStreet Project in cooperation with the City of Grants, was a major success—bringing together car enthusiasts, small business vendors, local families, and out-of-town visitors for a full day of fun in the heart of town.
One of the standout additions to this year’s event was the Grants Farmers' Market, which joined forces with Spokes on 66 for the day. Market Director Siobhan Doherty went live on Facebook early Saturday morning, showcasing a lineup of local vendors offering everything from fresh vegetables and plant starts to be freeze-dried treats, concrete art, and handmade crafts.
While the market’s vendors wrapped up earlier in the day, the car show continued until evening, capped off with a trophy presentation and a parade down historic Route 66.
The New Mexico Mining Museum welcomed visitors with free admission from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a chance to step inside an underground uranium mine and learn more about the region’s rich mining history.
Caddy corner, the Cibola County History Museum opened its doors as well serving up popcorn, water, and local stories for curious guests.
To make getting around easy, the Rockin’ 66 Express Shuttle transported guests from location to location, like Jenny’s on 66 and Pizza 9, directly to the heart of the festivities at Fire and Ice Park.
After the engines cooled and trophies were handed out, the party kept rolling. The Elks Lodge in Grants hosted one of the event’s after-parties, while Palomas Bar in the Village of San Rafael welcomed guests for more music and fun later into the evening.
The event remained safe and welcoming thanks to the presence of the Cibola County Sheriff’s Office and Grants Police Department, who ensured traffic control and a familyfriendly atmosphere throughout the day.
Grants MainStreet Project celebrated the event’s success with a public message on social media:
“THANK YOU, GRANTS! What an incredible day at the Spokes on 66 Car Show — and it would not have been possible without YOU! Whether you showed a car, served up great food, volunteered, or just came to enjoy the fun—you made this event unforgettable.”
Spokes on 66 Centennial
With the 100-year anniversary of Route 66 on the horizon, momentum is building for an even more historic celebration.
Grants Mainstreet Project Inc., the City of Grants, and many volunteers have made this event possible, and they will be looking for volunteers going into the centennial event on the horizon, as planning has already begun for a big celebration. Visit Grants City Hall for information on volunteering opportunities.
In the meantime, the Grants Farmers' Market will return to its usual schedule next weekend, bringing back the local charm that defines Saturday mornings in Cibola County.
From start to finish, Spokes on 66 showcased the best of Grants: classic Americana, strong community spirit, and the promise of even more to come.