Cars, Community, and Kindness Take Center Stage in Grants From Route 66 revving to fundraising for hungry kids, Cibola County came together in unforgettable ways

Cars, Community, and Kindness Take Center Stage in Grants From Route 66 revving to fundraising for hungry kids, Cibola County came together in unforgettable ways
  • Community members gather at Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course for the Ty Detmer All-Star Weekend dinner, supporting the Backpack for Kids Program and celebrating 22 years of giving back. Diego Lopez - CC
    Community members gather at Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course for the Ty Detmer All-Star Weekend dinner, supporting the Backpack for Kids Program and celebrating 22 years of giving back. Diego Lopez - CC
  • A beautifully restored classic Mustang convertible gleams in the sun during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, drawing admiration from car lovers up and down historic Route 66. Diego Lopez - CC
    A beautifully restored classic Mustang convertible gleams in the sun during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, drawing admiration from car lovers up and down historic Route 66. Diego Lopez - CC
  • A beautifully restored classic Mustang convertible gleams in the sun during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, drawing admiration from car lovers up and down historic Route 66. Courtesy Photo
    A beautifully restored classic Mustang convertible gleams in the sun during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, drawing admiration from car lovers up and down historic Route 66. Courtesy Photo
  • A lifted black Chevy truck proudly flies American flags at the Spokes on 66 Car Show in downtown Grants, drawing crowds with its bold stance and patriotic flair. Diego Lopez - CC
    A lifted black Chevy truck proudly flies American flags at the Spokes on 66 Car Show in downtown Grants, drawing crowds with its bold stance and patriotic flair. Diego Lopez - CC
  • A bright yellow Corvette and bold blue Mustang turn heads on Route 66 during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, showcasing speed, style, and the spirit of the open road. Diego Lopez - CC
    A bright yellow Corvette and bold blue Mustang turn heads on Route 66 during the Spokes on 66 Car Show, showcasing speed, style, and the spirit of the open road. Diego Lopez - CC

    GRANTS, N.M. — If you were anywhere near downtown Grants this weekend, chances are you heard the engines, felt the music, tasted the food—and more importantly, witnessed a community at its best.

    The Spokes on 66 Car Show headlined the weekend’s activities, drawing classic car owners, families, and fans from across New Mexico and beyond. Held Saturday at RiverWalk Park, the event transformed Route 66 into a full-blown celebration of chrome, culture, and community pride.

    This year’s event featured not only rows of beautifully restored cars and trucks but also live music, family activities, and a vibrant local business presence. From shaved ice in a pineapple to locally handmade crafts and bounce houses, the event had something for everyone.

    Across the street, both the New Mexico Mining Museum and Cibola County History Museum opened their doors to visitors—free of charge.

    The Rockin’ 66 Shuttle Service helped guests get around, and local bars and clubs, including The Elks Lodge and Palomas Bar in San Rafael, hosted late-night after-parties, adding even more flavor to an already rich day.

    But the weekend wasn’t just about horsepower—it was about heart, too.

    Over at the Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course, the 22nd Annual Ty Detmer All-Star Weekend unfolded with a purpose: to feed nearly 300 hungry children across the county through the Backpack for Kids Program, a Grants-Milan Rotary Club initiative.

    The Backpack Program provides non-perishable food items to local students every Friday during the school year, helping to make sure they don’t go hungry over the weekend.

    The multi-day fundraiser featured youth sports camps, autograph signings, and hands-on mentorship from celebrity athletes and coaches, including: Ty Detmer – Heisman Trophy winner & NFL quarterback DeMya Wheatfall – WNBA Dee Gordon – MLB Rachel LaMont – Survivor Season 47 winner Rodney Rice & Bené Benwikere – NFL veterans From volleyball clinics and tennis lessons to quarterback training and motivational talks, the event inspired young athletes while raising money for a critical cause.

    “Our goal has always been to come together to support something bigger than ourselves,” wrote Ric Morgan, President of the Grants-Milan Rotary Club. “This weekend showed exactly what that looks like.”

    Special recognition was given to Stacey Corley, of Corley Ford, and longtime Rotary partners like Stewart Brothers Drilling, and Roxann Fields, who, along with her late husband Willie Fields, was honored for their two decades of support.

    As the sun set on a weekend full of action, generosity, and unity, the message was clear: Grants showed up. Cibola County showed up. And in doing so, they not only celebrated their town—they lifted up their neighbors.

    The Grants-Milan Rotary Club invites anyone interested in supporting their mission to reach out or get involved. And as for Spokes on 66? The countdown is already on.

    Save the Date: Spokes on 66 – Centennial Celebration Saturday, June 6, 2026 Downtown Grants