Rock N Route Rendezvous

We recently took a cruise down historic Route 66 to visit the 3rd Annual RocknRoute Rendezvous held in Seligman, Arizona on September 17th, 2023. Along the way, cruising with a group from the local Time Traveler’s Car Club, we encountered Giganticus Headicus and the Guardian Of Route 66 at the Antares Point Visitor’s Center, unique life size works of art by local artist Gregg Arnold.

We stopped into Hackberry, Arizona to see a wall filled with hundreds of stickers from around the world. We encountered a strange coin operated device from a bygone time that would connect you to the world before the days of the internet.

Down the highway, we were greeted by quirky Burma Shave signs that always bring a chuckle or two. Riding into Seligman, we entered into another time when the world was a quieter place and the family road trip was a staple of life. Passing by the famous Delgadillo’s Sno-Cap Burger Stand conjured memories of Saturday afternoons in the sun enjoying burgers and shakes as the cars cruised by and music blared from the AM radio.

Rolling into The Pizza Joint after cruising through town on Route 66, we saw more icons from bygone times. Classic cars and pinup girls. Beard Contests. Burnout Contests between unique rat rod creations, and more.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Raina Marshall, the organizer of the event:

MRM: Who provided this great venue?

RAINA: Todd and Lisa Arnold have been great hosts for the last 2 years here at The Pizza Joint and Stagecoach Motel.

MRM: These rat rods are great! Who competed in the burnout competitions?

RAINA: The rat rod head-to-head burnout each year has been a father and son act of Vince Sommers (father) and Eric Sommers (son). They both had a tire blow out this year, but Eric stayed in the queue and their newly formed ally Greg Smith took over Vince’s position and battled it out with Eric. Technically since both of the Sommer men both had a blow out, the winner of the head to head burn out would be newcomer Greg Smith as the winner this year.

MRM: I saw that there were an assortment of vehicles besides the rat rods. Were there trophies awarded?

RAINA: There were 15 trophies handed out: under the hood, classy chassis, most testosterone, diamond in the rough, most unique, best bike, best truck, best car, best rat rod, gentleman’s choice, ladies’ choice, armed forces award, people’s choice, directors choice, and best in show.

MRM: Pin up and beard contests! Tell us about that.

RAINA: I always take 20 contestants every year. This year we had 2 contestants from Colorado, 1 from California and the rest were from all over Arizona with 11 of them local contestants (Mohave, Coconino, and Yavapai county). There were gift bags with goodies in them for each of the 20 contestants. There were 10 minis optionals; Best nest (hair), Prettiest peepers (eyes), Dazzler (smile), Facial beauty, Best threads (attire), Hip chick (personality), Rockabella (sportsmanship), Elegance (poise/grace), Classy chassis (body) and The total kitten (total package). I also purchase plaques for my photographers to hand out to a girl they each feel did amazing in through their camera lens. I call it the “visionary lens” award.

RAINA: There were 11 gentlemen in the beard and mustache contest and the prizes were insane, over $300.00 in donated beard and mustache merchandise from online companies.

MRM: We understand there were some funds raised for charities. Tell us about that.

RAINA: We had a 50/50 raffle and half of the proceeds went to a spectator named Chandra Wilson from Anchorage Alaska and the other half went into the pot for this year’s platform which is “For Veterans Sake”. This organization gets dogs from the pounds and trains them for veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD. The general raffle of about $200.00 was then turned over to the owner of For Veterans Sake along with the other half of the 50/50 winnings.

MRM: Thanks for spending time with us! Anything else you would like folks to know about?

RAINA: We are always looking for pin up contestants, vendors, bands/musicians, vehicles for the cruise in, sponsors, and donations, which are beyond helpful to fill the gift bags and it also helps to spread the word for the business owners as well. We are looking forward to having a wonderful 2024 year with new titles and new surprises!

Contact Info for RocknRoute Rendezvous:

Raina Marshall 928-310-4391 P.O. BOX 124 ASH FORK, AZ 86320