KINGMAN – Hotel Beale was built in 1898, and its remarkable neon sign which reads “Hotel Beale Air Cooled” was later installed in 1936 as Kingman’s first neon sign. After being dark for more than 40 years, the historic neon sign is going to be relit.
Local nonprofit organization Kingman Main Street is unveiling the Hotel Beale Experience, which includes a historic photo exhibit on the newly refreshed hotel facade and relighting of the rooftop neon sign.
The historic photo exhibit was done in partnership with the Mohave County Historical Society, Beale Street Theater, Firafly Photography, Jatcom Telecommunications, and the City of Kingman.
Kingman Main Street received grant funding for the neon sign restoration from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Route 66 Association of Arizona, City of Kingman, and the Hotel Beale family. The sign’s restoration is being completed by Legacy Signs & Iron.
The sign relighting ceremony will take place during the Fun Run Afterparty on Saturday, May 2 following the Route 66 Fun Run Car Show. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in the parking lot on the corner of Fourth St. and Andy Devine Ave. in downtown Kingman. Fourth Street will be closed between Beale St. and Andy Devine Ave.for the event.
The Fun Run Afterparty and sign relighting ceremony are free to the public, and the Hotel Beale neon sign will be relit soon after the event starts at 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the lighting, live music will be provided by local band The Rivals. Merchandise will be sold by Kingman Main Street, and guests can also enjoy food trucks and a beer garden at the event.
