Dear Editor,
Thunder-Rode, Kingman’s coolest and most unique motorcycle accessories and leather emporium at the corner of 1st and Beale, stepped up once again to honor local heroes by providing free, front-row seating directly on Beale Street for the Andy Devine Days Parade.
Thunder-Rode is dedicated to honoring, respecting, and raising money for Arizona’s veterans and active-duty service members year-round. Providing them a premier view at major local events is a small token of gratitude for the sacrifices they make daily to protect our country.
The shop will provide the exact same front-row seating for the upcoming Veterans Day Parade. However, I am issuing a sharp warning to city officials regarding the upcoming 100-year celebration of Route 66.
Thunder-Rode is ready to host our veterans for the Route 66 Centennial, but it’s time for our City to finally wake up and hold this major, once-in-a-lifetime historic event where it actually belongs – in our beautiful, historic Downtown Kingman. Banishing a historic milestone of this magnitude to an insignificant dog park 2.3 miles away from downtown, within walking distance to absolutely nothing, is a disservice to our local businesses, our community, and the veterans who want to celebrate it here.
I urge city leadership to reconsider its event planning decisions and bring the Centennial celebration back to the heart of the city on Beale Street.
Jack Alexander
