The Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch had its christening ceremony as part of the Route 66 Festival last Friday. Over 100 people attended to check out the newest attraction in east Amarillo.
With the recent rain, constructing the Bug Ranch was a great challenge. Brady Wilson, treasurer of the Bug Ranch Association, spoke about the opening of the quirky attraction in its new home with major upgrades.
“This is history in the making, as well as keeping history alive for the attraction and the Crutchfield family," he said. "This will be an ever-evolving attraction, with the board having an ever-changing plan to add more things for years to come. This attraction helps express the personality of our city. Amarillo is all about quirky, catchy artistic styles. Art isn’t for everyone of course. There will always be those who oppose the attraction. We already have those in the area that oppose the Bug Ranch. However, we are extremely grateful for the support we do have, not only in Amarillo, but worldwide. We are extremely grateful for our partnerships with Big Texan, Street Volkswagen, and Amarillo CVB. This is more than a 17-minute stop. Our goal is to unite everyone and encourage a one-night stay for the millions to billions of tourists who visit Amarillo yearly."
Bobby Lee of the Big Texan cuts the wire Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
A young girl paints a car Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Over 100 people came out Friday for the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Amarillo City Councilman Tom Scherlen addresses the crowd Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Bobby Lee and other members of the Bug Ranch Association show off the literal door prize Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
A visitor looks over the new ranch Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
A young girl paints a newly planted Volkswagen Beetle Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Attendees look over the newly planted Volkswagen Beetles Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
A row of Volkswagen Beetles await spray paint Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Andy Meroney president of the Bug Ranch Association speaks to the crowd Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Bobby and Danny Lee of the Big Texan address the crowd Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Yellow roses adorn a Volkswagen Beetle Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Potter County Commissioner Blair Shaeffer loses a game of punch buggy Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
Attendees look over the buried Big Texan limousines Friday at the christening of the new Big Texan Route 66 Bug Ranch in Amarillo.
