Thank you for these updates on Kingman area events Joyce Wiley, Kingman Office of Tourism.

January 11 & 12 – Arizona Collectibles & Firearms Gun Show –Come see the largest gun, knife, coin and antique show in Mohave County. General admission: $8 Children 16 and under: Free with adult. Free parking. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., Expo Building A-B-D, Kingman.  Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 3pm. For more information contact Dennis Champagne at 928.310.8544.

 January 11 – Kingman American Cancer Society Relay For Life First Lap – Let’s all meet and walk around the neighborhood to show that you are involved in the fight against cancer. No registration, no donation, just walk in honor or in memory of your loved one who has fought, or is fighting cancer. Location: 4399 Long Mountain Rd., Kingman. Saturday at 10am.

 January 17 – Sober Dance Party with Rachel – Who said you need alcohol to have fun? You bring your own fun! This donation based event is open to all of those who love to get on the dance floor without the booze. Bring your friend, dance your heart out and have fun! Isn’t that what life is all about? (By donation means anything that you can give!) Located at Downtown Belly Dance LLC – Coyote Tribal Belly Dance, 212 N 4^th St., Kingman. Friday, 6pm – 8pm.

 January 17 – Sundowner Saloon With Briana Marie Acoustic Set – Briana Marie Acoustic Set! Kingman’s local favorite singer, songwriter live. Country music event. Location: Sundowner Saloon, 4400 Stockton Hill Rd., Kingman. Friday 6pm – 9pm.

January 18 –  DePuy Auction – This year, we have put together an unusual collection of antiques and collectibles from area estates and homes. Expect a full day. Bring your lunch or order from local eateries. Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds, 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd., Expo Building D, Kingman.  Saturday, 9:30am start, 8am preview to 5pm. For more information contact Dave & Fran DePuy, Auctioneers at 928.692.9404 or visit www.depuyauction.com.

 January 25 – Oatman Bed Races – 35^th Annual Oatman Bed Races – Forget the Indy 500, Daytona 500, and the Kentucky Derby. For sheer drama and athletic prowess exhibited while wearing pajamas, nothing tops the Oatman Bed Races. Five-person teams, with four pushers and one sheet jockey, propel beds through Oatman’s main drag at breakneck speeds. No wagering, please. Let’s keep the sport pure. Costumes and pajamas are strongly encouraged because that’s how Oatman rolls! If you and four amigos have the right stuff, the entry fee for the bed races is $50. Per team and beds are provided. You can even sign up the day of the event before noon. And don’t worry, officials will clear Oatman’s beloved burros off the street before the race begins. No admission fee for spectators. This annual event takes place on Saturday at high noon. Festivities rock this gold mining town/wild burrow hangout from 10am to 4pm. For more details or register a team, visit the Oatman Gold Road Chamber of Commerce website at www.oatmanchamberofcommerce.com or call 928-768-9139.

 January 25 – “Jerome too Stubborn to Die” by Jay Mark – Historian Jay Mark, accomplished Business Owner, Media Personality, Author, and Community History Preservationist will present to us the story of the old mining town of Jerome-Too Stubborn to Die. This presentation looks at the numerous disasters, tragedies and set-backs Jerome has faced in the past and still comes out on top. See how Jerome remade itself from a major mining center into a tourist-filled, living Ghost Town is a fascinating tale that features many seldom seen images. His background, knowledge and experiences contribute to his lively and engaging presentation of Jerome. Saturday 12:30pm – 2:30pm. Location: Mohave County Library, 3269 N Burbank St, Kingman.

Need some road trip inspiration or ideas for a grand adventure? Every Sunday morning, 7:00 Arizona time, author Jim Hinckley of Jim HInckley’s America hosts the Coffee With Jim podcast. The livestream program is then published on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Programs are also available on The Bee, Jim Hinckley’s America, and the Coffee With Jim website on Podbean.

The podcast that was recently awarded designation as an official Route 66 centennial program is described as, “Sharing America’s story. Inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. It’s what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America in our search for good pie, fascinating people, quirky attractions, and tangible links to history on the backroads and legendary Route 66.”

And if you enjoy road trips, desert scenery, classic cars, and Route 66 adventures, Mark your calendars for March 1. Amboy, California, just west of Needles, is the site of what promises to be an epic celebration of Route 66 and America’s love affair with the automobile.