April 2, 2026

Newberry Springs Chamber: Adventures, Festivals, and Community Connections Along Historic Route 66

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast. We're back at the Newberry Springs Senior / Family Center—home to the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, and chatting with Ronnie Shaw, Director, and Karla Claus, Vice President, of the Chamber. They share the vibrant history, community pride, and behind-the-scenes stories that make Newberry Springs a must-visit destination along Route 66. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a festival lover, or just curious about hidden gems i...

Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a festival lover, or just curious about hidden gems in America’s heartland, this episode promises inspiration and a taste of all things Newberry Springs.

DISCUSSION

Introduction of Ronnie Shaw, director, and Karla Claus, vice president of the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce

Backgrounds and Roles of the Guests

Ronnie's history in Newberry Springs since 1993, and inspiration from Treasurer Rose Beardshear
Karla's role as vice president - Coordinating festivals and performing volunteer duties, participating in outreach activities, and representing the Chamber at local events

Visitor Experience and Common Inquiries

Maps and information for hiking and travel
Airbnb's recommendations to visit the Chamber and the local cafe
Merchandising: T-shirts, water bottles, and local pistachios available

Signature Community Events

The annual Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival
- Held on the first Saturday in November
- Approximately 27–30 years running
Route 66 Centennial, including a birthday bash and car show in May

Leadership Structure of the Chamber

President: Renee Kaminsky
Vice President: Karla Claus
Director: Ronnie Shaw
Director: Keller Horton
Secretary: Diane Yoder Bubier
Treasurer: Rose Beardshear

Volunteerism and Community Support

Reliance on volunteers for organizing events like the Pistachio Festival
American Legion’s involvement in festival operations

LEARN MORE

To learn about Newberry Springs, CA, the Route 66 Big Birthday Bash, the Pistachio Festival, and much more, visit the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce at https://newberryspringschamber.com/, https://discovernewberrysprings.com, or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewberrySpringsChamber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbsp_chamberofcommerce/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, Route 66 Centennial, Pistachio Festival, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#NewberrySpringsChamberofCommerce #Route66Centennial #PistachioFestival #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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WEBVTT

00:00:05.599 --> 00:00:18.079
Hey everybody, this is Howard Fox and I am the host of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast and I am back for another what I will preface is a very special interview right now.

00:00:18.320 --> 00:00:30.239
I am literally sitting inside of our Newberry Springs Family Center, and within the Family Center is housed the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce.

00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:40.560
Now, if any of you have listened to my episodes before on the Outdoor Adventure Series, you know that I have a special place in my heart for Chambers of Commerce.

00:00:40.719 --> 00:00:53.280
In fact, we have a podcast series of episodes that we have been recording probably on and off since 2021 with Chambers of Commerce across the country.

00:00:53.520 --> 00:00:56.719
And I am excited because I'm in Newberry Springs.

00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:20.079
We're celebrating a centennial of Route 66, and I'm being escorted by a member of the chamber around town three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, meeting the most wonderful people, and just learning about the history and the people and really why Newberry Springs is such a special place and why really this is a place to stop by and spend some time in.

00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:32.879
And as you all know, if you have any affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce, their goal is for people to come into the community, start a business, move the family here, and promote experiences.

00:01:33.120 --> 00:01:50.719
And so right now I have the pleasure of introducing you to Ronnie Chop, who is the director of the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, and she's joined by my friend and my host for this weekend, Carla Claus, who is the vice president of the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce.

00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:54.239
Ronnie, Carla, thank you for taking some time to chat again.

00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:55.840
Thank you.

00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:57.439
Fantastic.

00:01:57.599 --> 00:02:00.319
Now, first off, Ronnie, how long have you been?

00:02:00.480 --> 00:02:02.640
By the way, I noticed you're wearing some merch.

00:02:02.799 --> 00:02:05.280
You got the nice Newberry Springs logo.

00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:06.000
That's perfect.

00:02:06.159 --> 00:02:07.200
You gotta have merch.

00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:13.120
Now, how long have you been a uh a resident in the Newbury Springs area?

00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:15.280
Since 93, 1993.

00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:18.319
1993, so that's some years.

00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:18.879
Right.

00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:19.360
Okay.

00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:23.280
I taught at uh elementary school for 17 years.

00:02:23.599 --> 00:02:23.840
Okay.

00:02:26.639 --> 00:02:27.439
2020.

00:02:27.680 --> 00:02:33.120
And then, like a lot of folks, they retire and then they all of a sudden have new careers.

00:02:33.520 --> 00:02:41.919
And what attracted you to go from the the teaching to become affiliated with the Newbury Springs Chamber of Commerce?

00:02:42.400 --> 00:02:44.960
Well, it was Rose Bidcher for one.

00:02:45.199 --> 00:02:47.759
She was our president for three years.

00:02:48.080 --> 00:02:52.159
And by default, I became the secretary for three years.

00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:52.639
Okay.

00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:55.680
But it was just a Christian base.

00:02:59.759 --> 00:03:00.560
Leadership.

00:03:01.039 --> 00:03:01.439
Right.

00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:02.080
Okay.

00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:03.360
Very positive.

00:03:03.680 --> 00:03:04.400
Very positive.

00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:16.000
And as the affiliation with the chamber and just promoting the business what is it the day in the life in this chamber for you, promoting new berry springs?

00:03:16.159 --> 00:03:17.520
What is a day in a life for you?

00:03:17.919 --> 00:03:19.120
Talking to people, anyway.

00:03:19.520 --> 00:03:19.759
Okay.

00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:23.680
Saying there's a story, asking what's your story and what do you do?

00:03:23.840 --> 00:03:27.840
And and encourage people to join.

00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:28.400
Okay.

00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:34.639
And Carla, with your role as as the vice president, what what is your responsibility?

00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:51.840
A lot of my responsibility is to help coordinate our future festivals and do whatever volunteer duties are required for research to coordinate lead meetings or co-lead them.

00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:55.919
It's a really, really active chamber here.

00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:00.319
Participate in a lot of outreach things.

00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:04.719
We're gonna be going to our local Amboy car show and help a presence.

00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:06.080
We're going to needles.

00:04:06.479 --> 00:04:09.680
We've been to Inland Empire to different events.

00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:13.599
We're really an active group, aren't we?

00:04:13.840 --> 00:04:13.919
Yeah.

00:04:15.199 --> 00:04:21.120
And it started with our leader, Rose Beardsheard, who took this over three and a half, four years ago.

00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:28.000
And she really put in um colossal the exposure of Newberry Springs.

00:04:28.639 --> 00:04:33.279
And one of them is through a series of videos through Back Roads West.

00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:33.839
Okay.

00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:41.519
Another one is through this multi-page California Route 66 National Simi Highway Pamphlet.

00:04:42.079 --> 00:04:44.720
And we've had a lot of compliments on it.

00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:51.199
And it's a great way to expose Newberry Springs and this office is an important part.

00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:58.160
I love the fact when I walked in, uh immediately I was attracted by the sign on the on the door frame.

00:04:58.399 --> 00:05:02.480
And then when I actually walked into the office just now, I noticed the door was open.

00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:08.720
And one thing I I no dou know about the the chamber is the destination marketing organization.

00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:10.879
That door is always open.

00:05:11.120 --> 00:05:18.399
And you know, when visitors come into town and they need a place to get acclimated, where are the places to go?

00:05:18.480 --> 00:05:19.040
What can I do?

00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:20.160
How do I get there?

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There's always a chamber representative there.

00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:25.360
And I think that's so wonderful.

00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:40.160
The folks that are coming in through the door, they're maybe they're gonna have a meal at the cafe or they're gonna uh or they want to learn about the chamber, maybe pick up a a a bag of your salt and pepper pistachios.

00:05:40.480 --> 00:05:44.079
By the way, for our listeners, there's a bag literally to my right.

00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:48.879
Part of part of me wants to kind of drift over there, but we'll have to wait on that one.

00:05:49.120 --> 00:05:53.120
And I'm being offered a bowl of pistachios right now, that's cool.

00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:58.480
But essentially welcoming the get the visitors into the center.

00:05:59.279 --> 00:06:00.800
Where are you finding they're coming from?

00:06:00.879 --> 00:06:08.720
What are they doing as because they came through on through Route 66 or perhaps came down the 15 or the 40 in Interstate?

00:06:08.800 --> 00:06:12.079
Well, they come here in through that door, what are they asking for?

00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:16.000
They ask for maps.

00:06:16.160 --> 00:06:17.120
We have a lot of maps.

00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:17.600
Okay.

00:06:17.839 --> 00:06:21.759
So there are a lot of people that like to hike and travel.

00:06:22.160 --> 00:06:22.399
Okay.

00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:25.519
We got a newberry map, we got a lot of newberry maps.

00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:25.759
Yeah.

00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:28.399
Okay.

00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:40.000
But usually they're they're staying in the airbands, and and those people tell their visitors of the cafe and then of our chamber.

00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:40.480
Okay.

00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:41.040
Very good.

00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:46.560
And for our listeners, when you walk in, you they have m as I was kind of joking before, they have merch.

00:06:46.639 --> 00:06:50.160
They've got a nice selection of t-shirts, they've got some water bottles.

00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:52.399
Here in the desert, you gotta have your water.

00:06:52.720 --> 00:06:54.480
You've got the bags of pistachios.

00:06:55.279 --> 00:07:01.759
And the where in your since you have pointing.

00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:03.279
I'm raising my hand.

00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:03.920
I'm talking.

00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:04.800
You're a teacher.

00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:05.839
I can tell you're a teacher.

00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:10.319
The big thing is the pistachio festival.

00:07:10.399 --> 00:07:12.480
The first Saturday of November.

00:07:12.720 --> 00:07:12.879
Okay.

00:07:13.279 --> 00:07:14.879
That's what the chamber does.

00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:19.759
Okay, that is the big That's the big and it's like our 28th year, I think.

00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:21.839
I mean we're 27th.

00:07:22.079 --> 00:07:22.240
Okay.

00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:23.040
Something like that.

00:07:23.279 --> 00:07:24.319
Maybe 30th, I don't know.

00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:24.879
Okay.

00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:25.920
A while.

00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:26.879
It's been a while.

00:07:27.360 --> 00:07:30.079
You know, it in in Boulder City they have a festival.

00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:36.000
It's called Spring Jamboree, which is like the kickoff of the the the the festival season.

00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:40.160
And then I and I love the fact you've got this iconic festival.

00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:44.160
Again, Route 66 Centennial, you cannot help but miss it.

00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:46.000
We've got a great Flyers, by the way.

00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:49.279
Whoever designed the Flyers, I mean, kudos to them.

00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:54.560
Yeah, this is a brand new festival inspired by Route 66 Centennial.

00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:59.519
And it's also a car show.

00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:11.279
Ronnie, what is for you as you kind of sit here and retiring from being a teacher, still raising your hand by instinct?

00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:12.560
I want something to say.

00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.160
I love that by the way.

00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:23.920
What as you kind of offer the the assistance to the folks coming through the door, what kind of tugs at your heart at the fact that you get to do that?

00:08:24.480 --> 00:08:26.639
Just what I said before, working with people.

00:08:26.879 --> 00:08:27.199
Okay.

00:08:27.519 --> 00:08:28.399
Talking with people.

00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:30.399
I'm usually not here, I'm out there.

00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:30.879
Okay.

00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:32.080
So we're going to go.

00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:36.320
Okay.

00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:42.720
Now when they sign it, uh is there what do you do with the list of folks that had signed on your clipboard?

00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:48.559
Do you do you use that for like promotion or send them things or hey, we're having this event?

00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:50.720
It depends depends on why they signed in.

00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:51.200
Okay.

00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:51.679
All right.

00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:58.480
Usually it's it's what they do or what if they're interested or have their contact.

00:08:58.799 --> 00:08:59.440
Okay, very good.

00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:01.600
Well, having a list is very important.

00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:05.200
Especially like you're doing these podcast episodes.

00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:07.679
I mean you get to share, hey, we just did that.

00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:09.840
And so that's that's an important part.

00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:11.360
Well, I really want to thank you.

00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:18.159
Is Carl, is there anything else that you feel you and Ronnie want to share for this piece of the episode?

00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:22.960
Well, I think just to kind of review our leadership real quick.

00:09:23.200 --> 00:09:27.200
We have Renee Kaminsky as a president.

00:09:27.440 --> 00:09:39.440
We have myself, vice president, we have director Ronnie Shaw, we have Killer Horton, and we have Diane Bubier and Rose Beardscher as Treasurer.

00:09:39.759 --> 00:09:40.240
Treasurer.

00:09:40.559 --> 00:09:46.240
So we have a really dynamic group and they put in different kinds of skills.

00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:50.240
And we're excited about this year's centennial.

00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:50.960
Excellent.

00:09:51.279 --> 00:09:51.600
Thank you.

00:09:51.919 --> 00:09:52.159
Yeah.

00:09:52.320 --> 00:10:03.360
Now I do yeah uh notice what I mentioned uh chambers you you have the officials that the who are helping to run the chamber, but it also and oftentimes relies on volunteers.

00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:04.159
Very much so.

00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:08.080
I imagine there's a lot of volunteers involved with a lot of these events that are coming up.

00:10:08.559 --> 00:10:16.960
Yes, and the last pistachio festival we we asked a Legion, American Legion's right next door to where the park is.

00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:23.759
Where our CSD community service district does our local government.

00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:24.240
Okay.

00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:27.759
We asked the American Legion, Legionnaires to help.

00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:28.559
Oh, very nice.

00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:34.080
So they were parking the denders, okay, which was a wild time.

00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:35.840
Uh it's always a wild time.

00:10:36.320 --> 00:10:43.759
During Spring Jamma, they ha the Jill has these maps out there and it's all red maps and uh walkie-talkies.

00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:48.480
Yes, and then you have the the the the cleanup along the way and doesn't that.

00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:52.559
So it it takes a community to pull an event like that off.

00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:59.279
Now, before we head out, I know we've got two websites that are very important uh and social sites to visit.

00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:10.080
So, Ronnie, just for our listeners, if they would like to learn more about the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, where are the best places for them to visit?

00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:21.759
Well, that's all it carlays our governor newberysprings.com is a great chamber supported and creative website.

00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:22.159
Sure.

00:11:22.399 --> 00:11:25.279
And also NewberyspringsCamber.com.

00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:25.919
Excellent.

00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:28.879
Well, we will provide those links back in the show notes.

00:11:29.039 --> 00:11:32.559
And we'll also we're gonna take some photos inside the chamber office here.

00:11:32.799 --> 00:11:38.000
Ronnie, Carla, thank you so much for uh chatting with us today on the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast.

00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:38.559
Thank you.

00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:39.360
Thank you, Miller.

00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:39.840
All right.

00:11:39.919 --> 00:11:44.720
Listen, I'm gonna do a real quick close and you can continue to entertain me with your stories.

00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.440
I love that.

00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:54.080
All right, folks, we've just been chatting with Ronnie Shaw and Carla Claus, really the the leaders of the Newbury Springs Chamber of Commerce.

00:11:54.320 --> 00:12:23.600
And no matter what role you play in the chamber, whether you're a director, vice president, a volunteer, I mean, it it takes a community to run a chamber, and the chambers are so vital to the to the lifeblood of a community, especially one like Newbury Springs, who it's yes, we're on Route 66, the Centennial, but they're really doing a fantastic job of promoting the community through the events that take place throughout the year.

00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:30.159
And I before I actually sign off on this episode, Carla has this t-shirt here.

00:12:30.320 --> 00:12:37.759
It says the 26th Annual Newbury Springs Pistachio Festival.

00:12:37.919 --> 00:12:40.480
It says things pistachio.

00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:40.960
I love that.

00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:42.480
All things pistachio.

00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:45.600
This year it's gonna be Heart and the Harvest.

00:12:45.840 --> 00:12:47.039
So this is last year.

00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:47.519
Okay.

00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:54.480
And we're coming up on 26th, and we have a whole new adorable artwork and theme.

00:12:54.559 --> 00:12:54.720
Okay.

00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:55.600
Excellent.

00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.080
I love it.

00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:57.679
This is a gift for you, Howard.

00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:58.000
Thank you.

00:12:58.399 --> 00:12:59.120
Well, thank you so much.

00:12:59.279 --> 00:13:06.000
By the way, these guys have fantastic merch, so and if anybody knows me, they know all about the merch.

00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:08.639
But I hope you enjoy this episode.

00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:13.039
Remember, remember, we're on our website, outdooradventure series.com.

00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:17.919
The episode will be up on our Facebook and LinkedIn, Outdoor Adventure Series pages.

00:13:18.080 --> 00:13:19.440
We're also going to be on YouTube.

00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:25.120
We'll have this episode, the audio plus a video slide show with our photos that we've taken.

00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:29.039
And of course, you can listen to this podcast wherever you get your podcast from.

00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:41.120
I don't know how many episodes we've recorded so far, but if you're traveling two hours from Vegas or two hours from LA, you can listen to a whole bunch of podcast episodes, and you definitely need to do that.

00:13:41.279 --> 00:13:45.679
And make sure, above all, you spend some time in Newberry Springs.

00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:50.080
All right, we'll see you on another uh segment of the Outdoor Adventure Series Podcast.

00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:51.279
Take care now.

Newberry Springs Chamber: Adventures, Festivals, and Community Connections Along Historic Route 66

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