Good morning, Amarillo! In today’s edition: Why this Texas city leads, Route 66 centennial kickoff, Brick Convention LEGO Fan Expo, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Why this Texas city leads: Amarillo has been named the top midsize U.S. city for projected economic growth, driven by manufacturing and transportation, with steady job creation and affordable living contributing to its momentum — see what’s driving the growth.

New chapter for a landmark: 360 Parks acquired Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo from longtime owners Paula and Paul Borchardt, preserving the beloved summer destination as it prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year — read the full story.

Celebrating the Mother Road: Texas will mark Route 66’s 100th year with wayfinding signs along I-40 from Glenrio to McLean, custom town signs, and Amarillo will join the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off celebration — see how Texas will celebrate.

Brick Convention LEGO Fan Expo @ Amarillo Civic Center Complex | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats an indoor adventure when the wind kicks up, and this LEGO bash in Amarillo is kid joy and adult nostalgia in one tidy brick. Build in the play zones, ogle life-size creations, meet pro builders, and snag rare, retired sets. Tickets go fast — see the event listing.

Spotlight on exceptional teachers: United Supermarkets and Mrs. Baird’s honored three Amarillo area Teachers on the Rise. The 14th annual program offers gift cards and accepts nominations all school year — see winners and prize details.

Fuel costs continue dipping: Amarillo gas prices fell 4.7 cents last week to an average of $2.09 a gallon, GasBuddy reported, with Texas stations as low as $1.89 and the national average down — get all the details.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🎺 Amarillo High School Band Parent Association Fundraiser @ Jason’s Deli | Monday (1/12) at 10:00 AM – Whether your marching days are long past or you like backing kids, this fundraiser does double duty. Mention Amarillo High School Band Parent Association when you order, or use code FUND20 online, and 25% comes back. Dine in, to go, pickup, curbside.

🎶 Miguel Espinoza Fusion @ Arts in the Sunset | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – Giving Monday a purpose, HPPR is bringing Miguel Espinoza Fusion to Arts in the Sunset for a global chamber music set that bends flamenco, jazz, and international rhythms. Expect Pan-Handlers cookies, Palace Coffee, and neighborly vibes, and yes, you can BYO snacks and sips.

📚 Book Sorting @ Storybridge | Tuesday (1/13) at 5:30 PM – Trade your to-do list for a little paperback archaeology, and help sort the mountain of donated books that keeps our shelves humming. It’s a small, satisfying gig with a crew of eight, sign-up required, so bring your reading glasses, and embrace the dust.

🧠 Master Your Mind @ Virtual | Wednesday (1/14) at 9:00 PM – Whether you’re juggling a packed calendar or just tired of the 3 p.m. slump, this session tackles mindset, performance, and energy with real-world strategies. Less hype, more habits you can use by Monday, and maybe a little sanity to spare.

🎸 Guitar Masterclass with Jiji Kim @ Amarillo College Music Department | Thursday (1/15) at 2:00 PM – Catch a free guitar masterclass with Jiji Kim at the AC Concert Hall Theater, in partnership with the Amarillo Symphony. Expect insider tips, fleet fingers, and tone good enough to forget the Panhandle wind; she is the Symphony’s featured soloist, so call it the pregame.

🥤 Dry January Mixology Masterclass @ Paramount Recreation Club | Thursday (1/15) at 5:30 PM – Doing Dry January but still like a good stir and shake? Learn to craft mocktails so good you won’t miss the buzz, nibble small bites, and, if needed, quietly add a splash of the hard stuff. Grab a spot, feel virtuous, hydrated, and pleasantly clever.

🎆 New Year, New Future @ Reed Beverage, Inc. | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Open bar, bites, Bomb City Groove, and community impact at Reed Beverage, because your resolution should include more giving and less small talk. Mingle for free, support Amarillo Angels, leave a Hope Board note, snag an Angel Wish, and donations get you in the raffle.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Amarillo report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 48°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values as low as 10. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 25. Wind chill values as low as 18. West northwest wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 57. West wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Most popular house this week

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The kitchen centers around a gas cooktop island, double ovens, granite, and generous storage. The primary suite adds a jacuzzi soaker tub, a zero threshold walk-in shower, and tall dual vanities. An isolated guest suite and new A/C and furnace in 2024 round it out.

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