Exciting Lineup Unveiled for the National Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Mother Road." Recognized globally as the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield is poised to host festivities that honor the road's cultural significance and rich history.
On April 30, 1926, a telegram was sent from Springfield proposing the name 'U.S. Route 66' to federal highway officials. This pivotal moment established Springfield's legacy in American culture and solidified its reputation as the gateway to countless adventures that Route 66 would provide over the decades. As Bill Thomas, President and CEO of The Road Ahead Partnership, puts it, launching the celebration in Springfield highlights both the road’s origins and its enduring capacity to unite people and places across America.
The celebration will kick-off at 8 a.m. on April 30 with a live broadcast of NBC's 'The TODAY Show' from Springfield, showcasing the energy and excitement as the nation prepares for the centennial festivities. The day will continue with a formal dedication of the Birthplace Plaza at 4 p.m., commemorating the exact site where the historic telegram was sent.
As night falls, attendees can enjoy the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert at Great Southern Bank Arena, featuring performances by renowned acts such as Little Big Town, Chris Janson, Gretchen Wilson, and more. Hosted by actor John Goodman and Springfield City Councilmember Callie Carroll, the concert promises to be a highlight of the celebration.
The festivities continue on May 1 with the dedication of the Route 66 Queen's Gate Sculpture at 11 a.m. at the intersection of St. Louis and Glenstone. This public artwork will serve as a symbol of community pride and nostalgia for travelers on the route.
At 6 p.m., participants can take part in the Celebrate America on Route 66 parade, a vibrant display of floats and performances that illustrate the historical journey of the highway. Later, from 6-9 p.m., the Red, White, and Bridge Bash will take place at Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, featuring live music and family-friendly activities.
May 2 begins with another day packed with activities, including the continuation of the Red, White, and Bridge Bash at Commercial Street to highlight local music and culture. Meanwhile, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both May 2 and 3, the Route 66-themed ArtsFest will showcase the creativity of local artists along Walnut Street.
An engaging documentary film about Route 66 will be screened by Ozarks Public Television from 3-5 p.m. on May 3, providing insight into the legacy of this legendary highway. The celebration will close that evening with the National Telegraph Ball at Springfield's Historic Shrine Mosque—a polished event to commemorate the centennial in style.
As the date approaches, excitement builds for the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, a remarkable event that honors the history, culture, and community spirit fostered by America's most famous highway. This milestone celebration not only commemorates a century of memories but also invites new generations to explore the charm and nostalgia of Route 66. For more details on scheduled events and activities, visit Route 66 Kickoff.
Springfield: The Birthplace of Route 66
On April 30, 1926, a telegram was sent from Springfield proposing the name 'U.S. Route 66' to federal highway officials. This pivotal moment established Springfield's legacy in American culture and solidified its reputation as the gateway to countless adventures that Route 66 would provide over the decades. As Bill Thomas, President and CEO of The Road Ahead Partnership, puts it, launching the celebration in Springfield highlights both the road’s origins and its enduring capacity to unite people and places across America.
Event Schedule
The celebration will kick-off at 8 a.m. on April 30 with a live broadcast of NBC's 'The TODAY Show' from Springfield, showcasing the energy and excitement as the nation prepares for the centennial festivities. The day will continue with a formal dedication of the Birthplace Plaza at 4 p.m., commemorating the exact site where the historic telegram was sent.
As night falls, attendees can enjoy the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert at Great Southern Bank Arena, featuring performances by renowned acts such as Little Big Town, Chris Janson, Gretchen Wilson, and more. Hosted by actor John Goodman and Springfield City Councilmember Callie Carroll, the concert promises to be a highlight of the celebration.
May 1: A Day of Dedication and Parade
The festivities continue on May 1 with the dedication of the Route 66 Queen's Gate Sculpture at 11 a.m. at the intersection of St. Louis and Glenstone. This public artwork will serve as a symbol of community pride and nostalgia for travelers on the route.
At 6 p.m., participants can take part in the Celebrate America on Route 66 parade, a vibrant display of floats and performances that illustrate the historical journey of the highway. Later, from 6-9 p.m., the Red, White, and Bridge Bash will take place at Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, featuring live music and family-friendly activities.
Continuing the Celebration
May 2 begins with another day packed with activities, including the continuation of the Red, White, and Bridge Bash at Commercial Street to highlight local music and culture. Meanwhile, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both May 2 and 3, the Route 66-themed ArtsFest will showcase the creativity of local artists along Walnut Street.
An engaging documentary film about Route 66 will be screened by Ozarks Public Television from 3-5 p.m. on May 3, providing insight into the legacy of this legendary highway. The celebration will close that evening with the National Telegraph Ball at Springfield's Historic Shrine Mosque—a polished event to commemorate the centennial in style.
Conclusion
As the date approaches, excitement builds for the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, a remarkable event that honors the history, culture, and community spirit fostered by America's most famous highway. This milestone celebration not only commemorates a century of memories but also invites new generations to explore the charm and nostalgia of Route 66. For more details on scheduled events and activities, visit Route 66 Kickoff.
Topics Travel）
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