Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma is not merely another celebration of this storied highway’s history and culture. It is a manifestation of the international nature of Route 66 as well as a family reunion. And it also apptly illustrates why Route 66 is often referenced as America’s longest small town.

Route 66 Road Fest

From its inception, this event intrigued me. I first met Wade Bray, Creative/Art Director at SRO Productions, Inc., at the Route 66 Info Fair in Needles, California. In conversations that followed he shared his vision for the event. And he also told me about other people, such as Ken Busby, Executive Director and CEO at Route 66 Alliance, that were involved with development of this celebration of all things Route 66.

The coalition of sponsors also hinted of the envisioned size and scope of the annual event. AAA Insurance was a primary sponsor of Route 66 Road Fest. But NAPA, Claremore and Tulsa tourism, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, and Mother Road Market were also supporters.

So, I was quite excited by the request that I attend, and that I be part of a slate of speakers that included the legendary Michael Wallis, historian and author Joe Sonderman, and people that are working to ensure the Route 66 centennial is the dawn of a new era.

AAA Insurance was the primary sponosr of my participation, and the drive to Tulsa. Additional sponsorship was provided by Route 66 Germany, and supporters of our crowdfunding initiative on Patreon

Excitement in The Air

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association provided this summary of the event. “The AAA Route 66 Road Fest – billed as the Mother of all Road Fests – delivered as hoped at Tulsa’s SageNet Expo Square, June 22-23. All told, it featured 218 vehicles in the car show, seven decades of Route 66 history, 100 vendors, eight engaging speakers, lots of kid’s activities, a sizable Route 66 community and, very importantly, 10,000 engaged visitors according to AAA Oklahoma’s Vice-President Jared Peterson.”

These numbers are impressive for an event that kicked off in 2022. But for me what set this event apart was the focus on ensuring that it was a family event. From $10 tickets for adults to activities for all age groups, Route 66 Road Fest is sure to inspire a new generation of road trip enthusiasts.

It was fascinating to listen to parents and grandparents wander through the detailed and interactive exhibits that detailed the highways evolution. Memories were shared and made, curiosity was piqued, dreams of Route 66 adventures were inspired.

The Route 66 Community

The international Route 66 community was well represented at Route 66 Road Fest. There were also ample examples of what makes this community unique.

Most of the state Route 66 associations including Kansas, California, Arizona, Texas, Okahoma, and Missouri had booths. Likewise with the Japanese Route 66 Association. Illinois didn’t have a booth, but were represented by people from that state that were quick to answer questions, provide information, and to provide introductions.

Tragically the Route 66 Association of New Mexico was recently splintered, and as a result the state lacked official representation. But the Route 66 community rallied. Representatives from the California Historic Route 66 Association displayed New Mexico promotional materials at their table, and answered questions, or found someone that could assist with travel planning.

Blurring The Line

The event also blurred the line between past, present and future. More than 200 vintage cars and street roads were on display. And there were also displays of electric vehicles. This included a table staffed by members of the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Association that had driven to the event in a Tesla from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Speakers also blurred the line. Topics ranged from the origins of the U.S. highway system to plans being made to celebrate the Route 66 centennial. For good measure there were also discussions about quirky attractions, myths, and legends.

Exhibits that chronicle the evolution of Route 66 are another example of the attention to detail that went into development. Informative and colorful displays, costumed reenactors’ and modern interactivite components provided a multi dimensional experience.

Eyes on The Future

Organizers and developers of Route 66 Road Fest are already planning for something bigger and better in 2025. And the initial plans for celebrating the Route 66 centennial the following year are sure to spark excitment.

Bottom line. If you are a fan of Route 66 or road trips, if you want to enhance your Route 66 adventure with an event that captures the magic of the Route 66 experience, or you just want to enjoy a fun filled weekend, add Route 66 Road Fest to your 2025 travel schedule.

Now, as to the rest of my trip to Tulsa, and home again, watch for future blog posts. You might even consider becoming a subscriber to Jim Hinckley’s America to ensure you don’t miss these installments.

As a teaser I discovered a delightful restaurant that opened in 1949, foumd a 1960s Route 66 motel transformed into a destination, and explored a quiet village where the main street in town was the Santa fe Trail, National Old Trails Road, and Route 66.