The official Route 66 Centennial Kickoff event on April 30-May 3 in Springfield, Missouri, will include a live telecast, a bunch of prominent country and rock acts and a nationally known actor as the emcee.
The kickoff concert begins at 5 p.m. that day at Great Southern Bank Arena. The concert will be hosted by famous actor and Missouri State University alumnus John Goodman, along with Springfield City Councilmember Callie Carroll.
The big concert features country-music group Little Big Town, country acts Chris Janson and Gretchen Wilson, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, locally based country-rock band Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Branson-based group The Haygoods.
A Japanese troupe that has a history on Route 66, Bentenya, will be part of the pre-show entertainment.
The day will include a live nationwide telecast by the “Today” show’s “3rd Hour” starting at 8 a.m.
Tickets for the concert go on sale at 10 a.m. on Jan. 30 here.
Other events include:
— A dedication of Birthplace Plaza at Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street at 4 p.m. on April 30. That is the site of the Colonial Hotel, where good-road leaders chose No. 66 for their Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. That represents the 100th anniversary to the hour that the telegram was sent from the hotel.
— A dedication of the 30-foot-tall Queen’s Gate 66 monument on St. Louis Street, just west of Glenstone Avenue, at 11 a.m. on May 1.
— The National Route 66 Centennial Parade at 6 p.m. on May 1. It will feature 100 classic vehicles — each representing an era from the last century — along the Mother Road.
— A Stars & Stripes on Route 66 event at the Savoy Ballroom, starting at 7 p.m. on May 1 and will include a silent auction, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of fun.
— A classic car show on historic C Street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 2.
— A dedication of the restored 1902 Jefferson Avenue Footbridge at 10 a.m. on May 2. There also will be a lighting ceremony at the bridge starting at 7:30 p.m. on May 1.
— The Telegraph Ball at 6 p.m. on May 2 at the historic Shrine Mosque. This is a black-tie affair where fashion from the Roaring ’20s is encouraged. Entertainment will be provided by the Angel City Swing Orchestra.
— Friday and Saturday nights will feature Route 66–themed drone light shows, choreographed to music.
— Local performers, musicians, historic re-enactors, and community groups will be throughout the city during the centennial celebration.
— The historic Gillioz Theatre will host the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit throughout the centennial kickoff celebration.
“The centennial is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the power and enduring legacy of Route 66. From Illinois to California, communities are working together to preserve the road and share its stories with future generations,” said Bill Thomas, president and CEO of The Road Ahead Partnership and member of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission.
“Launching the national celebration in Springfield, the Birthplace of Route 66, reflects the road’s origins and its timeless ability to connect people, places and experiences.”