The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is launching the inaugural Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Awards, celebrating the businesses, attractions, communities and individuals who contribute to the continued vitality and legacy of Route 66 in Illinois.
With Route 66 celebrating its 100th anniversary, the new awards provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Illinois Route 66 a destination for visitors from around the world.
Nominations opened on Sept. 1 and will remain open through Sept. 14. Nominations are open to the public, meaning anyone can nominate an eligible Route 66 Scenic Byway member for recognition.
“Route 66 has always been about the people and places along the road,” Scenic Byway Executive Director Casey Claypool said. “These awards are an opportunity to recognize the businesses, attractions, communities and individuals who continue to create memorable experiences, preserve the Mother Road’s history and help shape its future. We want the public to tell us which members of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway deserve to be recognized.”
The awards are part of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s broader centennial programming and effort to celebrate the people and communities that continue to bring the Mother Road to life. The honors will be presented at a gala for members on Nov. 10.
To submit a nomination:
- Review the list of Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members.
- Select a member you believe deserves recognition.
- Complete the online nomination form by Sept. 14.
The nomination form is here. Anyone can make a nomination, but only current Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway members are eligible to receive an award.
The awards to be presented will be:
- The Preservation Powerhouse Award
- The Sign of the Times Award
- The Centennial Storyteller Award
- The “Guardian of the Route” Award
- The “Next Generation Navigator” Award
- The Mother Maverick Award
- The Rising Icon Award
- The Main Dish Award
- The Sweetest Miles Award
- The “Ultimate Mother Road” Icon Award
- The Heritage “Service with a Smile” Award
- The “Mother Road Treasures” Award
For more information about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and its Centennial programming, including tickets for the Mother Road Conference at Motorheads on Nov. 11, followed by an evening Centennial Celebration featuring Starship with Mickey Thomas, go to illinoisroute66.org.