Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, is designing and building a unique Route 66 neon sign in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway as part of the state’s celebration of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.
The one-of-a-kind sign, valued at $6,000, will be raffled off as part of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration and fundraiser on Nov. 11 at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield.
The event will feature a full live concert by rock band Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.
The celebration will be limited to 400 guests, it a unique opportunity to celebrate Route 66 in a small venue while supporting the byway’s nonprofit mission to preserve and promote the Mother Road.
The new neon sign is being created specifically to commemorate the centennial and celebrate the connection between Route 66, Springfield and distinctive neon signs that have helped define the visual identity of the Mother Road.
Ace Sign will also give the public a behind-the-scenes look at the sign’s creation, sharing videos throughout the fabrication process.
“Route 66 is about the places, businesses, people and stories that have given the highway its character for 100 years,” said Casey Claypool, executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“Having Ace Sign Co. create this incredible piece of neon in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is a wonderful example of that legacy continuing. It brings together Springfield craftsmanship, Route 66 history and the spirit of celebration that makes the centennial so special.
“Six generations of sign making began in our family nearly 166 years ago, when August Brand began decorating horse carriages in downtown Springfield circa 1860, at the time Abraham Lincoln became our 16th president. This passion for art evolved into Ace Sign Co., established in 1940, during the heyday of Route 66 and the advent of a new technology: Neon,” said Scott Bringuet of Ace Sign.
“Today, we continue to innovate for the road ahead, while preserving history. It’s an honor to create this one-of-a-kind authentic neon sign to commemorate and celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road. A sign built to inspire the next 100 years.”
Ace Sign is also responsible for the neon signs at the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, helping bring the visual history and character of the Mother Road to life for visitors, including a recent installation of the neon Cozy Dog.
Only 300 raffle tickets will be available, at $50 each, making this a limited opportunity to win a custom neon sign created by one of Springfield’s historic companies.
The winning ticket will be drawn and announced during the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Nov. 11 at Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield.
Raffle tickets can be bought online here. Additional information will also be available at the event.
All proceeds will support the byway’s nonprofit mission to preserve and promote Route 66 in Illinois.
Note: Shipping costs for the neon sign will be the responsibility of the winner.
The Route 66 Centennial Celebration will feature food, festivities and a full concert by Starship, whose hits include “We Built This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
The event is also a fundraiser for the byway. Only 400 tickets — available here — for the dinner and show will be available.
(Artist’s rendering of the sign that will be made by Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois)
It’s looks like a wonder addition!