TULSA, Okla — The AAA Route 66 Road Fest is underway, the event is bringing awareness around the history of Route 66 ahead of the centennial in 2026.
People are walking around to check out the classic cars, vintage trailers, and even getting to experience some exhibits that gives you the history of that era.
For kids, they have a mini-golf course, a pinewood derby, and even a planetarium.
There will be bands keeping patrons entertained outside along with multiple vendors.
The curator of the exhibits, Wade Bray, said the goal is to create something that anybody can relate to.
“To be able to see people interacting with it, pointing, talking to their grandkids and saying hey I’ve been there, it's incredibly gratifying", Bray said.
Rhys Martin with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association has been doing just that, both with avid fans and those just learning.
“For a road that’s almost 100 years old, there’s always something new to see so no matter who it is we get to tell them a little bit of something new", Martin said.
One attendee, Lindsey Springer, told 2 News that he came to see the classic cars on display but stayed to learn more about the Mother Road which holds a lot of memories.
“We just walked through the 40’s where it was World War II surrounded it brings the size of the cars up and what was going on at that time. We’ve been through the 30’s and 50’s. So there’s just so much more going on than just a car. It's connecting that decade to the car", Springer said.
Some visitors came from other cities throughout Oklahoma, and others from out of state to experience the inaugural convention.
Each exhibit has actors to teach visitors and truly showcase the era.
The convention will run until 10 p.m. Saturday night and open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The Route 66 Road Fest will continue every year up to the centennial in 2026.
The hope is to expand the convention to other cities along the Mother Road.
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