Kansas prepares to kick off 100th Route 66 anniversary celebration

GALENA, Kan. (KOAM) -  Kansas is gearing up for the 100th anniversary celebration of Route 66, America's Main Street. Although the centennial isn't until 2026, the festivities are already underway.

"This is a big season for tourism. From about April to September-October, we get a lot of tourism on Route 66. So that's a yearly thing that happens," says Ashley Groves, Mayor of the City of Galena, Kansas.

This year, the excitement is palpable as tourists anticipate the centennial event. "We have lots of people from out of the country that come through, and they stop at a lot of the major destinations all along Route 66," adds Ashley.

With 13.2 miles of Route 66 in Kansas, preparations are in full swing to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Everything from repainting the pavement to installing new signs is underway.

Renee Charles, President of the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association, emphasizes the significance of revitalization efforts: "It brings more attention to an iconic, historic piece of Americana. And it needs to be saved because there's more people that are interested in it. And it does hold so much history that a lot of our young generations don't know about."

Dean "Crazy Legs" Walker, an iconic figure in the area, invites both tourists and locals to explore the rich history of Southeast Kansas. "They'll get to see this little part. Cars on a route, the gas station, Rainbow Bridge, come right into the Baxter Visitor Center. Take it right in Oklahoma," says Walker.

Mayor Ashley Groves highlights the value of cultural exchange that comes with tourism: "The coolest thing are the people that you're going to meet. It's not so much what we have, but what the others come to see here, and we can learn just as much from them as they can from our heritage and what we have here."

Galena will host an event on Friday to unveil one of their two new Route 66 signs. Additionally, a lifetime achievement award will be presented to Dean "Crazy Legs." The event promises live music and food, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

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