Oklahoma City -– The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission unveiled the official logo for the Route 66 Centennial celebrations at a kickoff event on June 13 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This inaugural event marks the start of festivities leading up to Route 66's 100th anniversary in 2026.
Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, chair of the Commission, highlighted Oklahoma's pivotal role in the centennial celebrations.
“Oklahoma is proudly leading the way for Route 66 Centennial celebrations across the nation," Lt. Gov. Pinnell said.
"We are setting the stage for an unforgettable series of events along the Mother Road that will showcase its unique heritage and history. With more than 400 drivable miles of Route 66 - the longest stretch of highway of any state, Oklahoma is the world's destination for the ultimate Route 66 experience."
The event marked the official start of preparations for the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial celebrations, highlighted by the announcement of the five living former Oklahoma Governors -- George Nigh, David Walters, Frank Keating, Brad Henry and Mary Fallin’s appointments.
Their combined experience is expected to guide the state's centennial activities. Govs. Nigh, Walters and Keating briefly provided remarks. giving their personal reflections on the significance of Route 66.
Cyrus Avery of Tulsa played a pivotal role in creating the highway, particularly influencing the stretch that connects Chicago to Los Angeles. His foundational efforts helped shape the federal highway system in 1926 and established Tulsa as a central hub for the iconic route.
Avery's legacy continues to resonate as Tulsa proudly stands as the nation's 'Capital of Route 66.' His granddaughter, Joy Avery, still resides in Tulsa, carrying on the family's enduring connection to the historic route.
The event also highlighted the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Celebration Commission's commitment to investing $6.6 million annually through the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant community grant program to support revitalizing and celebrating the 44 communities along this historic corridor.
In its first round, the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program successfully funded ten projects, with a second round of grant applications scheduled to open next month.
“As the Centennial draws nearer, we expect these efforts to continue driving economic growth and enhancing tourism, ensuring the legacy of the Mother Road for future generations,” Pinnell said.
The ceremony's grand finale saw the unveiling of the Route 66 Centennial logo, created by University of Oklahoma May 2024 graduate Lauren Cooper, who also attended Thursday's event.
Cooper's design resulted from the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission’s collaboration with the OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The design retains Route 66's iconic sign elements, creating interest through contrast and typography.
"This logo, crafted by the talented Lauren Cooper from the University of Oklahoma, represents not just our past but the bright future of Route 66. It symbolizes a new era of connection and legacy along this historic highway," Pinnell said.
The kickoff launches a series of statewide celebrations, including car rallies, music festivals and guided tours that will boost tourism, benefit local businesses and strengthen local economies.
The Commission invites everyone to join and donate online to support these upcoming events and engage with the centennial celebrations that will be promoted internationally.
Love for the “Mother Road” has never died, and enthusiasm about its history and upcoming centennial has been building for years. Read Darla Shelden’s 2015 report here:
https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/america-s-road-the-journey-of-route-66-traveling-museum-exhibit-now-showing-in-oklahoma/article_8eb7175e-f6eb-501a-b9d5-6f7bb1559a6c.html
“Mark your calendars now for June 6, 2026 , and November 11, 2026 , as we have some big celebrations in store,” Pinnell encouraged at the Wednesday state Capitol event.
“Join us in celebrating Route 66’s legacy and drive towards a vibrant future. The journey starts in Oklahoma."
Read Darla Shelden’s news story about the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, here:
https://www.citynewsokc.com/townnews/highway/oklahoma-route-66-museum-in-clinton-to-host-route-66-hall-of-fame-induction-and/article_a6941bc6-f36a-11ec-9272-17894863555b.html
An earlier report, on the Clinton Museum’s twenty-fifth anniversary in 2020, can be read here:
https://www.citynewsokc.com/arts_and_entertainment/oklahoma-route-66-museum-celebrates-its-25th-anniversary/article_e75a7b60-0168-5e36-becb-4dc9b38064ac.html
For more information on the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial celebrations, visit the website at www.route66-centennial.com . Follow on social media for details on upcoming events and participation.
An official Route 66 Passport can be picked up at most Oklahoma Travel Information Centers or ordered via the Travel OK website. Digital Passports can be accessed via the official Travel OK App.
Established in 2019 and supported by the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission plans events highlighting the highway's historical and cultural significance. Oklahoma's Route 66 is recognized as a state and National Scenic Byway and includes many properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Commission engages various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive centennial celebration, preserving Route 66's legacy for future generations.
NOTE: Pat McGuigan, editor emeritus for CityNews, adapted this story from materials transmitted on behalf of the Commission by Jones Public Relations, a leading national marketing and public relations firm based in Oklahoma City. Pat added some additional background information, including links to CityNewsOKC reporting by Darla Shelden,and selected the photos used for this posting.
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