From a Neighborhood Block Party to a Citywide Celebration: Springfield's Rt. 66 Festival

 


Springfield, Missouri, proudly holds the title “Birthplace of Route 66,” a distinction rooted in history and community spirit. But the modern celebration of that legacy didn’t start with a city council or a tourism bureau—it began with a neighborhood.

In the early 2000s, Rusty Worley, then president of the West Central Neighborhood Alliance, wanted to bring neighbors together in a way that celebrated Springfield’s unique heritage. He and a handful of volunteers organized a modest block party on College Street—the historic corridor where Route 66 once ran through the heart of town. The first event featured classic cars, local music, and a few food vendors. 

The event was small, but it struck a chord. Locals and visitors alike wanted more.

Over the years, that little neighborhood party grew, fueled by the passion of residents and community leaders who saw Route 66 not just as a highway, but as a symbol of American adventure and connection. 

Eventually, the City of Springfield stepped in to help coordinate what had become a signature community event. 

Under the leadership of Cora Scott and the city’s Public Information & Civic Engagement team, the “Birthplace of Route 66 Festival” expanded to include concerts, a parade, a car and motorcycle show, a 6.6k run, and other family-friendly attractions. 

The celebration now draws tens of thousands of people downtown each August, making it one of the region’s largest annual gatherings.

In recent years, Visit Springfield—represented by Heidi Bacon—has helped add new dimensions to the celebration. One of the most visible is the Route 66 sculpture initiative, which invites sponsors to help place creative Route 66-themed sculptures across the city.

 Each piece serves as a photo stop, a storytelling moment, and a reminder of Springfield’s ongoing connection to “The Mother Road.”

What began as a block party to bring neighbors together has become a vibrant citywide celebration of history, creativity, and community pride—proof that sometimes the biggest things start right on your own street.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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