The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission will host the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration in Springfield from April 30 to May 3, with events scheduled at multiple venues throughout the city. Organizers announced on Apr. 17 that attendees should expect minimal road closures and are encouraged to plan parking ahead of time.
The celebration is expected to draw large crowds as it marks a major milestone for Route 66, which has historical significance in Springfield’s development. The event includes activities at Park Central East at Jefferson, Great Southern Bank Arena, Historic Commercial Street from Robberson to Benton, Historic Walnut Street from John Q. Hammons Parkway to National, Hotel Vandivort and the Shrine Mosque. A two-hour parade will take place along St. Louis Street (Route 66) from Glenstone to Campbell between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1.
For those attending the TODAY Show’s live broadcast during the event, audience gates open around 5 a.m., with entry through Missouri State University Parking Lot #40 off McDaniel for registered guests requiring reservations. Additional instructions will be provided by TODAY Show staff directly to registrants.
Road closures include Park Central East from the Square to Jefferson beginning at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 28 through Thursday evening; Jefferson Avenue from Olive to McDaniel closing overnight Wednesday into Thursday; Commercial Street closed Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon for festival activities; St. Louis Street closed Friday evening for the parade; and Walnut Street closed starting early Friday morning until Sunday night for ArtsFest.
Free shuttle service is available along Boonville Avenue with several marked lots offering free parking including City Utilities at North Boonville and Cox North Hospital among others. Free public lots within walking distance are also available nearby.
Springfield focuses on ethical and responsible local governance aimed at community benefits and cooperation, according to the official website. The city operates under a council-manager form of government adopted in 1953 with a nine-member City Council responsible for setting policy and direction according to its official website. Efforts in historic preservation continue throughout Springfield with recognized landmarks reflecting its past as noted by city sources.
Springfield was significant during the Civil War as site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in 1861 and played an important role in establishing Route 66 through its public square according to historical records. As county seat of Greene County in southwestern Missouri according to official information, Springfield traces its origins back to land donated by John Polk Campbell in the early nineteenth century before incorporation as a town in 1838 as documented by city history.
