Springfield Standard

The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission has announced a series of sponsorship opportunities aimed at encouraging communities to celebrate the historic Route 66. These initiatives include a special event sponsorship program, a signature tour stop design competition, and an interactive signage program. The commission's mission is to prepare Missouri cities for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.

The commission plans and sponsors official centennial events and activities throughout the state. It also encourages citizen involvement in these celebrations. Information on upcoming events can be found on the official website, www.celebratemo66.com.

One key initiative is the Special Event Sponsorship Program, which aims to support communities in celebrating Route 66 through various events during the centennial year. "The goal is incentive new or existing events to focus their programming on promoting 100 years of Missouri Route 66 through communities and people; culture and flavor; heritage and history, strife and milestones, architecture and tourism," said Cora Scott, Chair of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission.

A selection committee will prioritize sponsorships to ensure diverse participation across the state. For 2024, $250,000 has been allocated for this purpose, with individual applications capped at $50,000.

Another initiative is the Signature Tour Stop Design Competition. This offers competitive design sponsorships up to $15,000 for initial designs by licensed architects. Winning locations could receive matching fund sponsorships up to $125,000 for construction along the ten counties that form part of Missouri's Route 66 corridor.

Submissions for preliminary design ideas are due by December 31, 2024. Finalists will be selected in January 2025 with designs due by March 31, followed by optional presentations in April. The final build locations will be chosen by May.

Additionally, the Interactive Shield Sign Sponsorship offers up to $15,000 for large signs marking Route 66 locations. Phase one funding totals $150,000 and recipients are responsible for maintenance and installation costs.

Sponsorship applications are open until March 1, 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Further details are available on celebratemo66.com.

The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by the Missouri Legislature to organize official centennial programs statewide. Members include Representative Richard Brown and Cora Scott as Chair among others.