TULSA, Okla. — The AAA Route 66 Road Fest countdown began on April 16 — meaning it is just 66 days until this year's extravaganza.
"I've been doing events for over 30 years," said Wade Bray, the curator for Road Fest, "and this is unique."
While it's a massive classic car show, it's also a traveling history exhibit about a road that greatly impacted the history of traveling. Over 14,000 square feet will offer an immersive walk back through time, celebrating the history and nostalgia of "America's Main Street."
"The thing about Route 66 is, it's all Americana," Bray told 2 News. "It's the thing that outside of this country, when people think of America, it's what they're thinking about."
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He continued, "It's kitschy, fun, and out on the open road ... It really just embodies what America really is, you know, or what we like to think of it anyways."
There will also be an expanded family activity area, an indoor drive-in theater, an interactive vintage RV park, lots of vendors, and more. City, state, and other leaders will make a special announcement on Tuesday morning about this year's extravaganza.
Some new things they will have this year are a special guest, as well as some additions to the traveling history exhibit and the activity area for families.
That surprise guest will be Richard Rawlings. The star of the reality TV show “Fast ‘N Loud” will be there both days to engage with fans at the massive car show, where he will present the “Best In Show” award.
While Route 66's nostalgia and legacy loomed large at Tuesday's gathering, its economic impact was a major topic of discussion.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell told 2 News what he thinks of the potential tourism and dollars that Road Fest and the 2026 centennial could bring to the area.
“Half of all sales tax that is collected in the State of Oklahoma is along a stretch of Route 66, which is a big deal," he said. "We see those ... historic brown Route 66 signs, and we wonder, 'What kind of economic impact is it?' Well, it's a huge economic impact."
"We have international tourists that come to Oklahoma every single weekend, all year long," the lieutenant governor added, "to visit the most famous road in the entire world.”
Pinnell told us the State of Oklahoma has already awarded $6.6 million to communities along Route 66, adding that they’ll divvy another $6 million this August.
“The centennial that we have in a couple years, it’s not just blowing out the candles on a birthday cake," he said. "It’s gonna be celebrating the investment that we are making in the road right now."
"And that’s what’s pretty special to me, that we’re investing—actually investing in these communities," Pinnell continued, "and that means more people are gonna fly to Oklahoma and spend money in Oklahoma, and we love that for the small business owners along Route 66.”
While there's a ton of hype leading into this year's Road Fest, all eyes are on 2026, when Route 66 turns 100 years old.
WATCH: Tulsa leaders want more attractions on Route 66 before the centennial
"2022 was our first year, thanks to Covid, and it's kind of all been a buildup to that 2026 celebration," said Bray. "So, that's gonna be nationwide, and we'll definitely be upping the game each year up to that point as well."
AAA Route 66 Road Fest is June 22 and 23 at Expo Square. To purchase tickets, click here to visit the event's website.
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