TULSA, Okla. — A new roadside attraction will be overlooking Route 66 in Tulsa, as the Buck Atom Space Cowboy will be installed along the historic stretch of highway.
The unique attraction stands 21-feet tall and will find a home at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 (11th Street near Quincy Ave. in the Meadow Gold District).
"I guarantee, this colossal addition to the Mother Road will become an instant icon for road warriors from around the world," local author and historian Michael Wallis said.
These American giants are also referred to as, "muffler men," and are made of fiberglass, according to Mary Beth Babcock, who thought up the idea of the space cowboy to sit on her shop’s property and bring a little more character to Tulsa’s stretch of The Mother Road. Babcock’s store has rich history, as it was opened inside a 1950s PEMCO gas station.
Installation of the attraction will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and there will be other festivities as well, with food and treats from local spots and TJ Mayes will spin his Oklahoma western records.
Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum will be present, as well as local author and historian Michael Wallis, Abby Kurin the Director of Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture for Tulsa Regional Tourism, owner of American Giant Co. Joel Baker, Babcock.
Babcock has been praised for her work and called a “creative visionary” for securing what will be a sure magnet for Route 66 travelers, who come from all over the world to travel its entirety
"Route 66 is already a worldwide destination and a vital and beloved part of Tulsa's history,” Bynum said. “With the addition of the Buck Atom Roadside Attraction, Route 66 will continue to provide a unique experience for travelers and our local community to enjoy for years to come. I want to thank Mary Beth Babcock for her commitment and vision to this project and our city."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
