Oklahoma Route 66 Association

06/20/2026

"The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced it will hold a grand opening on July 4 for McClanahan Park — including a 30-foot-tall statue of the 66 Man comic book superhero created by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan."

The City of Chandler, Oklahoma, announced it will hold a grand opening on July 4 for McClanahan Park — including a 30-foot-tall statue of the 66 Man comic book superhero created by resident and Route 66 artist Jerry McClanahan. The city stated on Facebook: The grand opening will take place from 7....

06/18/2026

When the Route 66 Centennial Caravan came rolling into Oklahoma today, a surprise was waiting for them at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Bob Waldmire's U-Haul Truck!

Earlier this year, the Association voted to use funds donated by Edmond's Cycle 66 event to restore Bob's U-Haul, which we purchased after the closure of Afton Station. Students at Francis Tuttle Technology Center refurbished the engine and fixed up the body. Bob's original artwork on the driver's side is untouched for now, but the passenger side (which was blank) now has a wrap on it made from an unused draft sent to us by Bob's brother, Buz.

There's still some work to be done, but it drove under its own power for the first time in nearly 20 years! We are proud to help keep Bob's legacy alive.

06/17/2026

📍Pacific Palisades —> Needles, CA

Here are a few snapshots from the California leg of the Route 66 Centennial Caravan! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter at OklahomaRoute66.com for real time updates on our cross-country trip along the Mother Road!

06/11/2026

The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is deeply saddened to report the passing of Blaine Davis, long-time caretaker of the Blue Whale and one of our longest serving board members.

Many will say Blaine's father built the Blue Whale, which is true. But Blaine was a giant in his own right. He helped bring the Whale back from the brink of total loss and was a true believer in service over self. He was a fixture at meetings and volunteer events and showed new board members the ropes. In his spare time, people would often report they saw him picking up trash on the side of the old two-lane, even after he stepped down from official board service.

Speaking personally, Blaine was a quiet leader and an inspiration. He didn't step into the limelight, but he would tap you on the shoulder and provide advice with kindness and genuine interest. He stopped by the office and my home regularly to provide updates and stay connected. This photo is one I took one day while he was sharing news and information he thought we could use. He was an ever-present steward of the road's many stories.

Rest well, Blaine. We will miss you so much.

Rhys Martin
President
Oklahoma Route 66 Association

06/09/2026

📢Call for Volunteers 📢
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is looking for volunteers to work our informational table at this years Route 66 Road Fest!

Use this link for more information and to get signed up (https://vhub.at/route66roadfest).

Can’t volunteer? Help us by sharing this post with your network.”

06/02/2026

To our Route 66 community:

I’m deeply saddened by the issues that so many people experienced that came to Tulsa to participate in the Capital Cruise. Although the Oklahoma Route 66 Association was not involved in the planning and ex*****on of this event, as a statewide organization we are affected by anything that negatively impacts the Route 66 corridor. Many of you have reached out to express your frustration, your sadness, and your fears…and we hear you. I wish I had a good solution; what I do have is a few words.

Two things can be true at the same time: thousands of people came to Tulsa to participate in the Capital Cruise, where they had a wonderful time and cruised Historic Route 66 to help break a Guinness World Record as a way to celebrate the road’s overall centennial celebrations. At the same time, hundreds more were turned away at the gate and couldn’t participate, even though many of them had traveled a great distance and spent a lot of money to do so.

Two other things can also be true: I’m proud of Tulsa’s history related to Route 66…but I’m also very disappointed in how this major event has damaged the city’s reputation. At the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, we’ve received comment after comment from people swearing they will never come to Tulsa to spend another dime. Social media has a way of amplifying anger, of course, but what we’re hearing comes from many directions. And while the organizers have released a statement and are refunding everyone’s registration fees, what was lost can’t really be replaced.

I am proud to have participated in the event, both as an individual and as a representative of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. But my heart breaks for the many people that were let down. I don’t know what comes next…but I know it is not boycotting the small businesses, the mom-and-pop operations, and the advocates that make Route 66 what it is today. None of them are to blame for what happened…and Route 66 is still a journey worth taking. I hope the folks that were turned away know that Route 66 itself, along with its many legacy businesses and unique experiences, welcomes you with open arms. I hope to see you on the road.

Sincerely,

Rhys Martin
President
Oklahoma Route 66 Association

06/02/2026

"Across the Tracks: A Route 66 Story is coming to Public Radio Tulsa over the next few weeks, starting on Thursday, June 4th and continuing over the next two weeks."

Across the Tracks: A Route 66 Story is coming to Public Radio Tulsa over the next few weeks, starting on Thursday, June 4th and continuing over the next two weeks. Across the Tracks is a three-part radio documentary that examines the influence of Route 66 across time and culture. Dr. David Dunaw

06/01/2026

Guess who got to throw the first pitch at OKEOK Field last Saturday? ⚾️ Thanks so much to the for this amazing opportunity!

06/01/2026

"A small business in Depew, Oklahoma - the town that has the distinction of being the first town bypassed by a Route 66 re-alignment - received a huge boost with a grant from American Express."

A small business in Depew, Oklahoma - which has the distinction of being the first town bypassed by a Route 66 re-alignment - received a huge boost with a grant from American Express. D's Creations, a local boutique and micro-market located on historic Route 66, has been selected as a recipient of

05/31/2026

"Oklahomans gathered at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City on Saturday night to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the historic highway that has played a key role in shaping the state’s identity."

Scissortail Park hosted a celebration Saturday night honoring Route 66's 100-year legacy, featuring live music, tourism exhibits, and remarks from state leaders on the highway's cultural and economic importance.