Route 66 Blowout

Saturday, June 7 marks the much-anticipated 19th Annual Route 66 Car & Truck Show.

The big day is right around the corner for classic car and truck lovers throughout the Midwest to gather in historic downtown Sapulpa and see timeless vehicles in their finest glory. Saturday, June 7 marks the much-anticipated 19th Annual Route 66 Car & Truck Show.

More than 300 classic and street rod cars and trucks will be entered in the competition, sponsored by Sapulpa Main Street and the Dragin Masters Car Club. Janet Sherwood, executive director of Sapulpa Main Street, said that they expect to welcome nearly 20,000 people to the show.

When the event began in 1989, 35 classic cars were on display in a small parking lot. Each year since then, more and more entrants and visitors have arrived in Sapulpa on the first Saturday in June. “This is getting to be a national car show,” said Janet. “We have many repeat entrants.”

Even people who don’t know a thing about cars come each year to admire the beautiful paint jobs, mirror finishes and hard work that goes into getting the vehicles ready to show. These are cars and trucks you don’t see every day, and their materials and designs attract people of all ages. Adults enjoy reminiscing about the vehicles, while younger people love to view cars similar to those they’ve only seen in movies.

And what better place is there to experience nostalgia and myth than historic Route 66? The celebration of old cars will take place all along Dewey Ave., also known as Main Street. A live deejay will play popular tunes from the 50s as street vendors offer great food, candles, jewelry, event t-shirts and other souvenirs. Always a favorite at the show, the Sapulpa Fire Department will feature their famously delicious barbecue.

A group of 100 or more community volunteers will be on hand to keep everyone safe and informed, assuring a smooth-running event. “The whole community gets behind this project,” said Janet. “We couldn’t do it without their help.”

Lakes at Cross Timbers and Cox Communications are platinum sponsors of a large kids’ zone, where children can climb rock walls, jump on bouncers and enjoy lots of other activities. The Fraternal Order of Police also helps out with the kids’ area. Most of the Kids’ Zone is free of charge.

ONG and First United Bank are trophy sponsors. Danny Beck Chevrolet is a t-shirt sponsor, and Dynamic Restoration is a beverage station sponsor.

Plenty of downtown shops and restaurants are available if you want to take a break from the show. Other activities are occurring as well, including an arts & crafts fair and a salsa festival sponsored by the Sapulpa Rotary Club. Take a tour of the Sapulpa Historical Museum, or see a restored trolley at the Sapulpa Trolley and Rail display.

Pre-registration for entrants to the car and truck show is $20 through June 6 and $25 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. the day of the show. The first 200 entrants will receive goodie bags and commemorative dash plaques.

Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Cash prizes and over 100 trophy plaques from Frankoma Pottery will be given. Every year Frankoma produces trophy plaques in a different color, and they have become highly collectible items among classic car enthusiasts.

Make plans to visit the 19th Annual Route 66 Car & Truck Show on Saturday, June 7. For more information, contact Sapulpa Main Street at (918) 224-5709.

For more information, contact

19th Annual Route 66 Car & Truck Show

www.sapulpamainstreet.com

About Author Deanna Rebro

Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said.