During the first weekend in August, Joplin will host a unique experience with many coming from near and far to enjoy the 2013 Route 66 International Festival. Established as the annual gathering for Route 66 enthusiasts to celebrate the heritage of the Mother Road, the weekend offers many activities and events to enjoy starting Thursday, August 1 and running through Saturday, August 3, 2013. The Festival bring together Roadies, (as they are affectionately known), from around the World to share their love and passion for the historic route which dates back to 1926.
The Joplin event marks the first time the International Festival has been held in Missouri. Most recently in 2012, the city of Victorville, California hosted the event and Amarillo, Texas was the site in 2011.
Joplin has a unique relationship with its Route 66 neighboring states. The three county region connecting southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma had a bond even before Route 66. Prior to the American Civil War the area was known as the Tri-State Mining Region and in its day, held the distinction of having the world’s largest deposits of lead and zinc.
Set for August 1st – 3rd, organizers have been planning the event for several months. “Our plan is to make each day a different experience for our guests,” said Patrick Tuttle, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, “while at the same time showcasing those sites that are dedicated to the spirit of Route 66.”
Thursday night events include a cruise from Joplin along Route 66 to scenic Carthage, Missouri. The cruise passes the Boots Motel and the Jasper County Court House before ending at the historic Route 66 Drive-in for a catered picnic meal and movie.
Friday night’s activities take place on Main Street, in Galena, Kansas. Vendors, crafters, a concert, car show (featuring a 6-wheeled movie star), tours of the haunted bordello, and family and children activities and create a great experience for the evening.
During the Festival, a Main Street Marketplace, located in downtown Joplin, will be a central location for Route 66 enthusiasts offering booths showcasing treats, authors, artists, collectors and crafters. The marketplace will have indoor and outdoor vending on both Friday and Saturday of the Festival.
As Roadies are encouraged to tour the tri-state corridor between Carthage and Miami, Oklahoma, local stores, museums, diners and attractions will have their welcome mats out and doors open to all. An International Festival Passport Book will be available to direct guests to the more popular Route 66 sites of the tri-state region including Red Oak in Carthage, the Carousel Park and Mineral Museum in Joplin, Eisler Brothers and the Baxter Springs Visitor Center in Kansas, and the Historic Coleman Theater in Oklahoma. Roadies who collect a significant number of stamps in their Passport Book can present their results at a booth in the Main Street Marketplace to be eligible to enter into a drawing for an amazing prize package of Route 66 collectibles.
Saturday’s events are set on Main Street in downtown Joplin. Wheels of the Road will offer a great opportunity to view more than 100 cars in their Hot Rod Run car show. The show also features a “best audio system” competition. Stages at both ends of Main Street will have live entertainment from late afternoon into the evening.
The International Festival concludes Saturday evening with a concert headlined by the internationally acclaimed rock group The Grass Roots. Since 1965 The Grass Roots have charted 29 singles; 13 of which went gold followed by 2 gold albums and 1 platinum album. In the entire history of Rock n’ Roll, only nine bands (including The Beatles) have charted more hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 than The Grass Roots.
Additional performers during the International Festival include: The Detectives, The Road Crew-America’s Route 66 Band, Walrus and City Limits.
In addition to the activities, Roadies will want to stop at the newest addition along Route 66 in Joplin: two murals of mosaic tiles reflecting the historical theme of Route 66. Located on the south wall of a local hardware store, Paul Whitehill of Images in Tile, is currently creating these murals in preparation of the Festival.
The first mural (upper mural) will be 850 sq. ft. (18’ tall x 47’ wide) and will depict “Welcome to Joplin on Historic Route 66”. The second mural (lower mural) will be 230 sq. ft (9’ tall x 25.5’ wide) and will depict the historic route from Chicago to Santa Monica with an emphasis on Joplin. Plans call for an early Route 66 era car that will be placed in front of the mural for tourists to have their pictures taken in this vintage car.
Updates of the murals’ progress will be posted at www.facebook.com/CityofJoplin
For more details about the Festival, go to www.route66internationalfestival.com or contact the Joplin CVB at 417-625-4789.
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