Birthplace of Route 66 Festival brings all from around the world

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —Thousands are expected from around the state, region, and world to descend on downtown Springfield for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival.

"We have completely changed the footprint this year to open up more of the downtown area so it's more easy for pedestrians to get to and from. We've also added two new drone shows and a third entertainment stage at Hold Fast Brewing Company," Cora Scott with the City of Springfield said. "The heat may limit us a little bit, but we usually bring in about 60,000-65,000 over the two days."

Taking in the heat, sights, sounds, and smells is the Hamlin family from Joplin.

They just happened to be in Springfield and decided to come to the festival on a whim.

"It goes right through Joplin and I think what is most appreciated is the Cars movies. So my boys, my kids fell in love with the Cars movies, and they talk all about the Route 66 and so we went out and see the cars around here," Beau Hamlin said. "We got Friday off and decided to take some time with my boys and my dad, and we just had a great time, spent it together, and trying to make those memories that count.

They've been looking at the classic cars on display, but Beau already has a favorite.

"I kind of got a liking for this Scout back here," Hamlin said. "Like the color, I like the Four Wheel Drive."

The Scout is owned by Greg Herren, who has been going to this festival for several years.

"I just like the whole story about Route 66. In 1957, we would drive down Route 66 to get to Branson for vacation and you know, it was a winding road. Our parents gave us pickles just to keep us from barfing, it was a cool road and I still like to get out and drive it," Herren said.

He says this festival always brings some nostalgia to the Ozarks.

"It's just amazing what we could do back in those days to come up with an idea. We all work together. No political parties. It's just, hey, let's build a road and take it all the way to Cali., and I just think that's cool," Herren said. "We just need to set aside politics and make it a better place, and Route 66, it's just a great way to come out and meet people and enjoy what they're enjoying."

He says his classic car always sparks conversation with people from the area, out of town, or even out of the country.

"I expect to be several that are from Europe, usually. I meet people out of state all the time," Herren said. "It's a massive thing, and I've noticed that every year is better and better."

Ozarks First spoke to Roberto Deleonay and Cecilia Berlo, who flew to the U.S. from Italy, to drive the Mother Road, stopping at a city each day.

"It's his dream, he just turned 30, so we're doing it for his birthday," Berlo said.

"It's beautiful here," Deleonary said

They're glad they stopped in Springfield, and their next stop is Tulsa.

"We're going to Las Vegas, and then Los Angeles and we come back to Italy," Berlo said.