Route 66 parade to feature lineup of vehicles from every era

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Rev up those engines. The Birthplace of Route 66 Parade is set to sweep the streets of downtown Springfield at 6 p.m. Friday, August 8, featuring a procession of vintage automobiles, classic cruisers, muscle cars, motorcycles, and more.

The parade begins near the corner of College Street and Grant Avenue, and then proceeds east to St. Louis Street and National Avenue.

Parade organizers expect thousands of spectators to line the route as they celebrate historic Route 66.

Cora Scott, parade director, said in a news release that the parade showcases "over a century" of automotive history while honoring Springfield as the official birthplace of Route 66.

“Every year, the parade is one of the highlights of the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival,” Scott said.

Additionally, participants and attendees are encouraged to join the Pre-Parade Party & Picnic for a parade-pregame of food, music and celebrations. The event is scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park and the Route 66 Car Museum.

Parade lineup according to eras

Spectators can enjoy a chronological journey through the history of motoring. Vehicles in the parade are organized by era:

• Vintage Era Vehicles (1900–1954)
• Classic Era Vehicles (1955–1963)
• Muscle Era Vehicles (1964–1979)
• Modern Era Vehicles (1980–1999)
• All RVs, Motorcycles, Rat Rods (2000–Present)

The release notes that the best parade viewing areas are Park Central Square and St. Louis from Jefferson to John Q. Hammons Parkway. Paradegoers are encouraged to bring chairs and find a shady spot along the route.

For more information on vehicle check-in information and staging areas, visit here.