A century ago, Route 66 gave America a Mother Road. Starting April 30, Springfield gets to throw the birthday party — and Missouri State University is proud to be along for the ride.

As the nation turns its attention to the birthplace of Route 66, Missouri State will be part of a three-day celebration of a highway that became a symbol of the American spirit.

“Route 66 didn’t just grow up alongside Missouri State. It helped shape our community, carrying generations of Bears down its lanes and bringing alumni home from across the country,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation. “To join this centennial celebration is to honor a road that has been part of our university’s story for generations. We are humbled to help celebrate 100 years of a roadway tied so closely to our shared history.”

As part of a year-long centennial celebration, the city of Springfield will host a series of kickoff events April 30 – May 2.  

Missouri State is proud to join the community in the following Route 66 Centennial events: 

Thursday, April 30 

•  Birthplace Plaza dedication, 4 p.m.
  At exactly 4 p.m., a formal dedication ceremony will take place at Birthplace Plaza at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street, marking the precise time and location where, on April 30, 1926, the telegram proposing the name “U.S. Route 66” was sent to federal highway officials. At the former site of the Colonial Hotel, a commemorative sculpture will debut on land donated by Missouri State.

  State, national and international Route 66 leaders will gather to commemorate this defining moment in transportation history.
   

•  National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert, 5 p.m.
  Hosted at Great Southern Bank Arena by Missouri State alum and actor John Goodman, the showcase of American music will feature headliner Little Big Town. Tickets are available online or through any Missouri State Tix location.  

  Friday, May 1 

• MO State’s Official Route 66 Parade Pre Party, 4:30 p.m.
  Festivities at the Old Glass Place will include free hot dogs, face painting, ice cream, Coca-Cola products, beer and more. The Missouri State Bookstore will host a pop-up shop with Mo State swag and commemorative T-shirts. Guests can then stay for an excellent view of the parade.

  Weather permitting, guests will be able to view the latest mural from alum Meg Wagler going up on the side of the Old Glass Place as part of Coca-Cola’s Paint the Nation project.
  
  Event sponsors are Missouri State University Division for University Advancement, Mother’s Brewing Co., Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Co., Hiland Dairy, Big Whiskey’s, Sherwin-Williams, Billiards Sports Bar and Grill, Missouri State University Bookstore and Mo State Athletics.

  RSVP is requested. 

•  Celebrate History on Route 66 Parade, 6 p.m.
  This family-friendly parade is designed to showcase classic cars between 1926 and 1985, when Route 66 was decommissioned. Missouri State will have two entries in the procession. 

  The first entry is a float is being built by Technology and Construction Management students and will feature a 1954 GMC Pickup on loan from an alum. Along for the ride will be Goodman and Boomer waving to the crowd. Members of the Spirit Squads, Pride Marching Band and student athletes will follow. 

  The second entry is from the William H. Darr College of Agriculture and will feature its New Holland T6180 Methane Powered tractor. The tractor, gifted by New Holland and S & H Farm Supply, will be part of Missouri Farm Bureau’s fleet of tractors. 

Saturday, May 2 

• TheTelegraph Ball, 6 p.m.  
  At the historic Shrine Mosque, Missouri State is proud to be a sponsor for the Roaring Twenties-themed evening hosted by Missouri First Lady Claudia Kehoe and Springfield First Lady Mary Helen Schrag.