Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 in Tulsa will light its newly commissioned neon signs during a ceremony the evening of Wednesday, April 29.
Sunset will be at 8:10 p.m. that day, though it may get dark earlier if it becomes overcast. The lighting will be streamed live on Facebook, and more details will be announced later. UPDATE: A news release from Babcock this morning states the ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. Central and will include Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and “a few surprise guests.”
Tulsa likely will still have social-distancing rules in place at that time because of the coronavirus pandemic, and many Route 66 advocates cannot travel because of it, hence the online streaming.
The signs were designed by Roadhouse Relics of Austin, Texas, and built by Encinos 3D Custom Products of Tulsa. The signs are new but designed to look weathered and old.
Store owner Mary Beth Babcock posted several photos and short videos on Facebook and Instagram of the sign being installed Thursday. The signs were lighted briefly for testing, but turned back off until next week’s ceremony.
You still have time to buy a commemorative brick as a fundraiser for the signs. The bricks, which go for $66 each and can be personalized with a short message, can be purchased here through 5 p.m. Saturday.
If the brick is too rich for your blood, you can buy something from her online store to help keep her afloat during these trying financial times amid the pandemic.
Babcock also raised more than $9,200 in a crowdfunding campaign for the new signs. She also earned a grant through the city of Tulsa’s neon-sign program for Route 66.
Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 made a big splash last spring when it commissioned and dedicated a new Muffler Man statue in the shape of a space cowboy, aka Buck Atom.
(Screen-capture image from Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 video of the sign installation)