The Tulsa Route 66 Commission, citing the success of the city’s neon-sign grant program, recently announced it would launch a similar grant program for special events.
The commission stated in a Facebook post the new program is designed to “encourage heritage tourism and economic development through special Route 66 events and to help Tulsa prepare for the Centennial in 2026.”
“The 50% matching grant program is designed for first-time events or for existing events that demonstrate an increase in capacity. The City of Tulsa will match funds up to a maximum of $5,000,” the commission stated.
More information about event grants can be found here. Free events within the city’s Route 66 Overlay District or defined downtown alignments are eligible.
Tulsa Route 66 Commission Chairwoman Samantha Extance spoke to the Tulsa World about the program:
“As we prepare for the upcoming Route 66 centennial, it is imperative that we think ahead,” Extance said. “Many national and international travelers plan their trips based on events happening at the time.
“Our goal is that this grant program encourages more events along Route 66 in Tulsa so that in 2026 (the road’s centennial year) there is a whole calendar of events, and not just one centennial celebration to attract visitors to our city. With this program, we hope to see Route 66 events all year long.” […]
“We hope that this program will yield events that attract further investment in Route 66 and help to reimagine stagnant commercial corridors,” Extance said.
The city’s neon-sign grant program has renovated or created about 50 neon signs along the Route 66 corridor, and counting, in just a few years.
(Image via the Route 66 Special Events Grant Program page)