A news release suggests strong business growth seen in recent months in downtown Sapulpa, Oklahoma, might be tied to the enormous publicity and foot traffic from the inaugural Route 66 Christmas Chute during the holiday season.
In case you missed it, the Route 66 Christmas Chute in downtown consisted of 35,000 feet of lights, 1,100 feet of decorations, 15,000 feet of garland, 3,500 icicles and 1,100 grand ball ornaments, culminating with a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in front of the Creek County Courthouse. It was put together with $800,000 in donations and countless volunteer hours.
The release from Reed Architecture and Interiors of Sapulpa contains these factoids:
- Three businesses opened in Sapulpa’s historic district during the first five months of 2023, with several more under construction.
- Four downtown buildings have changed hands so far in 2023, equal to all those sold last year.
- Contractors began groundwork last month for Phase 2 of the city’s downtown alley renovation project, giving the central core a new park, decorative gathering areas and pedestrian-friendly walkways.
- City leaders are finalizing plans for similar improvements along Dewey Street through the center of downtown, including landmarks celebrating the street’s Route 66 heritage.
The news release also had a separate infobox on the Sapulpa businesses that opened this year or are under construction:
- Sugar Llamas, a gourmet donut, ice cream and coffee shop, 119 E. Hobson Ave.
- The Tee Pee Drive-In, a movie theater and event space, 13166 W. Ozark Trail on Route 66.
- The Waypoint Lounge, an e-sports lounge, restaurant and bar, 111 S. Main St.,
- Arrowhead Realty is renovating two floors at 205 E. Dewey Ave. for offices.
- The Crossroads Cookery’s outdoor dining and event space.
- D.C. Bass and Sons Construction is renovating 101 E. Hobson Ave. for its new headquarters.
- Little Taiyaki, a Japanese waffles and soft-serve ice cream shop, 24 E. Dewey Ave.
Cindy Lawrence, director of Sapulpa Main Street, said downtown Sapulpa maintained its Christmas Chute momentum with three other successful events this spring.
“Activity breeds activity,” Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce President Janet Birnie said. “We’ve always known how good a place Sapulpa could be. Now other people are starting to get that same idea. When they think of Sapulpa, they think of something positive. They think of action. They think of growth.
“I feel very fortunate to be in our position,” she said. “I think it’s just going to get better.”
The Route 66 Christmas Chute will return for a second year on Nov. 16.
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