Re-creations or restorations of neon signs for long-defunct Route 66 businesses glowed anew on Wednesday night during a lighting ceremony at the Legends Neon Park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
The neon park at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience contains the signs of the A. Lincoln Motel, the Coliseum Ballroom, Chain of Rocks Motel and the Bel-Air Drive-In theater, plus a giant Route 66 shield in neon overlooking it all.
Images from the big event:
The lighting event was livestreamed. The stream was archived here for future viewing.
The Springfield State Journal-Register filed a report on the event.
A prelighting ceremony was held at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield, which also contains a plethora of salvaged neon signs and memorabilia from Route 66.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway played a big role in the project, as did Ace Sign Co. in Springfield, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Illinois Office of Tourism and the fair.
The Illinois Route 66 Experience will be open to the public to view year-round, including during the Illinois State Fair from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20. It is located near Gate 2 of the fairgrounds.
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Very nice! I can’t wait to see this in person.