The City of Springfield, Missouri, is considering ending its involvement with the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival or halting it entirely.
The Springfield News-Leader, following up on an initial report from the Springfield Daily Citizen of about 25 businesses complaining about the festival, reported the city is considering options for the event.
The Citizen reported that city fathers are thinking about moving the event. But canceling the festival is a new development:
Scott noted ending the festival altogether is also being considered. Worley said all options have to be explored, but he believes there is a way to make the festival work for the majority of businesses.
“Ultimately, we’re here to serve our businesses and times change, things evolve. I’d like to think that we could evolve to where the event could still be a driver for customers and activity to their business,” he said. “But you know, if it gets to a point where it’s not worth that, again, our first priority is for our businesses to be successful, and if that’s the consensus, then there’s nothing sacred about it.”
As for the city considering an end to its involvement, that most likely would occur if the festival is moved to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds on the city’s north edge. The city wants to promote its core — either downtown or Commercial Street — and maintain an association with Route 66.
The city also is considering shortening the festival, nothing one-day events seem to be less disruptive to downtown businesses.
The festival’s website states the 2025 edition will be Aug. 7-9. It typically draws over 60,000 people.
The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival pays tribute to the 1926 telegram sent from a downtown Springfield hotel that accepted the number 66 for the highway.
(Image from the 2022 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival via Facebook)