Route 66 Centennial Celebration: Clinton Honors 100 Years of the Mother Road

This Saturday, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, and Clinton, Oklahoma is hosting one of the biggest centennial events of the year. The Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame ceremony takes place at the Frisco Conference Center from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with free admission for everyone. The event has expanded well beyond the traditional ceremony format to include classic automobiles, historic displays, exclusive centennial merchandise, Oklahoma authors, and family-friendly activities. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will be inducted as a special centennial honoree, recognized for his ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the Mother Road across Oklahoma communities.

What makes this celebration particularly meaningful is its connection to Jack and Gladys Cutberth, Clinton natives who called themselves Mr. and Mrs. Route 66. These two individuals played a pivotal role in preserving the highway during its early decades, and their legacy is being honored throughout the weekend. The museum will feature a pop-up store with limited-edition centennial merchandise, including a special T-shirt tribute to the Cutberths. Additionally, the event will debut the first in a series of outdoor Route 66 photo stands created through a collaboration between the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and artist Lynne Chastain. These photo stands will become permanent museum attractions, offering visitors a tangible way to connect with the road’s legacy.

For anyone interested in American history, road culture, or supporting Oklahoma’s tourism community, Saturday’s centennial celebration offers something truly special. Whether you’re a lifelong Route 66 enthusiast or simply curious about one of America’s most iconic highways, this is a rare opportunity to celebrate 100 years of history. Are you planning to attend the Route 66 Centennial celebration in Clinton this weekend?