Saint Louis plans Route 66 barbecue and bluegrass festival with potential $250000 grant

The City of Pacific's Tourism Commission is eyeing a major opportunity to boost local events with a proposed Route 66-themed barbecue and bluegrass festival, set for the weekend of May 30 to June 1, 2025. During the meeting on October 8, 2024, discussions centered on applying for a grant-like sponsorship from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, which has $250,000 available for events celebrating the iconic highway.

Max, a key figure in the planning, emphasized the potential for the festival to attract vendors and visitors, especially since the competition would conclude on Saturday, allowing for an additional day of activities on Sunday. The commission is considering a local competition to enhance the festival experience.

To move forward, the commission seeks a recommendation to the board of aldermen to approve the application for funding. The process involves upfront costs that would be reimbursed by the commission, making it a low-risk investment for the city. With nearly $80,000 already allocated from the fund, timely action is crucial to secure financial support.

The proposed festival not only aims to celebrate Route 66 but also to fill a gap in the local event calendar, occurring just after Memorial Day and before the peak summer heat. If approved, this initiative could significantly enhance Pacific's tourism appeal and community engagement.