Wildwood plans Route 66 anniversary celebrations and updates on city events

The City of Wildwood held a meeting on June 5, 2025, to discuss preparations for the upcoming Wildwood Celebration and other community events. The meeting began with a review of vendor participation and sponsorships, highlighting that the city is ahead of last year in securing sponsorships. The commission emphasized the importance of engaging vendors to maintain interest at events, with discussions on the need for a variety of booths to attract attendees.

Social media efforts were praised for their effectiveness in promoting events, with the city’s social media manager noted for significantly increasing engagement. The commission expressed optimism about upcoming events, including the Green Rock Trail Challenge, which has already reached its participant capacity.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing construction projects in the city, particularly the undergrounding of electrical lines, which has caused some delays. The contractor assured the commission that progress is being made, with expectations to complete the work by August.

A significant topic of discussion was the planning for the Route 66 anniversary celebration. The commission proposed several initiatives to kick off the celebration this year, including incorporating Route 66 logos on promotional materials and inviting the Route 66 Association of Missouri to participate in events. The commission unanimously supported these proposals, aiming to generate interest leading up to the larger celebration planned for 2026.

Additionally, the commission discussed the potential for a bike ride event to celebrate the anniversary, with ideas for including a fun ride for children. The meeting concluded with scheduling considerations for the next meeting, ultimately deciding to hold it on July 8, 2025, to accommodate holiday schedules.

Overall, the meeting reflected a proactive approach to event planning and community engagement, with a focus on leveraging social media and local partnerships to enhance participation and visibility for Wildwood's celebrations.