Rebecca West, events coordinator at Missouri S&T, told the Rolla City Council that Celebration of Nations will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, marking the event’s 16th anniversary.
West said the parade begins at 11 a.m. and the downtown festival will feature food vendors, cultural displays, live performances on three stages, children’s activities, a passport game, a petting zoo and camels. "We are honored to continue the tradition right here in Rolla," she said.
West told council the festival secured a $50,000 grant from the Route 66 Centennial Commission and expects additional funding from the university and local sponsors; she estimated the overall budget this year near $58,000 with the university contributing roughly $8,000 and sponsors providing additional funds. The grant will fund billboard advertising in Jefferson City, Springfield and St. Louis and broader regional outreach.
New vendor rules will require food vendors to display clear menus with prices, spice‑level indicators (one pepper for mild up to three for hot) and allergen information. Local businesses are invited to sign up to receive a free commemorative 3‑by‑5 flag with Route 66 and Celebration of Nations branding; interns will deliver flags to Rolla storefronts.
West said the university also used a tourism grant administered through the Chamber of Commerce for $1,000 this year. Council members praised the event’s outreach and asked how staff and the university coordinate with downtown public safety and street closures; West thanked city public works and safety teams and asked for continued partnership on closures, trash and volunteers.
"The students absolutely love to be vendors and participate," West said, and she invited council members and the public to attend.
Council discussion focused on logistics, budget and promotion; no council action was required. The university’s website for the event is nations.mst.edu, West said.