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Commission hears plans for Route 66 centennial and America 250 events; staff offers promotion and banner plans
Summary
City staff outlined Route 66 Centennial projects and said the city maintains a public page listing centennial initiatives; staff also raised America 250 activities and said next-year budget requests include street banners and wayfinding for centennial signage.
City staff briefed the Historic Preservation Commission on preliminary plans and promotion for the 2026 Route 66 Centennial and the nation’s 250th anniversary (referred to in discussion as America 250).
Staff said the department maintains an online resource summarizing centennial projects, past and present, and a calendar of related events and initiatives. The presentation emphasized a desire to include historic sites across the community — not just downtown — and to provide promotional support, including listings and outreach for organizations planning events.
Why it matters: both centennial efforts will feature events that draw tourists and local participants; commissioners expressed interest in making celebrations inclusive of the whole community and not limited to downtown.
Details: staff said planned Route 66 activities include a kickoff event in November and other events through May, October and November, including a festival, a fun run and an ultra run. For America 250, staff noted there are multiple dates and celebrations under consideration, including April 18 programming (“Two Lights for Tomorrow”) and July 4 observances. Staff said some state-level resources and interpretive guidance are being developed and that a “history handbook” is in progress to aid local interpretive decisions.
Budget and signage: staff indicated a budget request for the coming year includes street banners and wayfinding to mark centennial activities; commissioners said they could be involved with selecting decorations and outreach. Staff offered to return with more details as state and national schedules firm up.
Ending: No formal action was taken. Staff said they would bring follow-up information and could invite partner organizations to future meetings to coordinate local involvement.
