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Committee hears Route 66 centennial ideas, state grant opportunities and a proposed documentary series
Summary
Residents and tourism staff discussed Route 66 centennial plans, state event grants, oversized Route 66 signage and a proposed Route 66 documentary series; tourism staff cited a $250,000 events pool and grants up to $50,000.
Community members and tourism staff used public comment to press planning and funding ideas for the Route 66 centennial in 2026, including documentary production, statewide grant opportunities and large-scale signage.
"One of the things that we're doing is planning a Route 66 documentary film series, where we're going to stop at each of the cities along the route and interview community leaders, business leaders, artists, kids, teachers, students," said Josh Medling of Solarium Productions, describing a free, sponsor-supported series to create content towns could reuse for promotion.
Tourism-affiliated speakers described multiple funding streams and resources tied to the centennial. The tourism presenter cited a State Centennial Commission events pool and said, "there is $250,000 out there for events, up to $50,000" per award; the speaker also said Missouri had allocated a larger sum across the route in the prior year. The presenter noted the funds cannot be used for infrastructure and described application timing and eligibility.
Elizabeth Olwig of the Missouri Route 66 Association told the board the association is providing Pacific with a roadside attraction sign and expressed reservations about the visitor-center affiliate investment given the brochure restrictions and added costs.
Speakers discussed metal Route 66 shields (approximately $13,000 each), pavement logo/stencil approaches used in other states, AAA mapping support and opportunities to use Centennial Commission grants for themed events. The committee was urged to consider a coordinated series of music and arts events tied to Route 66 and to apply for available state grants.
Tourism staff said they will continue outreach with the state Centennial Commission and partners and will report back after upcoming meetings on funding availability and timing.
