Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Get your kicks on Route 66. Amy Beadle of Visit Springfield was on The WTAX Morning Newswatch to discuss the upcoming Route 66 100th Anniversary events that are happening right here in the Capitol city.

“So, we’ve been talking about this for a very long time. We’ve been working on this since 2018 quite honestly for this 100th anniversary and it’s here and it’s happening. We’re seeing record numbers in the first quarter of visitors, so we’re very excited about that. 
But yes, there are so many things to see and do and eat and experience with Route 66 in Springfield. So we are, you know, throwing ourselves out to the world, telling people they do not want to miss Springfield”

What are some events or exhibits that are happening right now?

“We have David Schwartz’ photography exhibit right in the pharmacy. David Schwartz is a very highly coveted 66 photographer is work is known all over the world. 
A few weeks ago, and we unveiled his gallery. It’s called The Road That Takes You, and he’s doing them at each place along the route, but we are the very first place that he’s put up an actual exhibit of his work, and so we were really honored that he chose Springfield for that”

Anything happening this summer?

“We also started a thing called submerged, and that’s a new Route 66 program this summer. 
It’ll be by reservation. It’s free. And people will get on a pontoon boat out at the marina and they’ll be able to hear a story of history as they go across the lake, because there’s pieces of the original Roote 66 under the lake when they flooded it to make Lake Springfield.”