May 31st, June 1st & 2nd are the dates for this year's "Route 66" Summerfest in Rolla, Missouri. This is the 18th year for this event, which is held on the first weekend in June each year. It was originally started to promote downtown Rolla, but it has evolved into an area wide celebration for all ages to promote old Route 66 and the beginning of summer.
Friday morning, May 31st, portions of downtown are closed as food vendors and musicians set up for the evening’s festivities. At 4:00 Friday afternoon hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles arrive at the St. James Visitor Center to show off their cars and prepare to “Cruise Route 66”. At the same time, back in downtown Rolla, the cooks for the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) picnic will be working hard to prepare the evening meal for AUSA members and anyone else who supports the military. Friday evening bring your lawn chair for the Miss Route 66 crowning ceremony and plan to say for a “drive-in” movie and all the popcorn you can eat. Also, the skateboard track will be open for skateboarders young and old.
Saturday morning you’ll find coffee and doughnuts in the food court, the arts and crafts festival on 9th Street, the classic car show on Pine Street and the motorcycle show on 8th Street. Sporting events include, Tour-de-Phelps, a leisurely ride to St. James and back. There’s face painting, inflatable games, horseback rides, and the giant sandbox for the young kids and skateboarding for the older ones.
Saturday afternoon is the downhill derby, kids bicycle and tricycle race, the fire truck pull and the always popular burnout contest. Saturday evening there’s a free street dance with Butchwax & The Hollywoods! There are many more events, so come prepared to spend the day.
