Route 66 Blowout

The Route 66 Blowout has earned the reputation as one of the biggest classic car and truck events in the Midwest.

The hands of time turn back on Saturday, June 4, as vintage cars and trucks line Sapulpa’s historic downtown during the Route 66 Blowout.

Sapulpa Main Street is proud to sponsor this annual event, now in its 22nd year. The Route 66 Blowout has earned the reputation as one of the biggest classic car and truck events in the Midwest.

This year’s judges will be from Dragin Masters, a family and community oriented club dedicated to owning, restoring and maintaining classic cars and trucks. Over 100 trophies, cash and door prizes are up for grabs.

For some, it’s a walk down memory lane as friends, neighbors and other spectators share their “remember when” stories of grandma and grandpa’s old car. For many youngsters, this will be their first opportunity to see real chrome bumpers, wide white wall tires and fender skirts.

This year’s show also premiers new attractions and events. The popular Kids Zone, with kid-friendly rappelling, bouncing, rock climbing and face painting, adds a new Kids Stage. Some of Sapulpa’s most talented children and teens will provide dance and gymnastics performances throughout the day. Several local dance studios will showcase students in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and swing genres.

Art lovers will also have more to enjoy. Sapulpa Arts offers two events. The Route 66 Art Show & Sale at Ovations, on the corner of South Water and Lee Street, features a judged contest in original watercolor painting, oil and acrylic painting, graphics, mixed media, black and white photography, color photography, digital photography, ­sculpture, pottery and 3D. For registration details, visit www.sapulpaarts.com.

The Sapulpa Arts 6 x 6 on Route 66 Art Show, now in its third year, spotlights artists from 6 years to the professional level. Their one-of-a-kind works will

be available for viewing and for sale at The Frame Shoppe on Dewey Street. The opening reception will be held June 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Another contest takes place in the Rotary Salsa Tent. For a small fee, participants can taste a variety of homemade salsas and cast their vote for their favorite.

Music from D.J. Mike Witten of Four Winds Sound and the irresistible smell of barbecue from the Sapulpa Fire Department will fill the air. Many other food, crafts and ­collectibles vendors promise to make this one of the most ­family-friendly events in the area.

“Lots of people tell us they come here to see friends they haven’t seen in a while,” says Janet Beil, Sapulpa Main Street executive director. “Spectators, vendors and entrants come for the first time and they are hooked. They see what a great little community Sapulpa is and come back year after year.” As many as 20,000 spectators are expected to stroll the 12-block area along Route 66, also known as Dewey Street.

Visitors can wander a few steps away from the main attraction to see more classic cars, vintage gasoline pumps and gas station memorabilia at the Sapulpa Historical Society’s newly restored 1922 Waite Phillips Filling Station.

Proceeds from the Route 66 Blowout help beautify the downtown Sapulpa area. Landscaping with seasonal plants, signage and awnings are just some of the ways that Sapulpa Main Street supports its merchants in an effort to attract more shoppers to the downtown area.

The Route 66 Blowout runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. The event is free to the public. Many local merchants will stay open longer hours and offer Blowout specials. Contestant registration begins at 8 a.m. The first 200 registrants receive dash plaques and goodie bags. All awards will be announced at 3 p.m. For contestant registration or more information, call (918) 225-5709 or visit their new website, www.route66blowout.com.

For more information, contact

Sapulpa Main Street

101 E. Dewey

Sapulpa, OK 74066

(918) 224-5709

www.route66blowout.com