(Carthage, MO) – 66 Drive-In Theatre and the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission are excited to announce a dedication ceremony for the Jasper County Route 66 Centennial Interactive Sign on Friday, April 10, at 10:00 am at the 66 Drive-In Theatre (17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage)
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission established a grant program to create 11 twelve-foot 3D interactive signs along Missouri Route 66. A replica of the famous Route 66 shield, with cut-outs in the 6’s of the sign. Reimbursable funds were made available for one sign in each of the ten counties and the City of St. Louis through which the historic route passes.
The official Jasper County sign is located at the entrance to the Drive-In, just behind the ticket booth. Now in its 77th season, the theater opened on September 22, 1949.
In addition to the 66-foot-high movie screen, the drive-in is known for its outer 66 branding and the neon marquee. Along with the original ticket booth, photos by travelers from around the world are highly sought. Inside the grounds, typical of the drive-in scene are the concession stand and playground.
“An interactive Route 66 shield is a great stop for guests from around the world to enhance their Route 66 memories. The drive-in is already one of those stops, and marking the centennial with this new sign is a fun addition”, says Patrick Tuttle, director of Visit Joplin and a member of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Counties where other Route 66 Centennial interactive signs have been erected are Rolla, MO (Phelps County), Springfield, MO (Greene County), Pacific, MO (St. Louis County), Lebanon, MO (Laclede County), St. Robert, MO (Pulaski County), and Cuba, MO (Crawford County).
“Having a new roadside attraction at an established historic landmark is a great honor. Not only will our local patrons enjoy it, and we welcome travelers from around the world to capture a keepsake photo”, says Nathan McDonald, owner/operator of the drive-in.
The Route 66 interactive sign will become an iconic photo stop for travelers following the Mother Road.
Reference:
Patrick Tuttle, Director
Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau
417.625.4789
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