This Illinois Festival Celebrates The History Of The Mother Road: Route 66
By Linze Rice|Published September 13, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Growing up near Sycamore, Illinois, I always loved spending a hot summer day at the annual car show. Gorgeous vintage cars lined the street just waiting for my adoration. Now living in Berwyn, I get to enjoy our own local event: the Route 66 Car Show. But one that’s still on my festival bucket list is this internationally-loved classic car show in Springfield, Illinois.
Here’s why it’s become a favorite among car and history lovers, alike:
The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival takes place each year in the state's historic capital city of Springfield.
For more than 20 years, the street fest has garnered thousands of visitors from across Illinois and the Midwest who come to view incredible classic cars, participate in fun community activities, and celebrate the history of Route 66.
For 2023, the festival will take place on September 22-24 and will be set up around the old state capitol building and surrounding streets. The event features booths, stages, and impressive rows of vintage cars.
Another must-see is the burnout competition, which takes place Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. Motorcycles, hot rods, and more compete to create the loudest sounds, biggest clouds, and biggest "Woah!" from the crowd.
The free festival also features live music and entertainment, a pageant, a farmers market, and a Q&A session on vintage cars with "My Classic Car" host Dennis Gage.
With so much emphasis on car admiration, history, family, and appreciation for the local community, it's no wonder this fest has been a staple for more than two decades.
