Saturday – August 27th (rain date 28th) 10:00 AM

It’s time to give the big guy in Atlanta, IL. a fresh coat of paint. The last time we did it was six years ago. Tens of thousands of tourists from around the world have their picture taken with Tall Paul. As a result it’s important that this preservation project of ours always looks good, it represents what we are all about.

Reminder, we work for food so there will be a feast of, what else, Hot Dogs. The statue was originally located at Bunyons restaurant in the Cicero/Berwyn area on Route 66. We hope to have some of the Stephens family members attend and help rededicate this iconic member of their family.

Come join the fun and be part of history!

Please call me, John Weiss, to let me know if you will be attending (815) 458-6616.

Photo op along Route 66! Come see Terry Carr's ultralight, "Egg Force One," at new Hall of Fame member location, 8408 West Joliet Road, McCook, IL, present home of the Steak n' Egger.

Proclaim your pride as a member of our Association with a personalized name tag!

Our official members-only name tags are available once again! Get yours for only $10.00 (which includes tax and shipping)!

Mail your request with your name clearly PRINTED as you would like it to appear on your tag along with payment (make check payable to Route 66 Association of Illinois) to:

Route 66 Association of Illinois
110 W Howard
Pontiac, IL 61764

You must be a paid member of our Association for your order to be fulfilled. Available in the Continental U.S. only.

Our thanks to Pontiac, Illinois Tourism Director, Ellie Alexander, for the following story:

Jim Jones, one of the guiding personalities behind the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, was recently recognized by the Route 66 Association of Illinois for his years of service to the preservation, promotion, and history of America’s most famous road, Historic Old Route 66. Mr. Jones was honored with the Route 66 Association’s President’s Award for 2016. In making the award, Route 66 Association President, Cathy Stevanovich noted, “Thru thick and thin and all that has happened, Jim has persevered and [he] has been available as much as he can for us.” Jones was involved at the creation of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum located in Pontiac, Illinois. Since its opening in 2004, Jones and the Route 66 Museum have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. His knowledge of the Mother Road and its history has enlightened many, and his stories of growing up on “America’s Main Street” have entertained all who have been lucky enough to hear them.

Jim & his Miata at the World's Largest Rocking Chair, Fanning, MO

The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame recognizes "those people and places along Route 66 whose blend of hardy individualism and grassroots community spirit gave the road such special character." To that end, each year our Association nominates several of these special people and/or places to induct into our Hall of Fame. Nominees are inducted at our annual Hall of Fame banquet, held the Saturday evening of our Motor Tour Weekend (this year, June 11).

We are proud to announce that our Hall of Fame "Class of 2016" Inductees are:

Dwight, Illinois ushered in the 90th anniversary of Route 66, with a celebration last Thursday April 21st at the restored Ambler/Becker Texaco gas station. The birthday party, which was the first 90th anniversary celebration in Illinois, included classic cars, hot dogs and cake, basset hounds and an enthusiastic crowd from all around the state. The event included an official presentation by Dwight Village President Jared Anderson, Bill Kelly of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and Route 66 preservationist John Weiss.

Participants in the 2016 Alive & Kickin' Motor Tour will receive a collectable license plate in their participant packet as a souvenir of their exciting experience along Route 66!

Please note that only those who actually show up to participate will receive a plate. If you register but do not actually go on the tour, you will not receive a license plate in your participant packet.

Throughout the last four years serving as editor of The 66 News, I’ve tried to make each issue read and look better than the last. To that end, I’ve determined that it’s necessary to implement some guidelines pertaining to photo submissions. By following these guidelines, the precious photos used in the newsletter will look as good as possible.

I certainly understand that many photos submitted for the newsletter are historic - and therefore not in a digital format (i.e. .jpg), but old and low-resolution photos don’t easily translate clearly to a printed format, like our newsletter. In order for them to appear clear and bright in a printed medium, I do have some requirements to set forth based on suggestions from our printer, Marlene:

For Existing photos processed from film:

Option 1 - Mail processed photos directly to Gina at:
Route 66 Association of Illinois
Attn: Newsletter Editor Gina Blitstein
Box 1940
Matteson, IL 60443

These photos will be returned to you if you request.

The Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Famer, Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL is celebrating it's 90th birthday and its in good company! The theatre opened on May 24, 1926 and Route 66 herself began serving travelers on November 11, 1926. Their connection? The road that runs in front of the Rialto, Chicago St, is original Route 66.

To celebrate the auspicious occasion, many free events will take place throughout May, including free tours and concerts on Tuesdays the 3rd, 10th and 17th. The "big day" is May 24th and numerous "free" events are planned all day long.

Route 66: The Road Ahead Initiative
Name and Logo Contest

Here's your chance to give this initiative a people-friendly name and face!

Read contest details here.