Revving Up Memories: Springfield's Route 66 Mother Road Festival & The Timeless Watches That Capture Its Spirit!

by Tyler McKay September 23, 2023

Springfield is gearing up for the 22nd Annual Route 66 Mother Road Festival from September 22nd to 24th, 2023. As in years past, this year's fest promises a blend of roaring engines, soulful tunes, and that unmistakable charm of Route 66. For all vintage car enthusiasts and nostalgia buffs, historic downtown Springfield is the place to be.

Downtown Springfield - The Heart of the Festivities!

At the epicenter of the action, downtown Springfield offers an idyllic backdrop to this grand celebration of all things Route 66. The streets will come alive with up to 2,000 classic cars cruising into the town on Friday night, reviving the timeless spirit of the iconic highway. This mesmerizing parade, known as the Route 66 City Nights Cruise for Crime Stoppers, witnessed over 2000 cars in its 2019 edition. And with a mere $5 contribution to Crime Stoppers, you can have your ride join this iconic parade. Set up your chairs, get your cameras ready, and be a part of the revving magic!

For fans of the historic route and those looking for a keepsake to remember the event, Sangamon Watches' downtown shop, located right on Rt 66, offers the Mother Road collection watches. While the shop is reopening next week, don't fret! These exquisite timepieces are still available for online shoppers. But hurry – check them out before they're all sold out!

The Magic Continues...

Festival coordinators, Greg “Coop” and Sue Cooper, and operations head Shane “Shaner” McDermith are committed to ensuring that the event retains its local and community-centric charm – the very essence of the Mother Road Festival. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:

Burnout Competition on Saturday: Get ready for the adrenaline rush!
Live Entertainment: Let your hair down on Friday & Saturday as the fest gets a musical touch.
Selfie Time: Capture your moments at any Illinois Route 66 landmark and use hashtags #MyIL66 and #visitspringfield to get featured on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway social media.
Local Flavors & Shopping: Downtown Springfield, Inc. Farmers Market on Saturday promises fresh produce and artisanal treasures. And while you're downtown, don't forget to visit the numerous unique stores and savor the local culinary delights.
Photo Ops: Use the majestic Illinois State Capitol Building as your backdrop for that perfect snap.
Living Legends: Grab the Explorer Passport and meet the legends of Route 66 in Springfield.
Car Show: Register your ride and who knows? You might just bag one of the top honors judged by CASI certified national judges.

For all the event details, head to Route66Fest.com soon, where a complete event schedule and festival map will be available.

Brian Su, co-founder of Sangamon Watches, captures the spirit of the occasion, saying, “The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival is deeply rooted in Springfield's traditions. With the historic downtown serving as a picturesque backdrop for this iconic car event, the allure of Route 66 draws visitors globally. We're both excited and privileged to have our shop situated right in downtown on the legendary Old Rt 66, and we warmly welcome visitors from every corner of the world.”

So, whether you're a vintage car enthusiast, a music lover, or just someone looking for a good time with the family, the Route 66 Mother Road Festival is your go-to event this September! Don't forget to commemorate your visit with a timeless piece from Sangamon Watches' Mother Road collection.