Patriot, veteran, classic car fan or Route 66 enthusiast — all are welcome at the fourth annual Route 66 PatriotFest on Saturday.
The marquee event is a 13-mile cruise on Route 66 from East Central High to Crystal City Shopping Center. PatriotFest Chairman Matt Rose says the cruise drew a record number of cars in 2017.
"And I really hope more people and more cars want to cruise this year. It’s a rare opportunity that the police department actually shuts down the roadway for your to cruise down Route 66," Rose said.
Other PatriotFest events include a car and motorcycle show, patriotic pet show, pin-up contest, and military museum. There will be live entertainment, a kids zone, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors, and it's all for a good cause.
"All proceeds of the Route 66 PatriotFest do benefit local veterans organizations. It’s a grant process through Route 66 Main Street that any veteran organization can apply for following the event," Rose said.
Rose said 2017 was a good year for PatriotFest.
"We gave out over $15,000 to local veteran organizations, such as the Coffee Bunker, Vets for Pets, which was Councilor [Jeannie] Cue’s favorite, there’s a northeastern Oklahoma veterans cemetery we were able to help out. You know, just great organizations that really come together and that need the locals’ help," Rose said.
Registration for PatriotFest contests and events is available online. There will also be sign-ups for the cruise and car and motorcycle show Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Route 66 Lunch Box Diner, 4261 Southwest Boulevard.
Admission to PatriotFest is free.
