Just 17 days out from the Route 66 Capital Cruise May 30, Tulsa is ready to smash the world record for most classic cars in a single parade with nearly 4,000 registrations.
Standing inside Mother Road Market Wednesday, Tulsa City Councilor Christian Bengel announced 3,895 cars have registered for the parade thus far.
“I thought that was insurmountable when we first started talking about this, because I think the (current) record is held by Puerto Rico, which is 2,491, but we’re on pace to bring 4,000 cars here to Tulsa,” Bengel said. “That is just amazing.”
When local tourism leaders announced the Route 66 Capital Cruise, Jonathan Huskey, senior director of communications at Tulsa Regional Tourism, said the goal was 3,000 classic cars.
During the May 13 event, Mayor Monroe Nichols announced Bob Berghell, the grandson of Cyrus Avery — often called the “Father of Route 66” — will participate in the cruise on the road his father brought to reality in Tulsa.
Avery served on a federal subcommittee responsible for creating the U.S. highway system, where he championed a Chicago-to-Los Angeles route that swung through Tulsa. That highway system was approved in November 1926.
“What a treat for us, what an honor,” Nichols said of the family’s participation. “And again, how fitting for the family of Cyrus Avery to be in the capital of Route 66 during the nation’s signature centennial celebration.”
‘This is a party for everyone’
Even if you do not have a classic car to register for the May 30 parade, Huskey said there will be plenty of activities along the Mother Road during the Route 66 Capital Cruise. Organizers expect visitors from across the globe.
“This is a party for everyone, and just because you may not have a classic car 1996 or older, doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of this unprecedented Route 66 centennial celebration,” Huskey said.
For starters, there will be 16 party zones located along the parade route on East 11th Street between South Yale Avenue and South Denver Avenue.
“The effort to make this party zone a reality for these incredible businesses that have sponsored and make sure there isn’t something to just stand and watch, but that the Capital Cruise is something to do,” said Renee McKenney, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism.
Street closures will begin at 5 a.m. May 30. By 6 a.m., the entire parade route will be closed to traffic, and cars will be unable to travel north or south through 11th Street. Spectators can cross the street until the Capital Cruise begins.
Brian Paschal, CEO of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation that operates Mother Road Market, advised spectators to get to the parade route early.
“Get there early, find your spot before the parade starts and prepare to have the time of your life,” Paschal said.
Ahead of the official parade, the city is hosting the Capital Cruise Expo from 2 to 8 p.m. May 28 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 29 at the SageNet Center at Expo Square.
Additionally, Expo Square will host a tailgate from 4 to 8 p.m. May 29. It will feature a classic car show, live music, food, the Tulsa Kids Market and the Golden Driller’s 60th birthday party. No registration is required.
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