Pick a lane and stick with it — literally. Crossing 11th Street at this weekend’s Route 66 Capital Cruise in Tulsa could put the Guinness World Record for most classic cars in a single parade in jeopardy.
“Pedestrians can cross on foot until the first car reaches their location, but once the first car passes a given spot, no one will be able to cross until the final car has passed,” said Jonathan Huskey with Tulsa Regional Tourism.
Tulsa is on track to blow the current world record out of the water, with nearly 4,000 classic cars registered for Saturday’s 5.5-mile parade — about 1,500 more than it needed — in celebration of Route 66’s centennial. The cars must be from 1996 or before to be considered “classic.”
In order to take home the big prize, there must be a consistent distance between each car without long gaps, according to Huskey. That’s why no one can cross the parade route after cars start rolling.
As you’re getting ready for the Mother Road’s 100th birthday party, here are some final things to know about the car parade in advance.
When and where
Cars will travel west on Route 66, starting at Tally’s Cafe on 11th and Yale and ending at First Methodist Church on 11th Street and Cheyenne. Participating cars will be staged and credentialed at Tulsa’s Expo Square and begin moving onto the parade route at 8 a.m. from there.
The parade route will begin to close around 5 a.m. Saturday and be completely closed by 6 a.m. After that, no vehicles will be allowed to cross 11th Street. Media and spectators cannot go north or south across 11th Street on foot once the parade begins.
Around 30 minutes after the final car passes the stage at Mother Road Market, it’ll be announced whether Tulsa officially broke the Guinness World Record.
Pit stops along the Mother Road
There are more than 50 restaurants and several other businesses to check out along Route 66.
Tim Rucker, who recently opened The Helen restaurant at 11th and Peoria in the former Wildflower Cafe space, isn’t worried that pedestrians have to pick one side of the road — he’ll have grab-and-go’s stocked up and says this will be good for business.
“We’re all kind of like getting together and trying to make it as easy and affordable for all of the guests on our side,” Rucker said about his conversations with other business owners.
Mayfest: Roadtrip is also happening during the car parade at the Meadow Gold Dairy sign on 11th and Peoria, with live music from Paul Benjaman Band. Since their parking lot will be open for pedestrians, Rucker hopes people will come and hang out.
There will also be 16 cruise party zones along the parade route. Here’s a complete list.
Other FAQs
You probably have lots of questions. Visit Tulsa has answers on their website for drivers, spectators and volunteers. You can find them here.
Otherwise, check out our other coverage for information on where to dine, which events are on deck and how Tulsans are celebrating the Route 66 centennial.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
