By Jackie Bueg

2026 will be 100 years since the first paved highway in the United States was completed. It created jobs and brought a large section of the county out of the Depression.  How do you want to celebrate? Are you located along this majestic strip of history? How can the excitement of Crusin' the Mother Road be preserved and brought into the 21st century?

One group of organizers can be found here: Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. They are collaborating to help businesses and communities along the road revitalize and welcome those ready to celebrate and share stories. The Auto Channel has a video to share Route 66 History.  Even the Illinois State Museum has planned for a new exhibit.

If you want to start preparing your store, I recommend planning custom items now and starting to order stock items in the next year or two.  Many of the vendors I work with offer Route 66 items, including the images featured here. Others are set up to do custom, and then only your imagination is the limit.

Images: Signs from Signs 4 Fun thru Spirit Sales.