Route 66 rolls out the red carpet

Classic autos shown in Dwight last year for the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival, file photo.

A legendary road in Illinois is not only in the spotlight for its 100th anniversary this year but it's also the center of attention this weekend during the "Red Carpet Corridor Festival."

The two-day celebration this weekend is hosted by the various communities which make up the 100-mile linear museum spanning from the Chicago suburbs to Central Illinois. Member communities roll out the red carpet for travelers with antiques, art and craft shows, yard sales, cruise-ins and live entertainment.

In Dwight, explore the village garage sales, tours, giveaways and a vintage photo booth. Handmade Route 66 metal art will be at the Texaco station and there will be a vendor market on east Main Street.

Odell will feature giveaways Saturday and Sunday at the historic 1932 Standard Oil gas station. Check out the historic subway and shop for souvenirs, soda and nostalgic items.

Pontiac will be overtaken by the Skoolie Swarm with converted school buses and other rigs parked as their residents open them for public tours. The Greater Livingston County Arts Council has the annual Swinging Bridges Arts Festival both Saturday and Sunday. The city will also unveil Centennial Plaza behind the Pontiac museum complex. The Pontiac museums are open both days with free admission.

Chenoa will have the Texaco Star open at Route 66 and 24 and weave through town enjoying the Matthew T. Scott house and look at the restored uptown mural on Veto Street while enjoying the all-town garage sales and big vendor event: Chenoa Care Charity Spring Fling.

Lexington kicks off its history project with the Route 66 Centenntial. Plaques lead travelers through time and the Memory Lane billboard restoration project will be complete thanks to Lexington High School's Art Department. Festival activities will be held on Main Street downtown.

Towanda will have a booth at the main intersection of Route 66 and 1900 East Road by Rapid Rocky's with a giveaway. Visit the vendor booth to pick up some Route 66 Dead Man's Curve apparel. Fun, Route 66 activities will be offered throughout the town.

Bloomington-Normal will have plenty of sights to check out like Ryburn Place at Sprague's Super Service, a restored 1930s gas station. Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center will be open inside the McLean County Museum of History. An outdoor farmers market will be held and an artist will sketch travelers for a small fee.

For more, visit ilroute66redcarpetcorridor.com or call 815-844-5847.