The historic Mother Road, Route 66, came alive as car enthusiasts, families, curious travelers, and local participants set out on the 100-mile stretch between Sapulpa and Edmond. Each town along the way featured unique checkpoint stops, including Bristow’s Toy Museum, Historic Train Depot, and our local VFW, known for being the only Wake Island Memorial in the country.
Midpoint Corridor is a coalition of 11 Oklahoma cities and towns united in a shared mission to unify, beautify, and preserve the “100 Greatest Miles” of Route 66. Board members include Ray Strauss (Edmond Community Church), Ed Gochenour (owner of The Chicken Shack in Arcadia), Jennifer Thornton (Visit Edmond), Kristen Weaver (multi-talented and owner of Venue 66 in Bristow), and Bob Pearman (City Manager of Stroud). This regional partnership works year-round on collaborative initiatives— from coordinated cleanup efforts and streetscape enhancements with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, to historic preservation grant applications aimed at revitalizing local architecture and landmarks.
Through signature events like the annual Road Rally, 100 Miles of Christmas, Cycle 66, and Edmond Bike Night, Midpoint Corridor not only honors the legacy of the Mother Road but also drives economic growth, tourism, and cultural pride across its member communities.
Route 66 is famous for its diverse history stretching from Chicago to California. The rally allowed Oklahoma to take center stage, as participants, including 47 international travelers, visited checkpoints, sponsors, and businesses along the 100-mile route. Several towns set up refreshment stations, like the lemonade stand at the Bristow Train Museum, while others promoted their local businesses to the 225 registered vehicles (many with multiple passengers), boosting sales throughout the day.
Not only was the rally an unforgettable experience, but it also offered chances to win prizes for photo challenges, checkpoint completions, and submitted receipts. The grand prize of $1,000 went to none other than Bristow native Victoria Brown! Other prizes included gift baskets from each of the 11 towns, featuring locally made goods and partner donations.
Some travelers began their journey well before the designated 100 miles and continued beyond it, demonstrating how the rally serves as more than a drive, it’s a gateway into the full experience of the Mother Road. It encourages growth and opportunity that extends beyond the set boundaries. As a participant myself, I know I’ll be back next year, and I truly believe it will be a fresh, unique experience as Midpoint Corridor moves into its third year of planning—not only for the Rally but also the many events mentioned above.
A community that pulls together for a shared purpose will see results. I was especially inspired when I heard Ed, a board member, speak about his vision and the obedience of faith combined with love for community during a Rally planning meeting at Venue 66 in Bristow.
Above all, a heartfelt thankyou to the many behind-thescenes workers like Holly Turnbull and volunteers who made this event a smooth, heartwarming, and lasting experience.
To participate in events or get involved you can find more information at Route 66 Midpoint Corridor website and Facebook page.