Last Saturday, June 22, saw numerous adventure seekers travel Route 66 from Edmond to Sapulpa for the Inaugural Route 66 Midpoint Corridor Road Rally. The road rally consisted of around 100 miles, stretching between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and saw participants visit 11 towns and cities along the way.
Participants paid $25 per vehicle to join the rally and received a schedule and list of selfie stops for each of the 11 towns and cities included. Bristow listed 3 such selfie stops: the buffalo in front of City Hall, Bret Fadely’s Bristow Route 66 Toy Museum, and VFW Post 3656 Wake Island Memorial. For their parts, VFW and VFW Auxiliary Members and Fadely and his volunteers set up goodies to sell and welcome participants.
For its part, the VFW and VFWA did not greet any visitors as none entered the post, according to Virginia Ray of the VFWA. She noted that VFW and VFWA members had hot dogs, sodas, branded t-
See Rally , Page Three shirts and 8-ounce tumblers, and raffle tickets available for sale inside the post with numerous members ready to greet those traveling. Unfortunately, she said it was later—after the event had been running for hours—when they learned that participants were only instructed to take a selfie at the location. Still, she said that members did enjoy their time together while waiting. Meanwhile, Fadely and crew at Bristow Route 66 Toy Museum fared better than the VFW when it came to visitors stopping in to say “hello” and check out the listed stop.
While he had hoped for “more folks to stop”, Fadely expressed optimism that the event will continue to grow in future years and stated “It was fun meeting people, and everyone [who entered] enjoyed the toys and the stories that accompanied them. Fadely explained that some of his most interesting items on display include a half-scale dragster and cars from Bells Amusement Park. Each commonly draws visitors’ attention upon entry. As for the visitors who entered the museum, he estimated around 50 people came in Saturday with perhaps 20 of them being rally participants.
Many of those visiting the museum complimented Fadely’s toy collection and display arrangements. In fact, Fadely said that he’s had many out-of-state visitors enjoy it and state that “they can’t wait to come back!” He also described one of the things he most enjoys and continues to look forward to as he completes the museum and gets it open for good, saying “I love people. When they come in, they are happy. I also love when they find a toy they had as a kid, and their faces light up.” Truly, who among us can imagine a thing more fun to run than a toy museum?
Finally, Fadely wished to thank all travelers, visitors, and Bristowans for visiting and helping him boost his dream by enjoying his toys and displays, donating, and sharing smiles and memories. Specifically, he wished to thank his friends and family, including two good friends who volunteered to greet people Saturday and have offered him continuing support: James Mitchell and Dr. Chip Cooper. He also thanked his daughter and his granddaughter for being there Saturday and making the day so much sweeter and lighter. Additionally, he offered gratitude for the unwavering love and support of his wife and further said “One thing’s for sure: everyone tell Lanette Fadely thank you for all of her support!”
Visit “Route 66 Midpoint Corridor” on Facebook to view participants’ photos of the day and learn more.