The Town of Normal hosts a free, community picnic embracing vintage fun and nostalgic road trips on the Mother Road from noon-4 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at One Normal Plaza in honor of the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66. The 1950s-themed roadside picnic is part of a countywide-decades party coordinated by Visit BN.
“We are thrilled to represent the 1950s decade along the historic route,” says Cultural Arts Director Beth Whisman. “We really leaned into the fun, kitsch nostalgia of the decade’s family road trips, music and activities.”
The Retro Roadside Picnic invites community members and Route 66 travelers to experience a classic roadside picnic. Picnic goers can look forward to:
- Live music, 12:30-3:30 p.m., from 1950s-inspired rockabilly band Union Avenue
- Roller skating rink and free skate rentals
- Vintage baseball, 12:30-2 p.m., played by the Prairie Chicken Vintage Baseball Club of McLean County
- Classic cars on display, coordinated by Mid State Cruisers
- Rivian R2, R1S and R1T on display, provided by Rivian
- Yard games and activities provided by the Children’s Discovery Museum, Illinois Art Station and Parks & Recreation pop-up park
- Photo ops with vintage cars, Rivian vehicles, the Route 66 Normal Gateway sign and the Town’s Centennial logo.
- Giveaway items with the Route 66 Centennial Logo
- New sculpture garden preview and centennial mural installed at nearby Sprague’s Super Service Station
In the spirit of the decade, visitors can enjoy vintage eats at throwback prices (while supplies last). Meal deal bundles, including a choice of a hot dog or hamburger, chips and a drink, sold for $3. Cold treats are available for purchase from Carl’s Ice Cream for $2 each.
“What makes Route 66 so enduring is the strong community it has created. This event is a celebration of the communities that connect Route 66 travelers and also for our own residents to enjoy,” explains Whisman.
Free parking is available in the marked lots off Pine and Lincoln, in addition to free street parking nearby. Accessible parking is available in the Water Department lot off Pine Street
A bike valet parking will be available near the pavilion for attendees planning to ride their bikes to the event utilizing the nearby trail access.
Sprague’s Super Service Station, located two blocks from One Normal Plaza off Pine Street, is a popular Route 66 stop for travelers. The historic service station unveils a new mural representing life in Normal during the 1950s and 1960s, painted by artist Joseph Diaz.
Also in One Normal Plaza, the Town’s Sculpture Park is beginning to take shape. Event visitors can visit the public art display and see three of four new sculptures recently installed.
Much like the Mother Road’s lasting legacy, the Town of Normal’s Route 66 Centennial Logo, unifies and commemorates past, present and future. Thanks to a partnership with locally operated CM Promotions (a Geiger company), patrons can take a piece of Normal’s celebration with them by choosing from a variety of apparel items and accessories, including throwback merchandise such as a Stanley® classic vacuum insulated bottle, diner mugs and more features on the online store.
About One Normal Plaza (601 E. Lincoln St.)
One Normal Plaza, formerly Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home and School, is a 22-acre public park featuring outdoor activities located within the park, including picnic tables and shelters, play equipment, walking trails and Constitution Trail access, field spaces, an in-line hockey skating rink, and more. One Normal Plaza is home to the Town of Normal Route 66 Gateway sign, which draws Route 66 visitors year-round.
About Sprague’s Super Service Station (305 Pine St., Normal)
Sprague’s Super Service Station is on the National Register of Historic Places (2008) and is also a designated local landmark (2011). The Tudor-Revival style building at 305 Pine St. was constructed in 1930-31 by Bloomington Contractor William W. Sprague. He developed the building to house his traffic-related business along the popular Route 66 corridor, which followed Pine Street through a portion of Normal. The first floor featured the office, cafe and mechanical space for the service station. Two apartments were located on the second level and served as residences for the owner and service attendant.
About the logo
The Town worked with Rivian and local designer and illustrator Mike Mahle (mikemahle.com) to create a unifying visual identity celebrating 100 years of adventure on “the Mother Road” in our community.
The logo nods to the charm, humor and pop culture kitsch surrounding Route 66, following the trend of famous historical figures being humorously misquoted or misrepresented via internet memes.
“Rivian has also made an impact on our community and we were thrilled when they joined our effort,” adds Whisman. “The logo reflects the legacy of the past, the vibrancy of the present and the promise of the future.”
