Oklahoma Route 66 Association

To our Route 66 community:

I’m deeply saddened by the issues that so many people experienced that came to Tulsa to participate in the Capital Cruise. Although the Oklahoma Route 66 Association was not involved in the planning and ex*****on of this event, as a statewide organization we are affected by anything that negatively impacts the Route 66 corridor. Many of you have reached out to express your frustration, your sadness, and your fears…and we hear you. I wish I had a good solution; what I do have is a few words.

Two things can be true at the same time: thousands of people came to Tulsa to participate in the Capital Cruise, where they had a wonderful time and cruised Historic Route 66 to help break a Guinness World Record as a way to celebrate the road’s overall centennial celebrations. At the same time, hundreds more were turned away at the gate and couldn’t participate, even though many of them had traveled a great distance and spent a lot of money to do so.

Two other things can also be true: I’m proud of Tulsa’s history related to Route 66…but I’m also very disappointed in how this major event has damaged the city’s reputation. At the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, we’ve received comment after comment from people swearing they will never come to Tulsa to spend another dime. Social media has a way of amplifying anger, of course, but what we’re hearing comes from many directions. And while the organizers have released a statement and are refunding everyone’s registration fees, what was lost can’t really be replaced.

I am proud to have participated in the event, both as an individual and as a representative of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. But my heart breaks for the many people that were let down. I don’t know what comes next…but I know it is not boycotting the small businesses, the mom-and-pop operations, and the advocates that make Route 66 what it is today. None of them are to blame for what happened…and Route 66 is still a journey worth taking. I hope the folks that were turned away know that Route 66 itself, along with its many legacy businesses and unique experiences, welcomes you with open arms. I hope to see you on the road.

Sincerely,

Rhys Martin
President
Oklahoma Route 66 Association

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See our full schedule on the website: www.route66caravan.com/schedule

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