Why The 2026 Oklahoma State Fair Is Celebrating Route 66’s 100th Birthday

The Oklahoma State Fair picked a theme for 2026 that feels even more "Oklahoma" than the 2007 state centennial fair. This year, they're celebrating the Anniversary of Route 66, marking 100 years of the most famous highway in America.

While Route 66 didn't begin in the Sooner State, we turned "The Mother Road" into the legend it is still today. Thanks to a Tulsa businessman named Cyrus Avery, known as the Father of Route 66, who really pushed the neon highway traveling experience into what it became. And along with his excitement and dedication, Oklahoma ended up with more miles of road than any other state.

Border to border, it's over 400 miles straight across Oklahoma, a lot of which still exists.

It's a bigger deal than you may realize.

Route 66 wasn't just a road across America... It was THE road.

A lot of Oklahoma farmers escaped west on that highway during the Dust Bowl. It became the main family vacation road during the Golden Age of America period after World War II. The tiny towns at the end of every stretch bought into the new way of American life, all the same with the famous neon signs, cozy motels, and roadside diners. Route 66 eventually became the main road on which all of our goods were hauled across the country.

All of that history still shows up all over the state. Old gas stations that are still open, one world-famous soda pop store, and tons of little towns that are really leaning into the Route 66 vibe today in 2026.

The nostalgia never really left.

So the State Fair leaning into Route 66 feels right, and if anything, you'll want to show up just to get the cups. They'll surely be collectors' items one day.