Bethany will shut down part of 39th Street on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a citywide festival marking 100 years of Route 66.
Four organizations are filling the day with events from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., KOKH first reported. The historic highway was officially commissioned on Nov. 11, 1926, and the Bethany celebration falls four days ahead of that centennial date.
The lineup spans four venues.
The day starts at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, which hosts a Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will feature handmade crafts, homemade baked goods, seasonal décor and gifts, according to the event page on bethanychildrens.org.
The Bethany Merchants Association opens its stretch at 10 a.m. with local vendors, food trucks, a live DJ, family games and a Children's Entrepreneur Market running until 3 p.m.
Southern Nazarene University, whose campus sits on Historic Route 66 at 6729 NW 39th Expressway, ties the celebration into its Homecoming weekend. The university's portion runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a classic car show, live entertainment and performances from "Oklahoma! The Musical."
The final event of the day belongs to Bethany Children's Health Center. Its Route 66 Centennial Celebration, presented by MidFirst Bank, runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Families can get a close-up preview of the new Outpatient Center of Excellence, part of what the health center calls its "Landmark of Hope" campus expansion. A petting zoo, food trucks and inclusive games round out the afternoon.
The city said in a statement that the festival highlights Bethany as a community where residents can come together to support local businesses and organizations.
Drivers should note that a portion of 39th Street will be closed Nov. 7. A parking map is available at bethanychildrens.org.
What's coming up
- Saturday, Nov. 7 — Bethany Route 66 Centennial Festival, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., multiple venues along 39th Street
- Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Official 100th anniversary of Route 66's commissioning
