Route 66 Trading Cards Launch on April 15th

The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, in collaboration with multiple statewide Route 66 organizations, is launching a collectible series of trading cards for the Route 66 Centennial. Starting April 15th, cards will be available at locations across the Route 66 corridor from Illinois to California for $1 apiece.

“We wanted to offer a fun and different item that people could add to their Route 66 itineraries as they travel during the road’s 100th Anniversary,” said Rhys Martin, board member of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. “State associations and scenic byways have been working together with the Road Ahead for a decade now and we wanted something to show that Route 66 truly is one long linear community that also gives back to that community.”

Each card includes a Route 66 landmark, with locations divided out across the eight states that the road passes through with a list of factoids on the back. The number of cards in each state was determined by mileage and each location was selected by individual state Route 66 organizations.

This initial launch of 27 cards was made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. “Working alongside the other seven Route 66 states to create a unique, nostalgic, and exciting Centennial offering truly reflects the strength and value of collaboration,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director of the Byway. “I’m incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated and passionate group of Route 66 stewards.  I hope travelers will appreciate the care, time, and collective effort that went into bringing this project to life.”

26 of the cards will be sold at various locations along Route 66 while the 27th will be offered from the Route 66 Centennial Caravan as it makes its way across the highway in June. Cards will only cost a dollar apiece, with a portion of each sale going to the business offering the card and a portion going back to each state organization.

“This initial set of cards will hopefully inspire other businesses and landmarks to get involved,” Martin continued. “We plan to offer future ‘booster packs’ of cards with those proceeds going to the Road Ahead Partnership’s Preservation and Economic Development Grant.”

To start your collection, look up card-selling locations at www.route66tradingcards.com. To learn more about the Route 66 Centennial Caravan in June, go to www.route66caravan.com.