Oklahoma Route 66 hosts Centennial Celebration

 OKLAHOMA (KFOR) - The Mother Road is turning 100. 

“This is the most famous road in the entire world,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. “Oklahoma has more miles of it than any other state in the country.” 

Route 66 was born November 11, 1926 and will hit the 100 year mark in 2026. Running from Chicago all the way to LA, the road has more than 400 drivable miles in Oklahoma. 

The celebration for the milestone kicked off Thursday morning. 

"I think Route 66 has one of the greatest economic and historical projects in our state,” said Governor George Nigh. 

Governor George Nigh is among the five former governors named as Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission Honorary Chairs. 

The others are Governor David Walters, Governor Frank Keating, Governor Brad Henry and Governor Mary Fallin. 

"Imagine how many millions of people drive through our state and what it means for the economy… They stop and fill up with gas,” said Nigh. “They go shopping. They spend time in motels, hotels, visit our state parks and lodges."

That economic impact is expected to increase during the Centennial Celebration. 

"This will be on the front page of every travel magazine in the country about where to go in 2026,” said Pinnell. 

The official centennial logo was also revealed Thursday. It was designed by recent OU grad Lauren Cooper. 

"I like the shape of Oklahoma being involved,” said Nigh. “It’s the heartbeat of our state.” 

Pinnell said an official calendar for the Route 66 100th Anniversary festivities will be released soon.