There's something special about photographing an event that brings together history, community, music, and memories. On May 30, 2026, I spent the afternoon and evening at Scissortail Park documenting the Kickin' It On Route 66 Centennial Celebration, an event honoring 100 years of the iconic Mother Road and its lasting impact on Oklahoma City.
Throughout the day, visitors explored vendor booths, enjoyed family activities, listened to live music, and shared stories connected to Route 66. The atmosphere was energetic yet welcoming, offering countless opportunities to capture genuine moments between friends, families, performers, and festivalgoers.
As daylight faded, the celebration transformed with colorful lights, live entertainment, and the highly anticipated Neon Nights Drone Show. Watching hundreds of drones illuminate the Oklahoma City skyline created a memorable finale and provided a unique photographic challenge unlike anything else from the evening.
This gallery showcases my perspective of the event—from candid moments and community gatherings to live performances and the spectacular sights that filled the sky. These images reflect not only the celebration itself but also the people who came together to honor a century of history along Route 66.
