Ace Sign Co. partners with Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway to create custom giant neon sign for November 11 Centennial Celebration and fundraiser featuring STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas at Motorheads in Springfield
Springfield, IL — October 26, 2026 — A new piece of Route 66 history is taking shape in Springfield as locally owned Ace Sign Co. designs and builds a giant Route 66 neon sign in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway as part of the state’s celebration of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.
The one-of-a-kind sign, valued at $6,000, will be raffled off as part of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration and fundraiser taking place November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex in Springfield. The event will feature a full live concert by legendary rock band STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas, bringing a landmark live performance to the heart of Illinois Route 66 during its centennial year.
The intimate celebration will be limited to just 400 guests, making the November 11 event a unique opportunity to celebrate Route 66 in a small-venue setting while supporting the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s nonprofit mission to preserve and promote the Mother Road.
The new neon sign is being created specifically to commemorate the centennial and celebrate the enduring connection between Route 66, Springfield and the distinctive neon signs that have helped define the visual identity of the Mother Road.
Ace Sign Co. will also give the public a behind-the-scenes look at the sign’s creation, sharing videos throughout the fabrication process as the giant neon sign is designed and built right here in Springfield. The videos will showcase the craftsmanship and work that goes into creating this one-of-a-kind piece before it is raffled off.
“Route 66 is about the places, businesses, people and stories that have given the highway its character for 100 years,” said Casey Claypool, Executive Director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.
“Having Ace Sign Co. create this incredible piece of neon in partnership with the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is a wonderful example of that legacy continuing. It brings together Springfield craftsmanship, Route 66 history and the spirit of celebration that makes the centennial so special.”
“Six generations of sign making began in our family nearly 166 years ago, when August Brand began decorating horse carriages in downtown Springfield circa 1860, at the time Abraham Lincoln became our 16th president. This passion for art evolved into Ace Sign Co., established in 1940, during the heyday of Route 66 and the advent of a new technology: Neon.
“Today, we continue to innovate for the road ahead, while preserving history. It’s an honor to create this one-of-a-kind authentic neon sign to commemorate and celebrate 100 years of the Mother Road. A sign built to inspire the next 100 years,” said Scott Bringuet of Ace Sign Co.
Ace Sign Co. has a long-standing connection to Springfield’s Route 66 story. The company is also responsible for the neon signage featured at the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, helping bring the visual history and character of the Mother Road to life for visitors, including the recent installation of the neon Cozy Dog.
The public will have an opportunity to take home this one-of-a-kind piece of Route 66 history, valued at $6,000. Only 300 raffle chances will be available, at $50 each, making this a limited opportunity to win a custom neon sign created by one of Springfield’s historic sign-making companies.
The winning chance will be drawn and announced during the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield.
Raffle chances can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/CentennialNeonSignRaffle. Additional information will also be available at the Centennial Celebration.
All proceeds from the raffle will support the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s nonprofit mission to preserve and promote Route 66 in Illinois.
Please note: Shipping costs for the neon sign will not be covered by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and will be the responsibility of the raffle winner.
The Route 66 Centennial Celebration begins at 5.30p.m. on November 11, 2026, at Route 66 Motorheads in Springfield. The evening will feature food, festivities and a full live concert by STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas, whose iconic hits include “We Built This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
Tickets include:
- Dinner and dessert
- Late-night appetizers
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- The full live concert experience
The event is a fundraiser supporting the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission to preserve and promote Illinois Route 66.
With only 400 tickets available, space for this special Centennial Celebration is limited.
Centennial Celebration tickets are available here: https://illinoisroute66.app.neoncrm.com/event-detail?event=2&
Raffle chances for the giant Route 66 neon sign are available online at https://bit.ly/CentennialNeonSignRaffle. The winner will be announced during the Centennial Celebration on November 11.
For updates and additional event details, visit the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway’s website and Facebook page.
PHOTO: Rendering of the giant Route 66 neon sign created by Ace Sign Co.
