By Laura Huffman
Updated 11/27/19
I’m a traditionalist at heart when it comes to Christmas. However, it is hard not to get hopped up on neon when you work with Beth Wiles. Wiles, in addition to serving as the Executive Director of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, also volunteers as the President of Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation.
Why does Wiles dream of neon year-round? Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation’s signature project is the installation of a Neon Park at George M. Reed Roadside Park in Saint Robert, Missouri. The Neon Park will feature neon signs rescued from Route 66’s roadside and professionally restored to their colorful glory.
Route 66 Neon Park rendering by Ireland Architects. Rendering and signs are for illustration purposes only.
Pulaski County Route 66 Preservation, a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit, has already acquired five noteworthy signs for the completed project: Modern Cabins (Oaks Court, Saint Robert), St. Louis Motel, Stanley Cour-Tel Motel, and LinAir Motel. The group is in discussions concerning acquisition of several more neon beauties.
Route 66 Neon Park rendering by Ireland Architects. Rendering and signs are for illustration purposes only.
The completed Neon Park will be a brilliant, iconic beacon for Route 66 travelers, neon sign enthusiasts, photographers, and folks from all walks of life. After dark the Neon Park will be magical!
How can you play a part in making Saint Robert’s Neon Park a reality? One way to help is by purchasing neon items from the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center gift shop. A variety of fun and splashy novelty items, from fedoras to sunglasses, will make for unique stocking stuffers and are New Year’s Eve essentials! To plan your purchase visit the online store at: https://squareup.com/market/pulaski-county-tourism-bureau-and-visitors-center. ALL proceeds from these items will go towards the completion of the Neon Park project.
A portion of ALL purchases of items in the Visitors Center gift shop, with the exception of consignment items, will be added to the Route 66 Neon Park fund! Need an item for a Route 66 fan? Have a Pulaski County history buff on your list?
For other ways to make your tax-deductible donation or contribution please visit https://www.visitpulaskicounty.org/rt66preservation/contact.html. For corporate sponsorship considerations contact Beth Wiles at 573-336-6355 or via email at bethw@pulaskicountyusa.com
In the meantime, have a very Merry Neon Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Pulaski County USA 