Classic cars, music and Route 66 memorabilia highlight the St. Louis Route 66 Festival. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, 10850 Riverview Dr., St. Louis, the place where historic Old Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River.

The event, which begins at 11 a.m., offers seven hours of activities on both the Missouri and Illinois sides of the historic bridge, which is now one of the world's longest pedestrian and biking spans. Highlights of the festival include a classic car display lining the bridge, Route 66 authors and speakers, American road food from barbecue to frozen custard available for sale and live musical entertainment featuring some of St. Louis' favorite musicians performing throughout the day.

For many decades the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was a key link in the now beloved Route 66. The bridge is a significant connection in the Missouri-Illinois trail system and is part of The Confluence, a riverside conservation, heritage and recreation corridor being developed in the heart of the St. Louis region. Trailnet, a not-for-profit organization that promotes active living through bicycling and pedestrian activities and The Confluence in partnership with the city of Madison, IL, were responsible for bridge renovations.

In 2006 the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of a Route 66 application designating significant structures along the historic route from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA.

Classic car enthusiasts may participate by filling out a vehicle registration form found here. The fee is $15, $10 before September 25.

Directions: To reach the Missouri festival site at the bridge entrance, exit I-270 at Riverview and go south 100 yards. The bridge entrance is on the left; parking fee is $5. Additional parking is available without charge at the St. Louis Welcome Center at Riverview and I-270 and North Riverfront Park, off Riverview south of the waterworks. A free shuttle will be available from both locations until 6:30 pm. Expanded free parking also is available at the Illinois bridge entrance. From I-270 take IL Route 3 south to Chain of Rocks Road. Turn right (west) on Chain of Rocks Road crossing the Chain of Rocks Canal to the Bridge entrance. Visitors will be directed to the new and improved parking.

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