Along66, May 2022: Illinois State Fair and Another Bridge Closed

MAY 7

The Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois, paints its giant slide with a Route 66 theme.

It is 40 feet tall, 130 feet long and eractyed in 1968 near the main gate.

There will be a big ol' Route 66 shield on it.

The Fair runs from August 11 to August 21.

Sorry guys, at my age and problems with steps, I don't think I'll be sliding down it.  But, I will have another Cozy Dog.

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MAY 8

The historic Route 66 bridge near Marshfield, Missouri has been closed.

THe Route CC bridge over the Niangua Branch River east of Marshfield will be permanently closed this week to make way for a new bridge.

It was built in 1923 and is a Pratt pony truss bridge built by M.E. Gillioz.   He built a lot of bridges.  Plus, the Gillioz Theater in Springfield is there because of him.

--RoadDog

Giant Slide on Route 66 in Illinois Offers Business Opportunity

From the June 23rd Chicago Tribune.

But, it will cost you a cool $175,00 and it just might be likely prove to be a big headache to move as it stands 50 feet tall and is 170 feet long. Right now it sits just off Route 66 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, just a hop, skip and a jump from Bill Shea's.

Businessman Dennis Herrington hopes the next owner will keep it where it is. It is considered a fair landmark along with state fair fries and has become synonymous with the fair and is often seen behind state governors.

It was one of 42 "Giant Slides" (there is also one at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds) built in the 1960s in the US, Australia and Canada, said Fred Pittroff, the slide's inventor, who said he built the Springfield one over a weekend in 1968. He operated it for five years and sold it to a family who ran it until they sold to Herrington in 1993.

This last owner says he gets between 25,000 to 30,000 people to ride those burlap bags down the slope for $3 a ride, or two for $5.

It's a Sliding Away I Go. --RoadDog