The Route 66 Flywheelers began in 1991, when Catoosa Mayor, Curtis Conley invited a local engine collector to contact some fellow engine enthusiasts and set up a display at the City’s Independence Day Festival, Liberty Fest. There was a parade down the city’s main thoroughfare, a band in Gazebo Park, and a small group of engine enthusiasts. The display seemed to be well received by the people of Catoosa and surrounding areas and was invited back the following year. The gathering grew steadily over the next few years, mainly consisting of local folks with kindred spirits.

In the mid 1990’s, Catoosa opted to move Liberty Fest to Rogers Point Park on Route 66 on the Verdigris River. This was a good move for the city, as there is more space, better facilities to accommodate the people, and a place for a really great fireworks display. This left the engine enthusiasts behind at Gazebo Park. Once again, Mayor Conley came to the rescue. He declared the third Saturday and Sunday of October as Catoosa’s Fall Festival. The first Fall Festival consisted of an engine show and an evening street dance with live music. This being in October when the evening temperatures hovered near the forty degree mark attributed to the street dance being a one year event.

The following year fliers were printed and a local radio station advertised the event at the expense of the exhibitors. With the growth of the Engine Show came the need for things associated with the show, such as buttons, plaques, and advertising. In 1997 one of the exhibitors took it upon himself to supply the show with buttons at his own expense. The exhibitors had always covered the expenses since there was no club, no dues, and no money. The spectators were fed as they discussed engines, and always offered to pay. They would always ask, “how much for supper?” Of course paying was not an option.

We first advertised nationally in 1998. While filling out the paper work the area for club name appeared. There had never been a club, let alone a club name, thus causing the birth of Route 66 Flywheelers ‘Oklahoma’s non-club”. That year an article was written and published, fliers were printed and the show grew tremendously. People were still asking “how much for supper?” Everyone pitched in even more to cover the cost of food. With the added cost of advertising and food we reluctantly set out a donation jar. Wow! We had no idea how much people appreciated us. We had never charged anything for exhibiting, flea market spaces or admission. With the generosity of the people, we should never have to. We have grown steadily year after year, with the year 2003 being a year of growth beyond our greatest expectations. We have forty seven registered exhibitors, approximately 150 engines, as well as garden tractors, mowers and agricultural exhibits, plus vendors. We are primarily an engine show, but always have a few tractors and usually a great display of cars, trucks and motorcycles.

In 2005 we had our first antique tractor pulls. It was a success. In 2007 the club decided to finally move to Rogers Point Park on Hwy. 66 approximately 2 1/2 miles north of Gazebo Park in Catoosa. Mayor Rita Lamkin also made it a city event in 2007. Starting in 2008 the show will be sponsored by the City of Catoosa, Ok. The show has been extended to three days instead of two, which are the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of October. With the help of the citizens and City of Catoosa the show will be here for many years to come.

For more information contact Mike Cartwright at 918-231-0135.