As a musician sang “Chenoa’s alright with me” and “Chenoa’s the place to be,” visitors to the uptown area enjoyed the Chenoa Superior Shopping Event featuring numerous vendors over the weekend.
This was held in conjunction with the annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival which includes towns all along the famous highway in Central Illinois.
“It is consistent and busy but most importantly, you see some fabulous cars,” said Sarah Michaels, Chenoa community coordinator and volunteer for the Red Carpet Corridor. “I love it that people are coming from north, south, east and west.”
People from as far away as Champaign, St. Louis and Rockford enjoyed Chenoa on Saturday and Sunday.
“Get ready to rev your engines because 2026 is the 100-year anniversary of the Mother Road,” notes Michaels.
In the old days, Route 66 is what took motorists from Chicago to Los Angeles and the Disney movie, “Cars” was based on the road.
“Chenoa is in perfect proximity to enjoy a little bit of nostalgia.”
Visitors also saw the Texaco Star at the original Goodin’s Texaco gas station location and drove past the Matthew T. Scott House which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Women’s Club sponsored garage sales around the community too.
The historic uptown architecture was on display which includes Chenoa Pharmacy that has the original 1889 floors and cabinetry.
The brand-new Chenoa dog park known as “Route 66 Fetch & Stretch” held Red Rover Day on Saturday with events including adoption, a kissing booth, special guest photos, cuddling, dog games, tattoos and paw stamps. There was even a dog treat eating contest and costume style contest at the site on North Morehead Street.
“Many thanks for your support and visits yesterday that made Red Rover Day a fun one,” said a post on the Chenoa dog park Facebook page.
