Route 66 Iconic Ariston Cafe' neon sign will light up the night once again
Relighting ceremony of neon sign to take place Saturday evening in Litchfield

 

[May 03, 2019] 

Route 66 History comes to life this Saturday, May 4 at the Ariston Café in Litchfield, IL. Celebrating 95 years of Route 66 service, the Ariston Café, a historic landmark on the Mother Road, has long since taken the title of “The Oldest Continuously Operating Restaurant on Route 66”. The exterior neon signs and window accents that once greeted travelers on their journey from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA, will shine brightly once again on Saturday, May 4, and all are invited to see them shine again!

The Ariston Café, located at 413 N. Old Route 66 in Litchfield, IL, will host a one of a kind party on May 4, as they invite the public to join in the Official Relighting Ceremony of vintage neon signs and neon window accents located on the exterior of the Ariston Café. Cruise in with your classic car and join the others that will be available for viewing starting at 7 PM. While waiting for the perfect time to flip the switch, groove to the tune of music from the 1950s and 1960s and mingle with other Route 66 fans. The Official Program will begin as dusk nears, and the Official Relighting will take place between 8 PM and 8:15 PM. Feel free to make a night of it, come early and grab a bite to eat at the Ariston Café, and then walk across the street to the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center, which will be open for extended hours on this special night, and then head back over to the Ariston in time for the festivities to begin. Plan your schedule accordingly so you don’t miss this landmark event. Everyone will be welcomed with Route 66 hospitality.
 

This event has been made possible through the partnership of Nick & Demi Adam, former owners of the Ariston Café, Will & Michele Law and Marty & Kara Steffens, current owners of the Ariston Café, the Neon Heritage Preservation Committee from the Route 66 Association of Missouri, and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program from the National Park Service.

Come and get your kicks on Route 66 in Litchfield on Saturday, May 4 from 7 PM – 8:30 PM at the Ariston Café (413 N. Old Route 66, Litchfield, IL). For those who need overnight accommodations, Litchfield is home to six hotels and multiple campgrounds; all of which can be found on VisitLitchfield.com. For more information contact the Ariston Café at 217-324-2023 or check out VisitLitchfield.com. Come early or stay late, everyone is welcome on Litchfield’s Route 66!

[Geoff Ladd
Assistant Director
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway]