Presented by
Meet the 98.7 WNNS Circle of Friends – your connection to the heartbeat of the Springfield area!
The Circle of Friends is your best variety for inside scoops, volunteer engagement, and issues that matter most to our vibrant community.
Join the conversation and let’s celebrate the best of Springfield, together!
Meet Our Latest Friend
The Morning Routine with Rocki and Lacey welcomed Tourism Director Scott Dahl to talk about a major milestone: 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66. The conversation kicked off with details about a special Memorial Day Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social, part of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration and presented in partnership with the Capital City Bourbon Journey. This reimagined take on a classic tradition features not only ice cream sundaes, but also Old Fashioned cocktails for guests 21 and over. Held outdoors on the lawn of Edwards Place, the event offers something for everyone, including live local music, lawn games, and a chance to celebrate history in front of Springfield’s oldest standing home.
The discussion also highlighted the Centennial Route 66 5K, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This commemorative run celebrates Route 66’s 100-year legacy by combining fitness, nostalgia, and classic Americana into one memorable morning.
Another major event coming to Springfield is The Great Race, an antique, vintage, and collector car endurance rally held on public highways. Rather than testing top speed, the race challenges driver-and-navigator teams to follow precise instructions while their vehicles endure a cross-country journey—making skill, teamwork, and reliability the true focus.
The segment wrapped up with a preview of two signature celebrations: Downtown Springfield’s Fourth of July America 250 celebration and the 25th Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. Returning to historic downtown Springfield September 25–27, this beloved festival will once again feature classic cars, live music, and the nostalgia Route 66 has brought to generations—making 2026 a truly historic year as the Mother Road hits its centennial milestone.
