By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — The Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce on Saturday is producing its first Route 66 Fall Festival.

Events will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Military Avenue, said Jim Hall, chamber director.

Hall said the event is being launched this year in anticipation of the planned Mother Road Marathon next year. He said next year’s Fall Festival will be held the day before the marathon.

Activities include a car cruise, food vendors, a petting zoo, a beer garden and cash prizes. Live Wire will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration for the car cruise will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. at 10th Street and Military Avenue.

The event also will include the Mother Road Chili Cook-off, open to Baxter Springs civic clubs, churches and chamber businesses. The winner will receive a traveling trophy. The cook-off will be held in front of the Route 66 Visitor Center, which also is the chamber office.

Last year, Cowtown Days was replaced by the town’s sesquicentennial celebration. Now Cowtown Days is being phased out in favor of the Route 66 Festival.

“We’ve had a good response,” Hall said. “You have to try something new. Hopefully it’s something we can add to next year.”

The Joplin (Mo.) Convention and Visitors Bureau is organizing the Mother Road Marathon, planned for 2010.

“We think it makes good sense to take advantage of the work they’ve done,” Hall said.

Information about the Route 66 Fall Festival is available online at www.baxtersprings.us.