The City of Wildwood's Historic Preservation Commission held a meeting on August 21, 2025, focusing on preparations for upcoming community events and initiatives aimed at celebrating the city's rich history, particularly in relation to the iconic Route 66.

One of the key highlights was the planning for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Commission members expressed a sense of urgency to ramp up efforts, noting that time is running short. They discussed various initiatives, including the development of a Route 66 grant program and the installation of wayfinding signage along Old Manchester Road, which features banners promoting the anniversary.

In addition to signage, the commission is organizing a series of community events to engage residents and visitors. These include a drive-in movie series featuring the "Cars" films, a bunion derby run that will showcase Wildwood's historic landmarks, and a scavenger hunt. The drive-in movies will take place over three Fridays, with each participating city—Wildwood, Eureka, and Pacific—screening a different film.

The commission also discussed the creation of a Route 66 magazine in collaboration with Leader Publications. This project aims to highlight local businesses and historical content, with the Wildwood Historical Society contributing material. The city plans to purchase advertising space in the magazine to promote the commission's partnership with the society, proposing an additional sponsorship of a third of a page to further showcase their collaborative efforts.

As the meeting concluded, members emphasized the importance of community involvement in these initiatives, encouraging residents to wear Route 66 shirts during events and participate in activities that will help shape the future of Wildwood's historic preservation efforts. The commission is committed to ensuring that the history of Wildwood is celebrated and preserved for generations to come.