As part of this year’s festival, McLean County communities have named Grand Marshals—local ambassadors whose leadership and dedication have played a vital role in preserving, celebrating, and advancing the legacy of Route 66.
CHENOA
Manny Hernandez is a dedicated public servant and community advocate in Chenoa, Illinois. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, he moved to Chenoa in 2019, bringing more than 24 years of law enforcement experience since beginning his career in 2002. He currently serves as a police officer with the City of Bloomington and as a council member for the City of Chenoa, extending his impact across the region.
In September 2023, Manny was sworn in as a commissioner, further strengthening his leadership at the local level. He has prioritized initiatives that connect environmental stewardship with community growth, helping lead the planting of more than 150 trees along Route 66 and playing a key role in reconnecting historic sections of the roadway, including the 1920 alignment—preserving local heritage while enhancing the visitor experience.
Grounded in service, Manny believes small, thoughtful steps lead to lasting impact and remains committed to strengthening the Chenoa community for years to come.
Manny will be available for a meet-and-greet at Red Bird Park on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
LEXINGTON
Spencer Johansen has long been committed to serving the Lexington community, which he has called home for more than 60 years. A graduate of Lexington schools, he and his wife raised their three children in the community, where family and local involvement remain central to his life. Johansen’s public service began in the United States Air Force and the Army National Guard. In 1989, he joined the Lexington Police Department, serving as Chief of Police until his retirement in 2009. His career in law enforcement was marked by a strong emphasis on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community trust.
After retiring from the police department, Johansen continued his service when he was elected to the Lexington City Council in 2013. He was elected Mayor in 2017 and continues to focus on responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, and support for local businesses — all while preserving the character and values that define Lexington.
Through steady leadership and collaboration, Mayor Johansen remains dedicated to supporting a strong future for the Lexington community.
Mayor Johansen will be available for a meet-and-greet at the American Eagle Sculpture on Saturday, May 2 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
TOWANDA
Fred Walk is a lifelong educator and preservationist with a 50-year career in teaching and curriculum development. He earned his bachelor’s degree in geography education from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s in education from Illinois State University. Fred taught social studies at Normal Community High School from 1972 to 2005 before transitioning to Illinois State University, where he taught human geography and history, coordinated the history-social science student teaching program, and advised students through 2020. He also worked nationally as a teacher consultant, developing materials and leading workshops for organizations including National Geographic Society, Population Reference Bureau, and Teacher Curriculum Institute.
In 1998, Fred founded the Towanda Route 66 Parkway alongside his students and community volunteers, preserving a 4.1-mile stretch of historic roadway. What began as an educational project has grown into a Level I accredited arboretum featuring nearly 400 trees, native grasses, and prairie landscapes—believed to be the only accredited arboretum along the 2,448-mile Route 66 corridor.
Fred enjoys traveling, reading, spending time outdoors, and being with his family.
Fred will be available for a meet-and-greet on Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 – 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.
BLOOMINGTON
Jeff Woodard leads the development and stewardship of key regional and local partnerships, serving as a visible ambassador for the McLean County Museum of History through community events, board service, and professional organizations. He also plays a vital role as a liaison to the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project, where he conducts and preserves multiple oral histories each year. Jeff holds an Associate of Science in Electrical Service Engineering and brings more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Museum.
Jeff has served on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways board for a number of years and was involved in the Bloomington-Normal Route 66 planning committee and the development of the Cruising with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center.
Jeff will be available for a meet-and-greet at the McLean County of History on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
NORMAL
Dr. Terri Ryburn is a historian, preservationist, and creative whose work celebrates and protects the legacy of Route 66 in Normal, Illinois. A retired faculty member from Illinois State University, she holds a doctorate in history and wrote her dissertation on the Mother Road—an interest sparked by childhood road trips across the country.
Terri is best known for saving the historic Sprague Service Station, a 1930 Tudor Revival–style gas station, from demolition. With support from grants and the Route 66 Association of Illinois, she led its restoration before selling it to the Town of Normal in 2017 to continue the work. She now operates a gift shop in the building and lives upstairs.
A writer, actor, published playwright, and stand-up comedian, Terri brings Route 66 to life through storytelling, including film projects set along the iconic highway. She is a strong advocate for preservation funding and its impact on communities.
Terri will be available for a meet-and-greet at Ryburn Place on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
MCLEAN
John Yates grew up in Normal, attended NCHS, and graduated from UIUC with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1991. But it is his entrepreneurial spirit that has driven him since childhood, rather than his education. From selling paper airplanes and buying, selling and repairing lawnmowers in grade school, to attempting (and failing at) several internet startups, John has spent most of his life trying to implement his somewhat crazy business visions.
For over a decade, Yates’s vision has been to transform the town of McLean, IL into a “Classic Arcade World.” This has so far resulted in various arcades in four buildings, an arcade auction-house, five arcade-themed Airbnb’s, and future plans that include an interactive museum exhibit that “walks through arcade history,” a couple of restaurants, and several more luxury Airbnb’s.