Celebrating 50 Years of Dogwood!

Celebrating 50 Years of Dogwood!

The Dogwood Festival hosts thousands of devoted attendees each year, many of whom have attended with their families for decades. Quincy’s celebration showcases the vitality of the city and signals the sure kick-off to spring with a full calendar of events!

Now in its 50th year, organizers have collaborated with Quincy's Lincoln Legacy to observe its heritage festival, Lincoln in the District, on the same weekend. Visitors are invited to follow President Lincoln and Stephen Douglas from the Dogwood Parade on Maine Street to Washington Park for activities that come together to bring the spirit of the era to life. The day will conclude with a concert to benefit the renovation efforts at Washington Theater (see page 8 for details) and the weekend will finish out with a free tours of the 1800s cabins on Quinsippi Island in the Log Cabin Village (see page 11 for details.)

DOGWOOD FESTIVAL May 2-5

Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce invites members of the community to celebrate of the golden anniversary of the Dogwood Festival! Come out to see this vibrant community in it's full splendor when the dogwood trees are in bloom. The theme is, "Party Like It's 1969," so wear your favorite 60s attire!

Dogwood kicks off Thursday, May 2 with the Little King and Queen Contest at Quincy Mall. Then Saturday, May 4 brings everyone's favorite: the Dogwood Parade starting at 9:20 am going west on Maine Street from 24th to 6th Street.

2019 will welcome Quincy Lincoln Legacy’s annual Lincoln in the District

event. Previously held in June, the event will feature portrayals of historic figures including President Lincoln, live demonstrations, period crafts and music, children’s activities and

more at Washington Park. Many more events are happening around Quincy during Dogwood Festival weekend. See the schedule below and watch quincychamber.org for more updates.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first Dogwood Festival was held after Mary Lou Kent and the Quincy Area Chamber Mary Lou Kent of Commerce organized a full weekend to promote local businesses and encourage tourism in Quincy while the dogwood trees were in full bloom. Quincy is one of the northern-most communities in the nation where Dogwood trees can be grown. Following an effort by a local service club, in conjunction with the local Garden Club, the city boasted a good number of the beautiful trees and was featured in an article in Flower and Garden magazine.

2019 DOGWOOD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, May 2 7 pm: Little King and Queen of Dogwood Pageant, Quincy Mall 7 pm: JWCC Spring Music Concert, Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium

Friday, May 3 12–1:15 pm: Concert in the Plaza Kick-Off, First Mid-Illinois Bank Plaza (between 6th & 7th on Maine St.)

Saturday, May 4 8 am–1 pm: Quincy Farmer’s Market, Washington Park 8 am-1 pm: Quincy Museum Yard Sale, 1601 Maine St. 8:30 am: Breakfast on the Lawn, First Christian Church, 1415 Maine St. 9:20 am: Blessing Health System/ GatesAir Dogwood Parade, 24th and Maine, proceeds West to 6th St. 10 am–3 pm: Lincoln in the District, Washington Park

7–10 pm: Free Fallin’ Tom Petty Tribute Concert, QJHS Morrison Theater 11 pm: Amateur Night, The Cab, 124 N. 5th St.

Sunday, May 5 12–4 pm: Open House Lincoln-era Log Cabin Village, Quinsippi Island 1-3 pm & 4-5 pm: Kids & Family Holiday Workshops, Quincy Art Center 2-4 pm: Baccalaureate Exhibition & Opening Reception, Quincy University's Gray Gallery 3 pm: Jazz Band Concert, Connie Niemann Center for Music, Quincy University North Campus 6-8 pm: Music Mayhem Cinco De Mayo musical fiesta, The Lutheran Church of St. John.

*The schedule is subject to change. Get updates at quincychamber.org.