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Recreation and Entertainment- Special Activities for Seniors -Many activities are available for seniors. There is the annual Lifelong Learning Conference for adults sponsored by John Wood Community College which is a one- day event at the new campus with several speakers concerning topics of interest to seniors. John Wood Community Services also offers a wide variety of Community Education Courses every semester. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nationwide organization much in demand in the Quincy area. Retired executives volunteer their time to aid new business owners. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) gives seniors aged 55 and over the opportunity to participate in their community through volunteer service. There are other organizations that may be of interest to seniors as well. AARP, POLIS, and Blessing Hospital volunteer opportunities are just a few examples. Volunteer actors, stage hands, and assistants are always needed for the Quincy Community Theater musical and drama presentations. - Community Activities - There are always things to do in Quincy. The several area golf courses provide an opportunity to meet with friends and enjoy playing golf together. The Quincy Park District maintains a very large number of parks in the Quincy area that provide great walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and swimming pools for your enjoyment. Several arts organizations exist for your participation and enjoyment. Every year, typically in June, the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design hosts the Beautiful Gardens in Quincy tour which includes 5 to 7 local gardens, usually within easy walking distance of each other, to observe and enjoy. The University of Illinois Master Gardeners of Quincy also sponsors a home garden tour in June. In the fall, a walking tour of the beautiful architectural gems of Quincy is available. This tour includes the interiors of five of the homes. At Christmas time there is another tour of five homes and their decorated interiors. In September there is the annual Arts/Quincy Riverfest. This one-day event includes entertainment, fine arts, crafts, and folk art at Quincy’s Riverfront. Phone 222-3432 for more information. The first weekend in May is the Dogwood Festival for young and old. This major event in Quincy includes an auction, neighborhood parties, and a parade. The Uptown Farmer’s Market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays 7a.m.-noon, from mid-May through mid-October. Fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts all homegrown or homemade are available. This event is held at Washington Park, Quincy. Phone (217) 223-6525. For baseball fans, the Quincy Gems collegiate
baseball team season is in full swing from June to August. Cost
is $4 for adults &
$1 for children. Games start at 6:30 p.m. at 18th & Sycamore.
For a schedule of games
go to their website or call 223-1000. On July 4th, the City of Quincy provides a fireworks
display at the Riverfront. There are activities in which to participate
during
the day as well as organizations providing food. The Quincy Park
Band usually provides some lively music as well. - Home, Product, and Craft ShowsAnnually in the spring, WGEM sponsors the Home Show
at the Oakley-Lindsey Civic Center. Local merchants,
as well as nationally advertised products, are on display. In November, the Quincy Service League sponsors the Holiday Gift Show at the Quincy Senior High School. Local merchants as well as individual crafters exhibit their wares for purchase. The League also provides an excellent lunch with homemade desserts. - Community Events -There are several events throughout the year in Quincy and surrounding areas that portray the culture and heritage of the people in this area. Following is a short list of such events. For additional events and more details click on calendar. In January, view the magnificent bald eagles at Lock and Dam 21 or at the Ray Norbut Fish and Wildlife Area five miles east of Griggsville along the Illinois River and south of I-72 where they nest for the winter. In February, the Winter Bluegrass Festival is held at the Hannibal Inn and Conference Center. Call (573) 221-6610 for more information. May brings the spring flowers and the Dogwood Festival which includes the exciting Parade down Maine Street, the craft and hobby fair in Washington Park, auctions, a dance, and block parties plus many special events for children. Call (217) 222-7980 for more information. In mid June, the Mid-American Old Time Fiddle Convention is held in Bethel, Missouri. It includes a Youth Fiddle Camp, contests, square dancing and workshops. In early July, Pike County celebrates its pork industry with the Pike County Pig Days in Pittsfield. There are contests for the longest pig tails, kiss-a-pig contest, pork culinary creations, crafts, entertainment and sidewalk sales. Call (217) 285-2971 for more information. Labor Day Weekend brings the annual Nauvoo Grape Festival in the Grape Bowl and Sod Stage area. The festival includes a pageant depicting Nauvoo's history, carnivals, entertainment, arts and crafts exhibits, flea markets, buckskinners and car shows. Also on Labor Day weekend in Bethel, Missouri, is the annual World Sheep and Wildflower Festival attended by people from all over the country. This festival celebrates the sheep and wool industries, fiber arts and crafts, wildflower exhibits, and gardening advice. Also included in this event are dog trials, weaving and spinning contests and lectures, and sheep shearing contests and lectures. Call (573) 682-2660 for more information. In September, Quincy hosts the Arts/Quincy Riverfest at Clat Adams
and Kesler Parks. There are fine arts, crafts and folk art for sale,
three stages of entertainment, a Family Fun Zone with free activities
for children, food and drink. Call (217) 222-3432 for additional
information. In October, the free Autumn Historic Folklife Festival is held in the downtown Hannibal Historic District. Artisans demonstrate lifestyle and crafts of the mid- 1800's. Call (573) 221-6545 for more information. In addition to the regular season sporting events, there are also annual sporting events. In May is the Gus Macker three-on-three basketball tournament located on the streets around Washington Park in Quincy. Call (217) 223-6525 for more information. In June is the Pepsi Little People's Golf Tournament for boys and girls, ages 3 through 17, in seven age divisions. Children from all over the US and foreign countries compete for trophies at Quincy's golf courses. The proceeds go to help junior golf and less fortunate young people. Call (217) 224-4676 or (217) 222-8014 for additional information. In early July, the annual D.A. Weibring A.R.C. Pro-Am Golf Tournament is held at the Quincy Country Club in Quincy. There is also an exhibition of touring golf pros featuring D.A. Weibring and others. The proceeds from this tournament benefit the Association of Retarded Citizens. Call (217) 223-7324 ext. 2224 for additional information. Toward the end of July, the Westview Golf Course is the site of the Men's City Golf Tournament. Then in August it is the Seniors' turn at the Senior City Golf Tournament at Westview Golf Course. In August the exciting Thunder on the Bay, high speed drag boat racing, takes place on the River at Kesler Park. Call (217) 426-4191 or (217) 335-2378 for more information. Mid-September brings the US Practical Shooting Association Open National Championship men's and women's shooting competition to PASA Park in Barry, about 30 miles south of Quincy. This is an invitational match which features the best pistol shooters in the world. Call (360) 855-2245 or (800) 97-VISIT for additional information. Also in October, the Early Tin Dusters Fall Color Run provides
an exciting street rod show for 1948 and older cars and donates
the
proceeds to handicapped people. Events are held in uptown Quincy
and Upper Moorman Park where there are usually more than 600 cars
on display. The Uptown Fall Fest is also held in conjunction with
the Early Tin Dusters Convention. Call (217) 964-2426 for more
information. There are also some special events occurring in the surrounding area. In February, the Annual Farm Toy Show is held at the Hannibal Inn and Conference Center. An admission is charged. Call (573) 221-6610 for more information. In July, Hannibal sponsors the National Tom Sawyer Days. Such events as fence painting, frog jumping, mud volleyball, arts and crafts, live entertainment, fireworks are provided and the new Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher are selected. Most events occur in downtown Hannibal. Call (573) 221-2477 for more information. During the third week of October, Quincy Preserves Annual Architectural Tour Behind Closed Doors provides an opportunity for all who are interested to tour six of Quincy's private homes or buildings that are of significance either architecturally or historically. Call (217) 222-3432 for more information. During the latter part of October take a scenic drive along the Pike County Fall Color Drive. There are local attractions, food specialties, local apples and apple products, and rural activities and crafts. Call (217) 285-2971 for additional information. Between November 22 and January 2 the Annual Avenue of Lights
is displayed for all to enjoy during the holiday season. It is
a two-mile
animated light festival at Wavering-Moorman Park. The charge is
a nominal $6 per carload. Call (217) 222-7980 for additional information. In December, Hannibal sponsors the Annual Christmas Parade in
the Historic District. Call (573) 221-2477 for more information. Ms. West Central Illinois Beauty Pageant is sponsored by John Wood Community College every year in late summer. Contact JWCC at (217) 224-6500. - Parks and Recreational Facilities -Quincy maintains a large number of parks within the city limits. These parks provide swimming, tennis courts, walking trails, playgrounds and picnic facilities.The picnic area at South Park is a covered area adjacent to the children’s playground. The remaining city parks have picnic areas ranging in size from 2 or 3 picnic tables to ones with 5 to 10 picnic tables. Some of the parks have walking trails and most of them have playgrounds with up-to-date equipment for the children and paved with safe material. If it is tennis that you prefer, there are private tennis courts in addition to several public tennis courts. Public Courts are available at Berrian Park, 14th & Chestnut; Johnson Park, 18th & Harrison; Madison Park, 24th & Maine; Moorman Park, North 36th Street; Reservoir Park, 24th & Chestnut; and South Park, 12th & Harrison. Private courts are Quincy Racquet Club, 3336 State, 224-6161; and the Quincy Country Club, 24th & State, 223-3452. For swimming, try Indian
Mounds, the newly rebuilt public swimming pool, and Wavering
Park swimming pool in addition to other public
swimming pools, which provide many hours of fun for young and
old during the summer. The pools open on Memorial Day and remain
open during the summer. In addition, the YMCA has an indoor pool.
Sheridan Swim Club, private members only, has an Olympic sized outdoor
pool and a diving pool outside as well as an indoor diving pool. Golfing is a very popular pastime in the Quincy area for people of all ages. There is even a tournament for children. Quincy and vicinity have many golf courses that will provide you with 9 or 18 holes of enjoyment and exercise. The above link provides a listing of all the golf courses, public and private, in the Quincy area and some have links for further information. - Theaters -Quincy’s movie theaters provide some of the latest movies for your enjoyment with a total of 9 screens to view. In addition there are several locations from which to rent movies such as Blockbuster Video at 3520 Broadway, 224-9020, Family Video at 20th & Broadway, 224-2820, and Mr. Video, 805 N 12th St, 222-5222. - Libraries -The Quincy Public Library is located at 526 Jersey Quincy, Illinois 62301, (217) 223-1309, and provides such services as a lending library of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, video tapes, audio tapes, and framed art prints. Available at the library for patron use are computers, microfilm readers, copy machines, the Illinois Room, a picture file and reference books, newspapers and current month magazines. The library provides a bookmobile, interlibrary loans, Summer reading program, and there now is a branch of the library at the Senior Family and Resource Center at 6th and York Street in Quincy. The Library also has a home bound program where they will deliver to your home and pick up books of your choice. - Music, Art, and Theatrical Organizations -There are many organizations in Quincy which provide music and theatrical performances for all to enjoy. Upcoming concerts or performances are published in the Arts/Quincy magazine which can be obtained by mail by contacting the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Suite #244, Quincy or by phone (217) 222-3432, fax 217-228-2787. Quincy Artists Guild, 222 S 16th, 223-7530 meets once a month at the Quincy Art Center to share their ideas and their skills in art. Music The Quincy area is a very complete cultural community and has many organizations that provide a variety of music events for the public. The Civic Music Association (CMA) presents a series of five or six concerts of professional performers from September through April. Such groups as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Westminster Abbey Choir, the Vienna Boys Choir; and the Joffrey Ballet have performed in the past. They have brought large orchestras from other cities as well as individual professional musicians. They have season tickets at various prices available at Brown Drug, Key Rexall and Wild Birds Unlimited as well as individual event tickets at the door. Contact them by mail at QCMA, P. O. Box 1165, Quincy, 62306, or by telephone number 224-5499. Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Quincy Symphony Chorus are managed
by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra
Association . Both the orchestra and the chorus are volunteer
groups and perform several individual as well as combined concerts
throughout the season. There are season tickets available as well
as individual concert tickets. The Big River Harmonizers (formerly The Great River Barbershop Chorus) is comprised of men who volunteer. They perform at various functions in Quincy and the surrounding area as well as provide concerts annually. The Muddy River Opera Company is a relatively new organization in Quincy. They produce two to three operas each season. The Opera Company works with Quincy University’s POLIS Program and conducts Opera Insights, a pre-performance lecture series before Opera performances. Mid-Mississippi Muddy Water Blues Society sponsors several events throughout the year. Visit their website for a Calendar of Events which they sponsor. Quincy Community Concert Band is an adult volunteer organization that provides the opportunity for performance to many instrumentalists. They give occasional concerts. Quincy Conservatory of Music offers professional instruction on piano, instrumental music, voice, theory, organ and violin. They sponsor student recitals and student master classes, teacher workshops and jazz workshops. The Conservatory is a member of the Music Teachers National Association . Quincy Park Band can be contacted at 2208 Jefferson, 224-3199. This volunteer organization provides summer concerts in the park and performs at special events. The Sunday Music Series provides free concerts on Sunday afternoons at various locations. Performers are local musicians. These concerts are free to the public. This organization can be contacted at 10 Windy Hill Road, 228-2866. Quincy University produces many concerts and theater productions throughout the school year. There are also facilities that are open to the community such as the health and fitness center where fitness classes are provided, a small track for walking or running and exercise machines. Culver-Stockton College also provides concerts, theater and other community events of interest. The college is about a 40-minute drive north of Quincy on Rt. 61. Truman State University in Northeast Missouri has many worthwhile quality cultural events including theater productions as well as concerts. The University is about an hour’s drive north of Quincy. Theater The Quincy Community Theater is very active in Quincy and provides professional quality productions every season including musicals, dramas, comedies and mysteries. There are opportunities to participate in several capacities with the theater including acting, chorus, publicity and stage crew. The theater is a volunteer organization. - Professional, College, High School Sports -Quincy’s collegiate baseball team, the Quincy Gems, began in 1938. The local fans have embraced, loved, and cheered each of the teams who have played at Q-Stadium at 1801 Sycamore in Quincy. The stadium is now operated by Quincy University and the college baseball games are played there. Quincy Senior High School and Notre Dame High School both have outstanding men’s and women’s sports. The QHS men’s basketball team have been state champions several times and Notre Dame has had championship teams as well. - Hunting, Fishing, Camping -There is a great interest in the Bald Eagles in this area due to their residency along the Mississippi River. They can be viewed during the winter at Lock & Dam 21. Call (217) 228-1982 for more information. The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge is located within the Mississippi Flyway, one of the nation's most important flyway routes. It is abundant with waterfowl and other migratory birds with food, water and protection during the spring and fall migrations. The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge has offices at 1704 N. 24th Street in Quincy. Call (217) 224-8580 for more information. Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge is located along the east side of the Illinois River in Cass and Morgan Counties about 50 miles west of Springfield, Illinois. Land management programs are designed and administered to promote migratory bird, fish and resident wildlife habitat in the Illinois River basin, while providing for increased public recreation and educational opportunities. The Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge office is located at 19031 E. County Road 2105N in Havana, Illinois, 62644. Call (309) 535-2290 for more information. At the Ray Norbut Fish and Wildlife Area are 1,191 acres of wetlands, bottom lands, open fields, steep hills, hollows, and bluffs. It is approximately fifty miles east of Quincy, five miles east of Griggsville along the Illinois River. Of popular interest is the habitat for the endangered bald eagle, a winter resident in the conservation area south of I-72. This park is primarily for public hunting and fishing. There are no programs for camping, picnicking, riding, water sports, or winter activities. For more information, call (217) 833-2811. Pere Marquette State Park is one of Illinois' largest parks with 8,000 acres of woodland, springs, peaks and valleys. Available for visitors is a large rustic timber and stone lodge with 50 guest rooms, 22 cabins, an elegant dining room, conference center with banquet facilities; eighty campsites, picnic areas and shelters, 12 miles of marked hiking trails, boating, fishing, horseback riding, bike trails, bird watching, and hunting. Call (618) 786-3323 for more information. The
Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area covers more
than 24,000 acres of wildlife management areas and public access
areas. Here, civilization boaters, birdwatchers,
fishermen, and hunters can enjoy their favorite pastime. Waterfowl
and forest game hunting is also available in managed areas. Call
(618) 376-3303 for additional information. - Fish and Wildlife Refuges -In central Illinois, forty-one nature centers and trails are listed, including Kickapoo Creek Park, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine Park, Salt Fork River Forest Preserve, Merwin Nature Preserve, Forest Park Nature Center in Peoria, and Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. The Adams Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses 30 acres preserved by the Illinois Audubon Society. It is located minutes from downtown Springfield and provides the hands-on activities and learning about birds, animals and natural forests. The Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge extends 350 miles along the Mississippi River in the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. It is part of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. You can see the threatened bald eagle which nests here and more than 200 different species of birds including ducks and geese that travel through this area during their fall migration. - Water Sports -The Mississippi River provides the location for many water sports. Water skiing, speed boat racing, fishing, and recreational boating as well as swimming are all enjoyed at the river. Thunder on the Bay Drag Boat Races at the Quincy Riverfront is usually held in August. Their telephone is (217) 335-2378. - Aviation -Quincy’s Regional Airport is the site of an outstanding airfield for flying enthusiasts. Ample parking and fuel are available. In the past, the World Free-Fall Convention has been held here. There is also a lovely terminal that adequately serves the Quincy/Adams County area with ample free parking for the frequent flyer as well as for the long term traveler. - Auto Racing, Shows, Rallies -The local Scotty’s Raceway showcases stock car racing, demolition derbies and tractor pulls beginning in the spring and continuing through autumn. In May the Great River Corvette Show is held at the Oakley Lindsay Civic Center Admission is free. Their telephone is 223-1000. In June is the Annual Mississippi Valley Historic Auto Club Show at All America Park, Front & Cedar. Many antique automobiles are on display and admission is free. Everyone is invited to the annual Brown County Car Show & Cruise Night. Trophies are awarded in car, truck, motorcycle, and tractor divisions. - Hobby Clubs and Groups -The local Quinsippi
Doll Club meets the second Sunday of the month. Contact Maxine
at 222-7941. Quinsippi Stamp Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. except January at the Community Room of Good Samaritan Home at 2130 Harrison, Quincy, IL 62301, 223-0511. This is a group of stamp collectors who meet to exchange ideas and educate themselves. They hold stamp auctions and seminars. Big River Carvers Club, 1214 S 26th, Quincy, 222-2429. This is a group of individuals that get together to do various types of wood carving. Members meet to discuss carving to help, teach, and encourage each other. They also have an annual show and competition where the carvers compete for ribbons. Gem City Rock Club, (217) 222-2420, stimulates interest in geology, archeology, gemology, conchology, mineralogy, paleontology, and craftsmanship through the interchange of information and shared experience of the hobby. Bayview Knitting Guild, 2106 S 30th, 223-2164 meets once a month at the Quincy Public Library Conference Room in Quincy from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Master Gardeners, University of Illinois Extension, Carrie Edgar, 223-8380 Mississippi Valley Garden Club, c/o Vickie Ebbing, 224-4400, 1515 Kentucky,
Quincy, IL vebbing@excite.com Muddy River Herb Guild, Pat Wagner, 593-6533 Golden Garden Club, Joann Tenhouse, 696-4859 Great River Watercolor Society meets once a month at the Quincy Art Center. They promote interest in the use of watercolors and encourage local artists to expand their painting skills. Quinsippi Needleworkers Chapter EGA meets the 3rd Wednesday each month at the Senior and Family Resource Center at 609 York. Call 222-4692 for more information. - Casino -Located in LaGrange, Missouri, is the Riverboat gambling casino. Slot machines, cards and all Las Vegas type games are available. - Museums -Whether your interests lie in architecture, history, native Americans, or contemporary art, Quincy has it all at the All Wars Museum, 1707 N 12th, 222-8641; the Gardner Museum of Architecture & Design; the Dr. Richard Eells House; the Mississippi Valley Historic Auto Club Museum, Quinsippi Island, 223-7909; the John Wood Mansion; the Quincy Art Center; the Quincy Museum of Natural History and Art; and the Villa Kathrine. In addition to the museums, a stroll down Maine Street will provide many examples of architectural styles that were built in the 1800's. - Other Special Features and Attractions in Quincy -Other special features and attractions in Quincy include several Radio Stations and TV Stations ; the Quincy Herald-Whig newspaper; and Arts/Quincy, a monthly magazine which describes many of the cultural events for each month along with a calendar of these events. The Quincy Public Library, which houses 120,000+ volumes, offers computers for public use, CD's, videos and audio books along with all the current magazines, large print books and magazines. They also provide special events during afternoons and evenings and a home-bound delivery and pick-up service. To find out what is happening in Quincy, check out QuincyNet's Community Calendar. Events are also promoted on local television and in various publications available to the public. The Historic District of Quincy includes many homes, commercial buildings, and neighborhoods that have interesting architectural features. House Tours are available to browse on QuincyNet anytime and Quincy Preserves sponsors tours throughout the year. There is Quincy Mall, shopping centers, the Farmer's Market; and department stores for those who like to shop. - Conventions and Conferences -The Oakley-Lindsey Civic Center at 300 Civic Center Plaza in Quincy is available for many different conventions sponsored by local organizations as well as out-of-town groups. Their telephone is (217) 223-1000. Winning Women's Conference: The Cathedral of Worship & E.L.
Ministries host the annual conference at the Oakley Lindsay Civic
Center, Quincy. (217) 223-1000 Early Tindusters Fall Color Run: Street rod show for cars 1948
and older. Held in downtown Quincy and Moorman Park. (217) 964-2426 |