Red, White & Back the Blue Festival to recognize local first responders Saturday in Washington Park

QUINCY — The sixth annual Red, White & Back the Blue Festival will be held from 2-10 p.m. Saturday in Washington Park. This festival will be dedicated to honoring local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS units and 911 dispatch.

The festival is open to the public. Events throughout the day are:

• Emergency services equipment on display from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Quincy Police Department’s K-9 presentation at 3 p.m.
• Meet and Greet with Miss Quincy, Miss Southern Illinois and Miss Heartland at 3:30 p.m.
• Local band Pepper Spray from 7 to 10 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon will be face painting, children’s activities and live entertainment. Hy-Vee Grill will be available for food purchases from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. TCBY will be onsite. By showing their ID, members of the Quincy Police Department, Quincy Fire Department, Tri-Township Fire Department, Adams County EMS, Adams County 911 dispatch, Adams County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police can receive free meals for themselves and their immediate family.

We in Quincy, IL Back the Blue began in the year of 2015 by providing local police officers with goodie bags to show appreciation for everything they do. The organization raised funds to help local law enforcement purchase necessities like uniforms and equipment. The first Red, White & Back the Blue Festival was held in 2017.

For more information on this organization, visit the “We in Quincy, IL Back the Blue” Facebook page or send an email to cindy@vancildance.com.