Letter to the Editor: Love for Gem City Concert Series more than could have ever been expected

To the citizens of Quincy and Adams County, thank you. You are amazing.  

The love we felt from the community for both the Gem City Concert Series country (May 20-21) and rock (June 21-22) weekends was, hands down, more than we could have ever expected.  You came out in droves, brought the house down, supported our concept and had a great time. We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you to the Quincy Park District and Park Board for partnering with the Gem City Concert Series this year, giving us a new home, hope for the future and room to grow and get even bigger and better next year.  While we loved the old venue for its ease of access and central location, after two years we definitely outgrew that location.

Lincoln Park provides an amazing view of the river, boat traffic and all things riverfront, which the community needs. When we needed something, you were there. When we had questions, you had answers. When it was all said and done, you became the friends and partners we knew we could trust.  We look forward to continuing to grow and building that partnership with you. We look forward to continuing to bring great vibes to the community.

Thank you to our sponsors for believing in us and supporting our dream.  Without each of you, this would not have become what it is nor what it will be in the future.  We understand times are difficult these days, and your advertising dollars and labor/material costs do not spread as widely as they once did.  We also understand you have many options for who you decide to support. We are so appreciative of your decision to support us.  When giving to Gem City Concert Series, you should know we are good stewards of your dollars and time. We will always put them to great use in all facets of this endeavor.

Thank you to our vendors for your time, energy, flexibility and willingness to continue working with us.  From fencing, lighting, generators and fans to food, catering, products, bathrooms and trash, we could not have pulled this off without all of you. The Gem City Concert Series appreciates each of you for what you bring to our table. We look forward to fostering those friendships and partnerships in the future.

Thank you to our volunteers for donating your time both weekends and allowing this experience to happen for our amazing community.  We are small but mighty, and without you giving of yourselves, our small team could not have pulled this off.  Like our sponsors, you also have a choice on who and what you support, and we are so thankful you chose to support the Gem City Concert Series.  A special shout-out to Quincy Freedom Fest, who manned our bars and parking lots to ensure the community had the time of their lives.

While our 2024 series has come to an amazing end, we have already started planning for 2025 and beyond. We look to you to help us grow and think outside the box in the years to come, and we welcome all feedback. Without your input, we cannot fix those things that need to change and enhance those things that bring bigger and better energy.  Look for future communications during the next year and a sneak peek as to what you can expect.

As Mark Philpot, president of the Board of Commissioners for the Quincy Park District, so eloquently said, “See, we can have nice things.”

Scott Edlin
On behalf of the Gem City Concert Series Board
Quincy, Illinois