Washington Park to be site of fifth annual ‘Red, White and Back the Blue’ festival on Saturday

QUINCY — The We in Quincy, IL Back the Blue group is bringing its fifth annual Red, White and Back the Blue festival to Washington Park from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

This festival is open to the public and dedicated to honoring local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS units and 911 dispatchers.

Activities throughout the day include:

• emergency services equipment on display from 2-5 p.m.
• magic show at 4 p.m.
• local band Pepper Spray from 7-10 p.m.

Face painting, balloon animals, children activities provided by the Quincy Children’s Museum and live entertainment will be available. Food from the Hy-Vee Grill will be sold from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. TCBY also will be available during the event.

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 by showing their ID.

The festival is being held in memory of co-founder Frank Haxel and firefighter Steve Pezzella.

We in Quincy, IL Back the Blue began in 2015, providing Quincy police officers with goodie bags to show appreciation for what they do. The group raised funds to help local law enforcement purchase necessities like uniforms and equipment. The festival has been an annual event since 2017, with the exception of the 2020.

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