Barry couple’s daughter first baby born at Blessing after start of Dogwood Festival

QUINCY — Lillian Grey Simmerman, newborn daughter of Shelly and Luke Simmerman of Barry, is this year’s Quincy Dogwood Festival baby. She earned the honor of being the first baby born at Blessing Hospital after the start of the 2024 Dogwood Festival. Lillian was born at 7:07 p.m. on Friday, May 3. 

The Simmerman family receives a tree and a $50 gift certificate from Frese Ornamental Nursery in Quincy for the honor. This was the 28th year for the Dogwood Festival baby recognition.

Lillian weighed 9 pounds and was 21 inches long at birth. She was delivered by Blessing Health obstetrician/gynecologist Pamela Friye. Lillian’s grandparents are Anna Jo Simmerman of Barry and Jason and Tonya Simmerman of New Salem.