Locals and visitors brave the cold for Quincy’s PorchFest

For many Gadsden County locals and out-of-county visitors, a snap of cold weather in North Florida was not a deterrent for this year’s Quincy PorchFest.

Porchfest is an annual celebration of music, art, architecture, and community among the historic porches of the Historic District in and near Downtown Quincy.

The event, hosted by Quincy Main Street, kicked off at noon with the Tallahassee Swing Band at First Presbyterian Church.

Other venues included the Methodist Parsonage, the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, the back patio of the Quincy Garden Club, Big Papa’s Chophouse restaurant, and private homes – all within walking distance of one another.

PorchFest attracted people of all ages and demographics.

With strong winds and temperatures in the 50s and 60s for most of the day, festival goers donned sweaters, scarves, coats and hats.

Even some of the furry friends wore weather-appropriate clothing for the event held on Saturday, March 12.

Despite cool temps, it was still a beautiful day in Quincy’s Historic District, with mostly sunny skies.

Contrasting the cold, many trees and bushes in the area had already begun to bloom, bearing beautiful, vibrant flowers.

The festival featured a diverse lineup again this year covering a wide range of genres from Swing, Jazz, Latin, Soul, Funk, R&B, Americana, and Zydeco, to Southern and Indie Rock.

Additionally, all of this year’s performers are professional musicians.

While some listened from the sidewalks, others sat on blankets and in lawn chairs.

“We were worried about the weather, but all-in-all I think it’s a good turnout, '' said local resident and area drummer Walter Kelleher.

Kelleher founded the event in 2012.

During PorchFest, Kelleher traveled by bicycle from one Quincy venue to the next.

Although Quincy Main Street provided fans with maps printed on the back, Main Street Volunteers were posted at various locations offering help to those who seemed confused or lost.

The Disciples of Music, Below the Dam Band, Hot Mess, Ben Flournoy and Truly Blues, Mae West Band, Heebie Jeebies, Jerry Thigpen Trio, Rachel Hillman, Latin Soul, Hot Tamale and Ronnie Randolph also performed. Each band played two sets so there were plenty of opportunities to stroll about and hear each band.

The event, which ended at 6 p.m., wrapped up with a 2-hour concert by the 20-piece jazz and swing band Thursday Night Music Club.

The band was originally set to play under the bus pavilion at the First Presbyterian Church soccer field.

However, the concert was moved inside of the church’s dining hall as temperatures continued to drop that evening.

Free hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage dogs were served, along with chips, dip and desert, courtesy of the Presbyterian Church.

Erin Hill - erin@gadsdencountytimes.com

Locals and visitors brave the cold for Quincy’s PorchFest

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Locals and visitors brave the cold for Quincy’s PorchFest

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Misinformation over utilities causes confusion in Quincy

Gadsden County Times Legals – 3/24

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