Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The future of Gus Macker in Quincy

AS USUAL ON the day after Memorial Day, I have the post-Gus Macker blues. Our 2015 tournament went well, and I had a blast on the Dream Court, as usual.

I prefer to dwell on the positives. We had perfect weather Saturday and dodged storms Sunday. Except for the usual idiots on the high-testosterone adult courts, most people behaved. There was the expected BS in the park late Saturday afternoon when a couple of women started fighting, and when I heard the names I wasn't surprised. Stupid people do stupid things, and bringing their drama down to Gus Macker is par for the course.

This was the 25th consecutive tournament in downtown Quincy. Every year you hear about how it might be the last, that it might get moved, that people of are tired of it.

The No. 1 reason Gus Macker works in Quincy is because of the Quincy Exchange Club. Those guys are amazing and I applaud them for all their hard work and efforts. It's not easy giving up your Memorial Day weekend year after year. Now I've noticed some of the members I used to see every year have stopped coming, and I don't blame them. They've given enough.

What worries me is that the Exchange Club has taken over the Avenue of Lights. It's a noble endeavor and I'm glad the annual Christmas tradition continues in Quincy, but if Exchange Club members think Gus Macker is a lot of work, well .... just wait until later this year, guys.

I hope we have another 25 years of Gus Macker tournaments in Quincy. As long as we do, I will volunteer my time and do whatever I can to help.

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