Quincy’s Villa Katherine Releases 2017 Statistics
The Villa Katherine is one of Quincy’s prized possessions resting on the bluff over-looking the mighty Mississippi River. Officials have release the official statistics for the year 2017 for the Villa.
During 2017, the Villa Kathrine at 532 Gardner Expressway in Quincy has served more than 7,000 individuals in numerous ways. In addition, uncounted casual visitors enjoyed the view from the river bluff outside the Villa, watched eagles and other birds, river barges go by, the rose garden and relaxed on the lawn.
Of that total, over 4,700 were visitors assisted by Volunteer Hosts in the Tourist Information Center in the parlor of the Villa, which was an 8% increase over last year, and the highest number since 2002. They came from 47 states, Washington D.C. and 21 countries around the world.
The other 2,300 were guests using the Villa and its grounds for 41 Special Events including: weddings, anniversaries, receptions, parties, meetings, special tours and educational activities.
Since the Tourist Information Center opened in the parlor of the Villa Kathrine over 30 years ago, on Labor Day in September 1987, nearly 150,000 visitors from all 50 states and 96 countries of the world have signed the guest book. 80% of the visitors have come from outside of Quincy.
In addition to these visitors, an average of nearly 2,000 more guests have attended an average of nearly 40 Special Events each year.
During 2018 Friends of the Castle are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation. Established in 1978, they have stayed true to their mission of restoring, preserving, operating and maintaining the historic Mediterranean-style Villa Kathrine on the Mississippi River bluff, as the Tourist Information Center and community asset and resource for Quincy.