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QUINCY, ILL. -- --Updated Saturday May 28 at 9:01p.m.--

It's Memorial Day weekend, but in Quincy it's also known as "Macker" weekend.  Clouds and rain couldn't damper the 21st annual Gus Macker three on three basketball tournament Saturday.

Folks here say if you like hoops on the hardwood, then you'll love the Macker.

Thousands of spectators and 529 teams crowded into downtown Quincy for the Memorial Day weekend tradition.  Coach Jerry Booker has brought a team up from St. Charles the past 12 years and says there's nothing like the tournament here in Quincy.

Booker said, "The parents enjoy watching their kids play and its about playing some good hoops."

Macker Co-chairman, Mel Dillman says what brings folks back every year is the one of a kind setting. It's street basketball at it's best, but rarely does the game actually go into the streets like it does in Quincy. The downtown litterally becomes one big court for two days a year.

Scott McNeal, Co-Founder of the Gus Macker Tournament said, "Quincy has really captured the spirit of this event."

But while teams are here for a good time, Quincy businesses come out the winners.

Travis Brown Executive Director of the Historic Quincy Business District said, "Restaurants and hotels downtown are busy all the way until Sunday.  I know businesses in Quincy have this event circled on their calendars."

The 3-point contest and the highly anticipated dunk contest will hit the court Sunday.

--Original Story--

This weekend will mark the 21st annual Gus Macker three on three basketball tournament in Quincy.

A Memorial Day weekend tradition, basketball enthusiasts from all across the Tri-States will be there to compete on the courts, do some cheering, and experience all that is Quincy Macker.

529 teams are registered to play this year and thousands of spectators are expected to turn out.

Friday morning staff already were starting to set up for the event.

We spoke with this year's co-chairman, Mel Dillman.

He says this year's tournament is geared towards bringing families back to the tournament at Washington park.

Dillman said, "In the past we've had the kids playing down at the masonic Lodge, but this year we're going to have them at Washington park so everyone can take a break and go into the shade. There will be lots of things to do."

New this year, a much larger trophy to the winners.  It was unveiled Friday, April 15 by the founder of Gus Macker, Scott "Gus" McNeal.  He spoke at the Quincy Exchange Club which puts the tournament on in Quincy every year.

The Quincy Exchange Club puts on the Macker every year...KHQA is also a proud sponsor of this year's event.

By the way, if you're planning to travel downtown tomorrow...expect limited detours.

If you're competing in the local tournament or just a huge follower, you can visit the local city website for Quincy's tournament here.

On the site, you can see the schedule of events, the local weather, the Quincy brackets and much more!

KHQA is a proud sponsor of the 2011 Gus Macker Tournament along with Hy-Vee, Titan Wheel, The Butcher Block, The Quincy Herald-Whig, Refreshment Services Pepsi, and GameMasters.