“Everything’s Waiting for You” in Gibson City.

I was listening to our local radio station the other day and they played a song titled “Downtown” composed by Tony Hatch and sang by Petula Clark from the mid-sixties that reminded me of Gibson City. Here are a couple of the verses:

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city,                                                                                                

Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty,                                                                         

How can you lose?                                                                                                                                          

The lights are much brighter there,                                                                                                        

You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares,

So go downtown                                                                                                                                          

Things will be great when you’re downtown,                                                                                                

No finer place for sure, downtown,                                                                                                   

Everything’s waiting for you.

“The lights are much brighter” in downtown Gibson City. Several years ago, we began to make improvements to our downtown area based on recommendations from our “Downtown Revitalization Committee”. Some of the things they recommended included new, overhead LED street lights, sidewalk improvements, new trees and planters, new curbs, gutters and landscaping. This year we are installing free, public WIFI and a new sound system that will play seasonal music you can enjoy as you stroll down our sidewalks while exploring many of our downtown restaurants, shops, retail stores, pubs and boutiques. We even have a confectionary with some of the best chocolates and goodies you’ve ever had. Starting this year we’ll also be featuring “street music” for your listening pleasure. The rest of our business district boasts even more shops, retail stores and restaurants with almost everything you need.

Looking for something to do on a nice evening or beautiful weekend? Gibson City is your destination. We have four City parks and two of them even have free, public WIFI. Activities in our parks include playgrounds for the kids, camping, fishing, a walking trail, baseball fields and tennis courts, picnic areas and much, much more. Annual events in Gibson City include our Lighted Annual Christmas Parade, Harvest Fest and our own “Friday Night Under the Lights” downtown car cruise which takes place the third Friday every month from May through October. After a round of golf you can enjoy a fine meal and cold beverage at one of our many fine eating establishments and then catch a movie at our local drive-in.

If you’re looking for a safe place to live or raise your family, we have some of the lowest crime rates in east-central Illinois thanks to the GCPD. Even our local fire district is modern and well equipped and our voluntary fire fighters are constantly training. Gibson City has Ford County’s only hospital and the award winning Gibson Area Hospital is always there if you need them. Not bragging, but Gibson City also has the only assisted living facility in Ford County, The Villas of Holly Brook. Their reviews are fantastic! The GCMS school district is second to none when it comes to academics and their sports program. The GCMS football team was IHSA 2A State Champions in 2017 and 2018 and they’re having a great start in 2019 too. Furthermore, don’t forget to stop by Moyer District Library, you will be impressed.

Almost all major denominations are represented by our local churches and you are always welcome and invited. Some of our civic organizations include the Lions, Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary and the Shiners’ and I can assure you they are very active. Whatever your interests, there are other numerous organizations and groups you can join if you want to make a difference.

You’ll find that Gibson City is a “business friendly community” and we understand your needs. If you’re looking for a place to grow your business check us out. Besides having an industrial park, we have two TIF districts and an Enterprise Zone. For small or startup businesses we offer grants and low interest rate loans. Please call me at 217/784-5872 or email me at mayor@gibsoncityillinois.com if you’re interested or have any questions.

Look no further. Gibson City has everything you need and “Everything’s waiting for you” in Gibson City.

Daniel Dickey – Mayor,

Gibson City, IL