The first Pekin Marigold Festival was held in 1973 to honor Pekin’s favorite son, Everett McKinley Dirksen, who continues to be honored each year at the festival. Dirksen, at the strong urging of David Burpee from the Burpee Seed Company, tried to make the marigold the national floral emblem. In support of Dirksen, the community began growing marigolds. While Dirksen was unsuccessful in his efforts to make the marigold the national floral emblem, Pekin claimed the title of Marigold Capital of the World. Over the years the Marigold Festival has grown from a small event around the courthouse in downtown Pekin to a community-wide festival that attracts thousands of people.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Marigold Festival Committee is looking forward to our annual Pekin Marigold Festival traditions like Art in the Park, a highly anticipated event that is sure to delight with this year’s exciting vendor lineup. Start planning your weekend with these event highlights:

Carnival: Open all four days of the Festival! Located West of the Arena in Mineral Springs Park

Art in the Park: September 9-10 at Mineral Springs Park (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sat./9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sun.)

Marigold Festival Parade: September 9^th at 10:00 a.m., parade route begins at 14^th Street

Learn more at: https://pekinchamber.com/pekin-marigold-festival/