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 […]

Gather along Broadway Road as we celebrate the menagerie of organizations and businesses who make Pekin an amazing place to live, work and play! The parade route begins at 14th Street with the theme, Marigolds on the Menu! The parade line-up will be posted at www.pekinmarigoldfestival.com and on Facebook on Wednesday, September 6.