As Pekin kicks off its 200th anniversary, local business Excalibur Seasoning is spicing things up in a truly unique way! For over three decades, Excalibur has been one of the largest spice companies in the U.S., dedicated to bringing bold flavors to commercial kitchens everywhere. This year, they’ve taken their love for flavor and turned it into a special celebration for the entire community.
Last year, members of the community approached Excalibur with an idea: why not create a spice blend to honor the city’s Bicentennial? What started as a fun suggestion quickly turned into “Dragon Dust,” a zesty Cajun-inspired spice blend that captures the spirit of the community.
Inspired by the Pekin Community High School mascot, the Dragon, the team decided to go with a flavor that packs a punch. The “zing,” as Excalibur President and CEO, Mike Shrier puts it, of Cajun cuisine perfectly embodies the fiery spirit of the community. Since its launch, Dragon Dust has received rave reviews. “People really seem to enjoy the blend,” Shrier shared. “Our intent was just to do something fun for the community.”
Dragon Dust isn’t just another spice; it’s a celebration of Pekin’s community spirit. “At Excalibur, we’re proud of Dragon Dust, just as we’re proud to call Pekin our home,” says Shrier.
As locals come together to celebrate 200 years of Pekin’s rich history, they can savor the flavors of their community through Dragon Dust. It’s available for purchase at Maddie Mae’s in downtown Pekin and at the Heritage Farmers Market on Route 9.
Throughout the year, Pekin has been bustling with events honoring its heritage, from recognizing the trailblazers of the past to celebrating the leaders shaping the future. The City of Pekin invites everyone to join in on this historic celebration and revel in the vibrant spirit of our remarkable community. So grab some Dragon Dust and join the festivities—you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
