COME VISIT THE MARIGOLD FESTIVAL IN PEKIN

This weekend, the Pekin Marigold Festival will be taking place! With so many activities, there is sure to be something everyone in the family will enjoy. From the traditional carnival, art contests, to Miss Marigold Pageant, you’ll have plenty of things to keep you from wanting to leave. The festivities will take place September 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th.
SOME EVENTS YOU CAN ENJOY
Chalk Art Contest
Date: Sunday, Sept 10th
Time: 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pekin Park Lagoon
All ages welcome! Bring your own supplies. There will prizes!

Freaky Fast Pitch
Date: Saturday, Sept 9th
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Mineral Springs Park, Diamond #1
This is a great chance to win chips, cookies, or even $100! All ages are welcome to participate.

Festive Food Court
This will be open every day the festival is open! Find yourself a delicious treat or a gourmet meal.
Where: Mineral Springs Park, behind Diamond #1

Cruise In
Date: Sunday, Sept 10th
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pekin High School Columns Parking Lot off Stadium Drive
Check out some of the greatest and classic cruisers! While walking around, feel free to stop at Bill’s Lemonade and Pacos Tacos for a quick pick-me-up.

Parade
Date: Saturday, Sept 9th
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: The lineup begins on Broadway (between 14th and Parkway). All those participating must be lined up by 9:30 a.m.

HISTORY OF THE PARADE
In 1972, a group of residents wanted to host a festival to honor their favorite Senator, Everett McKinley Dirksen. Dirksen was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending his days in his garden. Eventually, David Burpee (owner of Burpee Seed Company) found out this detail and contacted him on several occasions. Burpee encouraged Dirksen to introduce legislation that would make the Marigold the official floral emblem.

Although his efforts were unsuccessful, the Marigold holds a special place in his heart. People from Pekin wanted to remember this Senator and for his duties by naming the festival after his beloved flower, the marigold. Since the festival in 1973, the Marigold Festival continues to be a proud tradition in the Pekin community.
SPECIAL CELEBRITY GUEST
Our special guest this year will be Erik Estrada. We ask everyone to give him a warm welcome as he helps us celebrate our festival’s theme, “Marigolds on Patrol.” He was be stopping by September 9th and 10th while holding a Meet & Greet with current and retired law enforcement. You can see him:
Saturday, Sept 9th
Meet & Greet: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Autograph Signing Session: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 10th
Q&A Session with Erik Estrada in the Pavilion: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For years, Erik Estrada has been capturing fans with his TV show and film portrayals. He is well known for his role as Franke Poncherello in CHiPs. However, you will also find Estrada in The Cross and the Switchblade, The New Centurions, Airport ’75 and Midway, and more! He is well known for his roles in law enforcement and continues to be a great supporter of police office organizations throughout the world. Take this opportunity to meet a well-known celebrity!

We hope to see you at the festival. For more information, please give us a call at (309) 346-1181 or contact us.