Marigold Roots and Country Boots

It’s time to dust off your boots and get back to our hometown roots and get ready for another amazing year. This year’s festival celebrates Pekin’s hometown roots, our strong sense of hospitality and the family fun that defines our community. It will be a celebration full of community and the energy that everyone brings to the festival. It is my greatest honor to serve as chairperson and welcome YOU to the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival Marigold Roots and Country Boots.

Established in 1973, the Pekin Marigold Festival is a time-honored tradition that upholds Pekin’s hometown roots. We are the “Best Fest in the Midwest” honoring Pekin’s most famous son, U.S. Senator Everett Dirkson and his love of marigolds. Throughout the years our festival has evolved and changed, however its core remains the same- a family friendly event which showcases our beautiful Mineral Springs park and our community.

Together as a community we want to celebrate our schools, businesses, churches, service organizations and first responders. They are what makes the community great and shows just how deep our roots are within this community. We must also celebrate our Festival Committee, their efforts and enthusiasm that they have is unmatched. Each member of the committee put their heart and soul into this festival to make it the best and most memorable for everyone in our community. Their passion and commitment show throughout the weekend as they work together to put on the best festival in the area.