Chamber & Community Events
Check out the full list of upcoming events
Everything from arts & culture, continuing education, community services, to festivals and celebrations… we list it all on our Events Calendar.
Honor America Celebration
July 4, 2023
Entering its 75th year, the Honor America Celebration is a hallmark of Pekin summers. This event is wholly funded by members of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and the business community.
The Honor America Celebration will be held at Pekin Community High School’s 10,000 seat, handicapped-accessible stadium. Football field seating will be available, and guests may bring chairs, blankets, wagons, etc. The display begins at nightfall on July 4th with a rain date the following evening. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Pekin Farmer’s Market in the Miller Center parking lot on select dates in June. Tickets may also be purchased at the gates of the stadium on July 4th.
Marigold Golf Outing
August 31, 2023
The Marigold Golf Outing is held each year and is enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Networking, community connection and a friendly competition make this event one that you do not want to miss. Join us on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Lick Creek Golf Course for a day of fun.
Hole sponsorships are just $150. Other sponsorship packages are also available. Contact Amy@PekinChamber.com for more information.
Pekin Marigold Festival
September 7-10th, 2023
The first Pekin Marigold Festival was held in 1973 to honor Pekin’s favorite son, Everett McKinley Dirksen. Dirksen continues to be honored each year at the festival. Families are encouraged to visit the Dirksen statue located in Mineral Springs Park. While in Congress, Senator 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 over a number of days and locations.
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Marigold Festival Committee is looking forward to our annual Pekin Marigold Festival traditions. Always the weekend after Labor Day – this year’s festival events will be held on September 7-10, 2023.
26th Annual Business & Community Recognition Luncheon
October 26, 2023
Each October, we celebrate the accomplishments of chamber members businesses and organizations and their employees. From remodeling projects or expansions to a major retraining effort, we take this time to recognize the efforts and successes of our membership.
See this year’s award recipients and our Business Leader, Small Business and Business of the Year award winners!
Community Not-for-Profit Summit
November 2023
Please join us for an educational and inspirational gathering of not-for-profit organizations in the Pekin Area. Executive Directors as well as Board Members will benefit from the educational sessions, encouraging presenters, and networking opportunities.
Leadership Academy
January 10 - March 16th, 2023
The Pekin Chamber of Commerce announces the 25th annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy exists to identify, inform and educate existing and emerging leaders of the local community, and to motivate them towards leadership responsibilities by exposing them to the realities, opportunities and challenges of the local community.
The academy is held for 10 weeks, usually on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. We are proud to have The Dirksen Congressional Center sponsoring the academy with grants towards registration fees.
Pekin Restaurant Week
February 5 - 9th, 2024
Pekin Restaurant Week is a 5-day celebration of Pekin’s culinary scene. We’re bringing together some of Pekin’s favorite places to savor! Support local and join us for a chance to win $100 in Chamber check, which can be used at our participating restaurants and retailers any day of the year.
Community Prayer Breakfast
March 10, 2023
In 2022 we hosted out first Community Prayer Breakfast. Area faith organizations, businesses and residents joined together for a time of fellowship, connection and reflection.
Mark your calendars for next year’s 2nd Annual Community Prayer Breakfast.
Annual Meeting
April 18, 2023
Each year the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce gathers our membership to reflect on the year past and to look forward to the year ahead. Like many organizations, the annual meeting is a requirement of the bylaws, but it is so much more. We take pride in honoring the leadership of our organization and thanking them for their service to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the entire Pekin Area business community. This time of transition is used to reflect on the accomplishments we have achieved together and to look at our goals as we move forward supporting businesses and the Pekin community.
Additional Chamber Events
After Hours
Stop by for a quick visit or stay and network with local business people from the community. After Hours events can be scheduled by contacting the chamber staff.
Ribbon Cuttings
New community businesses and chamber members are welcomed to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This event signifies the beginning of a long and healthy relationship. Ribbon cuttings are also held to commemorate the grand opening of a new location or new building, or a renovation of an existing structure. We are happy to celebrate with you!
Leaders of Tomorrow
A key element of our organization is to work to develop leaders in our community. We love the spirit and energy of an emerging leader and take pride in offering programs such as the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy and networking events for young leaders.
Discover
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce offers a broad offering of events and programs, designed to support businesses of all sizes. Contact us to learn more.
Workshops
From starting a new business to how to use Excel, our chamber team provides custom workshops for your team’s growth. Let us know how we can support your organization.
Chamber Business Breakfasts
Quarterly Breakfasts are held as networking and promotional opportunities for chamber members and guests. Come on your own or bring your entire team, we encourage you to join us for breakfast and hear about the amazing efforts of businesses and community members in and around Pekin.
First Friday Lunches
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors host a monthly lunch on the first Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at a Pekin Area restaurant. This networking event is ideal opportunity for members to make community connections.
