GRAND MARSHAL
2026 Grand Marshal
Brian Carroll
For many throughout Central Illinois, Brian Carroll is synonymous with community spirit. Whether supporting local charities, emceeing beloved hometown traditions, or using his musical talents to benefit those in need, Brian has spent years making a positive difference in the lives of others.
A longtime supporter of the Pekin Marigold Festival, Brian has helped bring the community together through his service as emcee of the Miss Marigold Pageant and co-emcee of the Marigold Festival Parade alongside Mark Matthews. He has also volunteered countless hours working with the festival committee, including helping shape and promote Dragon Jam, one of the festival’s newest and most successful attractions.
Brian’s community involvement reaches far beyond the festival. Since 2015, he has served as a St. Jude Pekin to Peoria Runs Coordinator, helping lead one of Central Illinois’ most meaningful charitable traditions in support of the children and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through music and public service, he has also supported numerous nonprofit organizations, church ministries, and community fundraisers, often donating his time and talents to help others.
Friends and colleagues know Brian as someone who never hesitates to answer the call for a worthy cause. Over the years, he has performed at countless benefit events, family celebrations, memorial services, and fundraisers, frequently donating or waiving his fees to maximize support for charitable organizations and individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Professionally, Brian has built a successful career in real estate and community leadership, but his legacy is perhaps best measured by the relationships he has built and the countless volunteer hours he has dedicated to making Pekin and the Peoria region a better place to live, work, and celebrate.
The honor of serving as Grand Marshal recognizes individuals whose lives reflect the values of community, volunteerism, and hometown pride that have defined the Pekin Marigold Festival for generations. Brian Carroll embodies those ideals through his lifelong commitment to service and his passion for bringing people together.
Brian and his wife, Joanna, reside in Pekin and are proud parents of two grown children – Abbey and Brody. They recently celebrated becoming grandparents.
Past Grand Marshals
1973 – Mrs. Louella Dirksen
1974 – Mrs. Louella Dirksen
1975 – David Burpee (developed Seed)
1976 – Mrs. Louella Dirksen
1977 – Mrs. Louella Dirksen
1978 – Mrs. Louella Dirksen
1979 – Ernie Banks
1980 – Dorothy (Mrs. Eugene) Miller
1981 – Tim Soldwedel
1982 – Roy (Peach) Preston
1983 – Mayor J. Norman Shade
1984 – John & Juanita Kriegsman
1985 – Wilbur Korsmeyer
1986 – Bud & Jean More
1987 – Virginia Sams
1988 – Mike & Mrs. Norma Caringello
1989 – Erven & Eleanor Abel
1990 – Chuck & Nina Dancey
1991 – Rev. Hubert Entwisle
1992 – Robert & Dorothy Doan
1993 – Bill & Sandy Sevier
1994 – Joe & Shirley Carver
1995 – Larry & Janet Homerin
1996 – Kathryn Learned
1997 – Henry & Alice Cakora
1998 – Roy & Jackie Williams
1999 – Ernie Cretaro
2000 – Al Gasper
2001 – Frank Starcevich
2002 – Bob Moore
2003 – Ivan & Shirley Berg
2004 – Carol Shields
2005 – George Beres
2006 – Ralph & Marilyn Brower
2007 – Jan & Jim Donahue
2008 – Jerry Hall
2009 – Larry & Willowdean Stone
2010 – Ken White
2011 – Dr. Dennis Stoller
2012 – Dorothy Barker (& Late Richard Barker)
2013 – Rich & Nancy Kriegsman
2014 – Ivagene Wheeler
2015 – Mr. & Mrs. Dean CooperÂ
2016 – Ms. Judy Streid
2017 – Brett Bode
2018 – Dale Sandrock
2019 – Tom Elliott
2020 – Mary Haynes
2021 – Greg & Gloria Ranney
2022 – Jim Fairchild
2023 – Marcella Harms
2024 – Gary Gillis
2025 – Maureen Naughtin
