GRAND MARSHAL
Pekin Marigold Festival Grand Marshal
The Pekin Marigold Festival Grand Marshal is an honorary role awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the Pekin community. Selected for their positive impact and dedication, the Grand Marshal serves as a symbol of community pride and tradition.
The Grand Marshal is recognized during festival events and typically leads the Marigold Festival Parade, representing the spirit and heritage of Pekin while helping to celebrate one of the community’s most cherished annual traditions.
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival.
The Marigold Festival Committee is seeking nominees who have demonstrated their passion and dedication by giving generously of their time and talent to a variety of charitable and community organizations and activities.
Nominations close on May 1, 2026
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 Cooper
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
