
2023 Pekin Marigold Festival Event Program
Download your official guide to the 2023 Pekin Marigold Festival.
#PekinMarigoldFestival
September 7-10, 2023
Pekin Marigold Festival
The Marigold Festival began in the 1973 to honor Pekin native, Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen. The Senator played an influential role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and it is with great pleasure the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce continues to hold the festival in his honor.
While in Congress, Dirksen championed the cause to make the marigold the national floral emblem. While unsuccessful in his efforts, his hometown of Pekin became known as the Marigold Capital of the World. The Pekin Marigold Festival is held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day.
The festival has grown to showcase area businesses, community outreach programs, and serves as a fundraising platform for area non-profits.


Grand Marshal
Marcella Harms



August 12th, 2023 Miss Marigold Pageant
The Miss Marigold Pageant focuses on awarding scholarship money to savvy, goal oriented, aware young women from our community. Contestants will compete in the areas of interview, community service, on-stage question, talent and evening gown.

Congratulations to Pekin Community High School student, Olivia Torrey, the artist responsible for the winning medallion design.
the hunt begins! Jimmy John's ® Marigold Medallion Hunt
“A Community Obsession”
Every year at the end of August, Pekin’s amateur detectives and determined sleuths prepare for the Pekin Marigold Festival Medallion Hunt. They put their interpretive skills against the Medallion Hunt Clue Meister who has carefully hidden the small disc somewhere on public property, releasing “clues” on a daily basis. The clues carry double-meaning, veiled references, and carefully disguised hints all designed to bring out the “DaVinci Code” enthusiast in us all.

registration is open Marigold Golf Outing
The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the Marigold Golf Outing! Join us for an afternoon of fun, networking and fellowship. Prizes will be awarded. Mulligans available. Get your foursome together and plan to join us!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS FIREWORKS
Friday, September 8 after the PCHS Football Game

Art In The Park
Likely the most anticipated event of the Marigold Festival, Art in the Park returns this year with a vendor line up that is sure to keep you excited through every turn!
Shop Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and again Sunday, September 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday at 10am Marigold Festival Parade

A Marigold Festival Tradition, beginning at 14th and Broadway and continuing downtown to Capitol St.

Festive Foods

Did you know Festive Foods is actually a fundraising event? All of our Festive Food vendors are nonprofit organizations. We’re returning this event to the grassy area near the Royal Ave Shelter.

Cooking Demos
Sponsored by ICC
Saturday at 12:30 pm and 4 pm, Sunday at 12:30 pm on Pavilion Porch, Featuring local chefs.
Edible Art Contest
Saturday at 1:30 pm to 4 pm on the East side of the Pavilion Porch.
Eating Contests
kouri's wing eating contest
Saturday at 2pm on Pavilion Porch
Tadoughs donut eating contest
Sunday at 2pm on Pavilion Porch

Registration now open Chalk Walk
Walk along the Mineral Springs Lagoon and see our area artists at work! This newer event has chalk drawings from all age groups and boasts a not-to-miss display of talent.

lanterns availble during festival Lagoon Glow
This demonstration is nostalgic and where #marigoldmemories are made.
The Lagoon Glow will have lanterns available for purchase during the festival. Write a memory or wish on your lantern, or honor a loved one. The lanterns will be cast into the lagoon at dusk.

Registration Now Open Through August 31st Community Spotlight
Standing alongside Art in the Park, Community Spotlight showcases services and groups within the Pekin area that offer outreach initiatives, nonprofit services and more. Check out how these business and organizations serve our communities!

Showcase Stage
The Showcase Stage will be going all day long alongside Art in the Park! See booklet for complete lineup details!
Did you know...
The first Marigold Festival was held in 1973 to honor Pekin's favorite son, Everett McKinley Dirksen.
THANK YOU TO
Our generous sponsors:

And our wonderful supporters
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