Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Pekin Marigold Festival
The 2009 Marigold Festival will be September 11th, 12th, and 13th. It's always the weekend after Labor Day.

The Marigold Festival began in 1972 as a way to honor one of Pekin's favorite sons, Senator Everett Dirksen. While in Congress, Senator Dirksen tried to make the marigold the national flower. In support of Dirksen, the community began growing marigolds.
     While Dirksen was unsuccessful in his efforts to make the marigold the national flower, his hometown of Pekin soon became known as the 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 over tens of thousands of people over a number of days and locations. The first festival included an art fair and boxing matches! Past festivals have also included such unique events as cow pie bingo and a Cardboard Boat Regatta.
     The current festival lineup includes the NTS Marigold Festival Parade, the Friday Night Family Fest, the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt, the Ameren Marigold Festival Showcase Stage, CenturyTel Kids' Experience, Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court, Jimmy Johns Marigold Bags Tournament, CEFCU Soda Stations, and "Art in the Park."
     The only food available at the first festival was an ice cream social. Today there is still an ice cream social, AND just about every other kind of food imaginable, from dippin' dots to funnel cakes to pork chop sandwiches. And all of the food vendors are non-profit organizations, raising money for their programs.
     The Marigold Festival involves the entire community and is organized by the Marigold Festival Committee. This group of volunteers meets year round to plan the fun and excitement. The Marigold Festival is held on the first weekend after Labor Day.

2009 Marigold Festival Events, Activities, and Attractions

September 11th, 12th, and 13th

Click the link below to see the schedule at a glance, or continue reading below for more information on all of the events.

2009 Schedule of Events

You can also see the latest news on the Marigold Festival blog at

http://marigoldfestival.blogspot.com

Check regularly for the 2009 festival's latest updates...

AmerenCILCO Marigold Festival Showcase
The Marigold Festival Committee is excited to bring popular entertainment to the weekend, sponsored by AmerenCILCO. On Saturday, September 12th from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm and Sunday, September 13th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm the free entertainment stage is packed full of enjoyment. The stage is located north of the Mineral Springs Park Lagoon.

Art in the Park ~ Over 350 booths with thousands of arts and crafts. This is the show that draws vendors and buyers from all over the Midwest. Check out the Marigold Festival program booklet for a map with the location of your favorite art or craft! Booklets will be available at area merchants and at the information booth in the gazebo during the festival. Art in the Park hours: Saturday, September 12th, 9:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday, September 13th, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Do you have quality, home-made arts and crafts to sell? Contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 346-2106, for information about booth space at Art in the Park.

CEFCU Marigold Festival Soda Stations ~ The Marigold Festival committee is pleased to announce CEFCU is sponsoring the Marigold Festival Soda Stations located on both sides of Pavilion Road. The stations will be open on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 13th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

CenturyTel "Kids Experience" ~ The Kids Experience will be at the festival again this year. Sponsored by Century Tel, there will be make it - take it activities and information from numerous organizations. So far, the Pekin YWCA Coalition for Equality will be there with free craft/art activities for children on Saturday, September 12th from 11:00am to 3:00pm and on Sunday, September 13th, from 11:00am to 3:00 pm. Watch for more additions to the days!

Civic Collage ~ A collection of informational and fundraising booths, Civic Collage is located between the popcorn stand and Art in the Park, on the east side of Pavilion Road. Civic Collage is open on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and on Sunday, September 13th from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The latest list of exhibitors includes: AAUW, Illinois Secretary of State, Parkway Christian Church, PCHS Cheerleaders' Booster Club, Pekin Hospital League, Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS), Tazewell County Democrats, and theTazewell County Republican Party.

Friday Night Family Fest ~ Kickoff the Marigold Festival weekend with the Friday Night Family Fest sponsored by Pekin Main Street. There will be lots of food, lots of fun and one of Pekin's favorite Marigold events - the Lip Sync Contest. Bring your lawn chairs and your appetite and be ready for a great night of family fun! Friday Night Family Fest is held on Friday, September 11th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm around the courthouse square in historic downtown Pekin.

Fun for the whole family at the Mineral Springs Kiddie Corral area:

Climbing Wall ~ The climbing wall is returning to the Marigold Festival again this year. This 23 foot wall resembles a real rock and is an extension of the Upper Limits Climbing Gym, the tallest climbing facility in the world, located in Bloomington, Illinois. This portable climbing wall allows people to enjoy the excitement of rock climbing without having to travel out of Illinois. Five staff members from Upper Limits will assist you as you climb up this 23 foot wall. Even if you are not in the greatest physical condition and have no prior experience in rock climbing, you can still enjoy the climbing wall. With several different routes of varying difficulty, men and women of all ages can enjoy this great event. The climbing wall will be open on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 13th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Ritchhart's Mobile Zoo ~ The mobile children's zoo is on Saturday, September 12th, 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 13th, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Children of all ages have an opportunity to meet gentle creatures and enjoy petting and feeding these lovable animals.
Rockin' P Rough Riders ~ The children's area is also hosting 'walking' pony rides on Saturday, September 12th, 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 13th, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

"Grow for the Gold" ~ Back again this year is the Grow for the Gold Garden Contest. Help make Pekin the Marigold Capital of the World with your Marigold gardens. All entries must have a Pekin address and flowers must be visible from the street. The marigolds can be by themselves or in combination with other flowers. You may enter your own flowers or your neighbor’s garden. The entry deadline is August 5th with judging on Saturday, August 8th. A photographer will take pictures of all entries. The judge’s decision is final with cash prizes to be awarded. For an entry blank visit the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at 402 Court Street or download one at: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/GrowGold2009.pdf

Jimmy John's Marigold Festival Bags Tournament ~ Last year’s phenomenally successful Jimmy John’s Marigold Festival Bags Tournament is back for a 2nd year. The 2009 tournament will feature twice the number of teams (128) and twice the prize money. First prize is $1000. The tourney will be on Saturday, September 12th at Mineral Springs Park, Diamond #1. The first round begins at 12:00pm. Bags is a game similar to horseshoes, but played with corn bags and portable game boards. The committee would like to thank the Pekin Community High School graphic arts class and teacher Steve Huey for designing the posters, entry forms, and newspaper advertising. So enter early (it’s cheaper) and come out to beautiful Mineral Springs Park to enjoy the sun and fun of a first class Bags tournament. Entry forms may be down loaded at www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/BagsEntry09.pdf or you can go to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce or your local Jimmy John’s to pick up an entry form The Marigold Festival Committee is pleased to announce American Leg.

Little Miss & Mister Marigold Pageant 2009 ~ This year the pageant will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2009, beginning at 12:00 Noon at Pekin Dragon Dome. There will be a break at 3:00pm for a cake reception. 'Unique Twist' Balloons will be making creations for the kiddos and there will be entertainment on the stage. Proceeds to benefit Easter Seals with the check to be presented on the Easter Seals Telethon by our winners. Age groups are limited and the pageant deadline is July 18th. For more information, contact Jackie Montgomery or stop in at the chamber for an application or download an application at: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/Little2009.pdf Pre-registration and Q/A at the Pekin Public Library July 21st from 6:15-7:00

NTS Marigold Festival Parade ~ As always, the parade is held on Saturday morning, beginning at 10:00am. Parade entries line-up on Broadway Road, between 14th Street and Parkway. The parade route runs down Broadway, then down Court Street, past the reviewing stand in front of the Courthouse, and then south on Capitol. The 2009 Marigold Festival Parade is sponsored by NTS Telephone Company. The parade features the 2009 Marigold Festival Grand Marshals, Larry & Willowdean Stone (pictured), high school & middle school bands, antique and classic cars & trucks, floats created by local businesses and civic organizations, politicians, radio & television personalities, and much more. Parade entry applications are due by August 28th. They are available at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street, or you can download one here.

Marigold Festival 5K Run/Walk ~ The Marigold Festival Committee is pleased to announce American Legion Baseball is sponsoring this year's 5K run/walk on Saturday, September 12th, at 8:00am in Coal Miners Park.

Marigold Pet Pageant "Top Dog" ~ A brand NEW EVENT sponsored by the Pekin Park District is the Marigold Pet Pageant. It will be held Sunday, September 13th beginning at 3:00pm. Located at the new 'Happy Tails' Dog Park, the pageant is a family and pooch oriented show for "showing off" your dog. No matter what skills or breed, this is a fun-to-watch spectator sport! For more information, call 347-PARK.

Package Hold & Load ~ This event is hosted by the Pekin Flames Booster Club on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and on Sunday the 13th from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The group will 'Hold' packages and purchases of festival shoppers until they are ready to be taken home. Then~~help you 'Load' them in your vehicle.

Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt - Approximately two weeks before the Marigold Festival, a medallion is hidden somewhere on public property in or around Pekin. Thought-provoking, clever and cunning clues to the whereabouts are released. The public then begins the hunt by interpreting the double meaning of the clues. Each clue gets more descriptive and as people begin to put together the pieces of the puzzle, more and more sleuths and detectives join in the hunt. Since 1977 this event has been enjoyed by young and old, individuals and families. Come join in the fun and prove your detective skills. The person who finds the medallion will receive an exciting grand prize. This year's first clue will be released on Monday, August 31st.

Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court ~ The Marigold Festival takes great pride in offering the food concessions to non-profit organizations. For many of these groups, this is their biggest fund raising event of the year. Most of the Festive Food booths are located in Mineral Springs Park, across Pavilion Road between the pavilion and ball diamond #1. The Festive Foods is open Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 13th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Ambassadors for Christ ~ Smoothies & Frozen Coffees, Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Topping, Fish Sandwiches & Ribbon Fries
American Cancer Society ~ Corn Dogs, Lemon Shake-Ups & Bottled Water
Boy Scout Troop 62 ~ Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chips & Drinks
Boy Scout Troop 65 ~ Curly Fries, Onion Rings, Soda & Bottled Water
C.A.W.S. ~ Kettlekorn & Iced Tea with Fruit
Faith Baptist Christian School Booster Club ~Tenderloins, Elephant Ears, Funnel Cakes, Lemon Shake-Ups, Soda and Tea
Grace Methodist Church ~ Baked Potato Bar & Toppings, Soda, Water and Juice
Pekin Emblem Club #424 ~ Godfather's Pizza, Soda & Water
Pekin Firefighters Local #524 ~ Submarine Sandwiches, Chips & Soda
Pekin First Church of God ~ Homemade Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches, Soda & Water
Pekin Job's Daughters Bethel 55 ~ J.D. Scrambled Hamburger Sandwiches, Strawberry Shortcake, Chips and Drinks
Pekin Kiwanis ~ Ice Cream, Root Beer and Dip & Dots
Pekin Lions Club ~ Fresh Donuts and Fruit Drinks
PCHS AJROTC Boosters ~ Lemon Shake-Ups, Water, Soda & Iced Tea
Rotary Club of Pekin (located in the big tent between the lagoon and Court Street) ~ Butterfly Pork Chop Sandwiches, Rib-Eye Sandwiches, Bratwurst, Chips, Lemon Shake-Ups
Senior World ~ Roasted Nuts, Flavored Shaved Ice, Water & Lemon Shake-Ups
Southside Business Association ~ Barbecue Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Chips, Candy Bars, Root Beer Floats & Soda
The Salvation Army ~ Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, "Tacos in a Bag", Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookies, & Drinks
United Way of Pekin ~ Brats, Chips, and Soda

Public Planting ~ Marigold Flower Beds The Pekin Marigold Festival Committee works with area businesses and non-profit organizations to continue the marigold tradition. The City of Pekin's appearance is enhanced by the beautiful beds of marigolds and complimenting flowers. This year's flower beds were sponsored by: Busey Bank, Hoe & Hope; Illinois & Midland Railroad; John M. Evans; Leman Property Management; Pekin Masonic Lodge #29; Pekin 1st Committee; Pekin Kiwanis Club; Pekin Rotary Club; Second Reformed Church; VFW Post #1232, and Vonderheide Floor Covering & Carpet. Special thanks to the City of Pekin employees, and the many other volunteers that help to make Pekin the Marigold Capital of the World!! Enjoy!

Sand Volleyball Tournament ~ Come join in the fun and participate in the Pekin Marigold Festival Sand Volleyball Tournament presented by Parkside Athletics. Matches will be held in the Mineral Springs Park on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00 am to Dusk (Finish). Rain date, Sunday, September 13th. Divisions are Competitive Volleyball on sand and Recreational Volleyball on Grass. More information and entry forms are available at Parkside Athletics or the chamber office.

Wiffle Ball Tournament ~ Another NEW EVENT this year is the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin Wiffle Ball Tournament. It will be held on Sunday, September 13th at Diamond #1 in the park. Registration is at 9:00am with games beginning at 10:00 am. Contact the Chamber at 346-2106 for age categories and fees.