Pekin Marigold Festival

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 thousands of people over a number of days and locations. Thecurrent festival lineup includes the NTS Marigold Festival Parade, the Friday Night Family Fest, the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt, the AmerenCILCO Entertainment Stage, Gallatin River Communications ''Kids' Experience'', Pekin Insurance Miss Marigold Pageant and ''Art in the Park.''