Pekin Marigold Festival

Entry applications are now being accepted for the 2009 NTS Marigold Festival Parade. The parade is on Saturday, September 12th, beginning at 10:00am. The deadline for parade entries is August 28th. You can pick up an application at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street, or you can download an application here: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/ParadeApp09.pdf

The Pekin Marigold Festival Committee has unveiled the logo for the 2009 festival. This is the first logo used by the committee that prominently features Senator Everett Dirksen. The Marigold Festival began in 1972 as a way to honor one of Pekin's favorite sons. 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. The 2009 Pekin Marigold Festival will be held on September 11th, 12th, and 13th. It's always the weekend after Labor Day.

At the April meeting of the Pekin Marigold Festival Committee the following events and vendors were approved for the 2009 Marigold Festival: Civic Collage PCHS Cheerleading Boosters Tazewell County Democrats Events Marigold 5k Race - American Legion Baseball Package drop off & delivery - Pekin Flames Booster Club Marigold Pet Pageant - Pekin Park District Pony Rides - Rockin' P Rough Riders 4-H Club Pekin Insurance Festive Food Court vendors Boy Scouts Troop 65 CAWS Christian Civic Outreach Faith Baptist Christian School Grace United Methodist Church Family Focus Pekin Emblem Club #424 Pekin Firefighters Local #524 Senior World United Way of Pekin

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Grand Marshal of the 2009 Pekin Marigold Festival. This annual honor is presented by the Marigold Festival Committee to recognize a local resident (or couple) who has given freely to the betterment of their community. 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. The nomination deadline is May 4, 2009. Nomination forms are available at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street, or the form can be downloaded at: http://www.pekin.net/Photos/MarigoldPix/2009MarshalForm.pdf .