Pekin Marigold Festival

Richard (Dick) and Dorothy Barker were nominated as Grand Marshals in 2011 and again this year because of their extensive involvement in the community.   Both were retired teachers from Pekin Community High School where Dick was a math teacher and chairman of the PCHS math department.   He also taught evening computer science classes at ICC for 15 years and worked as realtor in Pekin for 10 years serving as president of the Pekin Area Board of Realtors in 1997.   Dorothy served on the PCHS Board of Education for 12 years after her retirement from Pekin High.   Both Dick and Dorothy were former members of the National Education association, Illinois Education Association and Pekin Teachers’ Alliance as well as other professional organizations. Both Dick and Dorothy were active members of the St. Paul United Church of Christ.   Both were also active volunteers for TAPS and most recently served on the committee for the 10 th Annual TAPS Wine & Dine fundraiser held May 6 th . the

Come join us at the iTV-3 Kids’ Experience for a groovy time!   As we celebrate the 40 th Marigold Festival, we are taking a step back in time and celebrating the 1970’s.   Kids of all ages can come enjoy many “flashback” activities this year including the Inflatable Twister from our friends at Fun on the Run, three-legged races, tug-o-war and a watermelon eating contest each day!   We will also have the folks from the Children’s Discovery Museum which is sure to be a great time. We are excited to have a tie-dye station this year! Kids may bring their own item from home to tie dye or we will also have a limited supply of festival t-shirts while supplies last. Of course we will have our usual crowd favorites like face painting and arts & crafts with the YWCA, but there are a couple of other surprises in store!   Bring the kids and catch the power of the flower! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 11 to noon:   Pekin Library kicks us off with a craft that ties into the festival

The Marigold Museum is back this year, as we proudly celebrate the 40 th Pekin Marigold Festival.   Our Festival has always served as a community gathering point - a reunion - where we run into friends and acquaintances that we often only see during this special weekend. It is a great source of nostalgia, as we recall a wealth of memories of time well spent. Each of us has our own "Marigold Memories" or "Marigold Moments" that are special to us. In an attempt to recapture some of those moments, the Marigold Festival has established the Marigold Museum. You will find it in the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion during Festival Weekend. There are displays and memorabilia as well as a festival time-line that should help bring your own special memories to mind. Please take a moment to visit and reconnect with a past full of friends, family and memories.   Enjoy the 40 th , as we look forward to many more years of festival success!

Who will be the 37th woman to reign over the Pekin Marigold Festival? We’ll find out on Saturday, August 11th when the Miss Marigold Pageant is held at the Pekin Community High School F.M. Peterson Theater. Seven talented young women will vie for the crown and the $2,000 scholarship awarded to the winner. The first runner-up will win a $500 scholarship and the second runner-up wins a $250 scholarship. All participants will receive a $50 scholarship. Contestants will compete in the areas of interview, community service, casual wear/on-stage question, talent, and evening gown. Tickets are $10 ($5 for anyone high school aged and younger) and are on sale at the Pekin Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court St. in Pekin. Don’t miss out on this wonderful annual tradition that showcases some of the most talented young ladies in our community! Come and show your support and see who is crowned Miss Marigold 2012!

The volunteers who organize and manage the Pekin Marigold Festival are the Power of the Flower .  They've been meeting and preparing for the 2012 festival since the day after the 2011 festival.  Join them September 6th - 9th for the 2012 Pekin Marigold Festival.    

Saturday September 8, 2012 Pekin Mineral Springs Park-Diamond 1 Guaranteed Prize Money in 2 Divisions: Social: $42 entry Professional: $82 entry Prizes: Professional Division Guaranteed 1st Place: $1000 2nd Place: $500 3rd Place: $300 Social Division Guaranteed 1st Place: $250 2nd Place: $150 3rd Place: $100 Toilet Bowl Trophies and Championship Plaques  Registration starts at 10am: There is no “Buying” of other Team’s entries Free T-shirt, Jimmy John’s Sandwiches & Chips provided for all participants. $2 from entry fee will go to Long Toss pool. Each Player will receive 1 toss after registration. Winner of Long Toss takes the Pool. Additional Long Tosses may be purchased for $1.   Registration forms and non-refundable entry fees must be received by 5pm Friday, August 31st, 2012 at: Pekin Chamber of Commerce, Bags Entry, 402 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 – Phone: (309)346-2106 Registration forms are coming soon.  

All of the booths for Art in the Park have been sold.  Join us September 8th and 9th and shop at over 300 booth spaces!