About:

The annual festival in Winterville was conceived in 1970 by citizens, including former mayor, Wesley Whitehead, Joan Biles, and Sybil Deacon, as a means of revitalizing community spirit and reversing the decay prevalent in the city buildings such as the historic train depot. The marigold, adopted as the town's official symbol in 1971 was chosen because of its hardiness, versatility, and vigor, and because it is a symbol of friendship all over the world.

Funds from Marigold Festivals are used to beautify and improve the community. Past festivals funded several building renovations, including the Train Depot, furnished the building for the Winterville branch of the Athens Regional Library, built a playscape in the park, plus many other projects.

The Marigold Festival, held from 1971 through 2002, was discontinued in 2003, but no one had forgotten it. Rather than relive just stories and memories, some residents, including past Executive Director, Emily Eisenman, along with a other past organizers, got together and decided to revive the Marigold Festival. With the blessing of then Mayor Jim Mercer and the City Council, the new organizers have once again brought the exciting, fun-filled, Marigold Festival to life!