The Marigold Festival began in the 1973 to honor Pekin native, Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen. The Senator played an influential role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and it is with great pleasure the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce continues to hold the festival in his honor.

While in Congress, Dirksen championed the cause to make the marigold the national floral emblem. While unsuccessful in his efforts, his hometown of Pekin became known as the Marigold Capital of the World. The Pekin Marigold Festival is held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day.

The festival has grown to showcase area businesses, community outreach programs, and serves as a fundraising platform for area non-profits.