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2008 Marigold Festival Events, Activities, and Attractions

September 5th, 6th, and 7th

      

    

          

    

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Click the link below to see the schedule at a glance, or continue reading below for more information on all of the events.

2008 Schedule of Events

The Pekin Marigold Festival Book is now available. You can find your copy at businesses throughout Pekin. Copies are also available at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 402 Court Street. The full-color magazine style book includes information about festival entertainment and events, maps and other useful festival information. You can also see an online version of the book by clicking here:

http://www.varsitypublications.net/marigoldbook.html

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AmerenCILCO Marigold Festival Showcase
The Marigold Festival Committee is excited to bring popular entertainment to the weekend, sponsored by AmerenCILCO.  On Saturday, September 6th from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm and Sunday, September 7th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm the free entertainment stage is packed full of enjoyment.  The stage is located north of the Mineral Springs Park Lagoon. 

• Jim Markum Swing Band (right) will entertain you with their "big band" sound.  The band consists of 10 very talented musicians from the Tri-County area who will whisk you back to the music of the 'swing-era'.  Bring your partner and dance in the aisles on Saturday, September 6th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
• Wise Guise is an A Capella vocal group of 8 men that will entertain you with their wonderful and diverse musical selections again this year. During their 10 years in Illinois, they have performed for crowds from Wrigley Field to the State's Capitol. Frequently seen singing the National Anthem for the Peoria Chiefs, Peoria Rivermen and the Chicago Cubs, they have also been featured at local festivals and fundraising events. On Saturday, September 6th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, they will be strolling the Art in the Park area and will appear on the Entertainment Stage from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Thank you to AmerenCILCO for sponsoring this group.
• Formed in 2007, the Danny Everhart Band is quickly becoming one of the Midwest's most sought after acts. Danny Everheart has been writing songs since his teens, and his latest CD "On Its Way" features some of his finest work. Listeners can easily connect with Danny's music and he can entertain any crowd. The group has opened for Daryle Sinletary, Confederate Railroad and Trent Tomlinson. This year, they will perform on the main stage at the Chippewa Valley Country Fest, one of North America's largest country music festivals. They will be sharing the stage with Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney and many others. They will also appear at the Chicago Country Music Festival on October 11th, at Soldier Field Parklands. Catch this exciting band Saturday, September 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Sunday, September 7th from 10:00 to 11:00 am, you are invited to attend the Park Riverside Community Worship Service. Riverside Community Church is a group of ordinary people who have fallen in love with an extraordinary God. We believe that, with God at the center of our lives, we can see Him do amazing things. The story of our journey is just one testimony to that fact. There are so many lives and so many people who have been impacted - and we know there are many more still to reach.
• Sunday, September 7th, from 11:30 to 12:00 pm is the time to have fun with Confession.
• Elevate will entertain on Sunday, September 7th from 12:30 to 1:00 pm.
• First Assembly of God Sanctuary Worship Choir will be a special presentation for festival attenders to enjoy! See them on stage Sunday, September 7th, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.
• Unchained will be appearing Sunday, September 7th, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Unchained is a worship band that started out playing in prisons all over Illinois. The band has been together for over 6 years and has continued to develop a sound that is fit for every believer. Bring all your friends and family and tell every church you know! See you there.

On the Mineral Springs Park Road:

• Appearing Saturday, September 6th from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm  and Sunday the 7th from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm is the #41 Reed Sorenson Target Dodge 'Car of Tomorrow'. The car will be available for festival visitors to experience what driving on a NASCAR track is all about. When strapped into the seat you will think that you are heading to the checkered flag. There is no charge to ride the simulator but you must be 16 with a valid drivers license.
• Come see Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was driven by seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt. The No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo of Richard Childress Racing became synonymous with success and championships in NASCAR racing. Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress Racing earned 43 of their 67 victories and four of their seven championships together in the famed No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet is still one of the most recognizable race cars in the world. At 2:00 pm Saturday, September 6th, is the NASCAR Biggest Fan Contest.
  
  
• At the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion Porch:

• "Bri & Josh", the duo of Brian Carroll (JammSammich, Farmer Ted) and Josh Bradshaw (Johnny Quest, Peoria Pizza Works Open Stage) are living proof of how much fun you can have without electricity. After joining forces 2 years ago, Bri and Josh or "Br'osh" as they are sometimes referred to, have provided music for several local events - Night Out With the Pekin Police, Pekin Rotary - and have secured a regular stint at Pekin's Captain's Wheel in the Concorde Inn the last Wednesday of every month. Combining energetic acoustic renditions of favorite tunes and self-deprecating wit, the duo are equally pleased when audiences dance or laugh. Long careers in the local music scene provide a vast catalog of material that samples modern rock radio, to 80's retro, 70's "yacht rock" and singer-songwriter ballads, to rootsy blues. And Snickers commercials. No two appearances are ever the same. By day, Brian is the Technology Coordinator for the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS and Josh is a photographer for the Pekin Daily Times and works for Advanced Medical Transport. Both reside in Pekin. Both love bbq pork ribs. Enjoy these guys, Saturday, September 6th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.
• Scott & Chumley, a.k.a. Scott Munge & Chuck Woodworth, are two Pekin natives who started playing together in early 1979. An acoustic act playing a mix of rock, country, country rock and basically anything else they felt like, they were a staple on the Pekin music scene throughout the late 70's and early 80's. Though no longer a working duo, they have remained close friends and are reuniting just for the Marigold Festival. They promise a fun time for all on Saturday, September 6th, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
• As a Pekin resident and 2006 graduate of PCHS, Ryan Graves has been playing music for several years. He was formerly involved with groups such as Shade Tree and Reachout and is now expanding upon his talents as a solo singer, songwriter, and musician. Earlier this year, he completed work on his first CD, pulling skills from his coursework as a multimedia major at ICC to do everything from writing, recording and producing the music to designing the album art. While he has no plans to abandon school or work, Ryan says he wouldn't mind seeing his music take him places someday. Ryan will perform on the Pavilion Porch, Saturday, September 6th from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.  
• Sunday, September 7th, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm is the time to enjoy the Tim & Jack Show. Tim & Jack met a year and a half ago when Jack made a delivery to Tim's house and saw all of his musical equipment. Tim and Jack shared a love of Gospel music and began performing at churches, retirement communities, nursing homes, Gospel Jams and at Berean Bookstore. Tim is in the process of recording a CD of Christian Music.
• The Rockettes will be at the Marigold Festival on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00pm. They will be in Pekin to promote the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes" which will be held in November at the Peoria Civic Center. They will be available on the Pavilion porch to sign autographs and pose for photos, and perhaps give a demo. They will also participate in a Question & Answer session at 3:30pm in the Pavilion. Sunday, September 7th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Art in the Park - Over 350 booths with thousands of arts and crafts.  This is the show that draws vendors and buyers from all over the Midwest.  Check out the Marigold Festival program booklet for a map with the location of your favorite art or craft!  Booklets will be available at area merchants and at the information booth in the gazebo during the festival.  Art in the Park hours:  Saturday, September 6th, 9:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday, September 7th, 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Do you have quality, home-made arts and crafts to sell?  Contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, 346-2106, for information about booth space at Art in the Park.

Bags Tournament - Jimmy Johns is proud to sponsor the Marigold Festival Bags Tournament. The object of this fast growing sport is to get your "bag" into the opposition's hole. It will be held on Saturday, September 6th at noon in the Mineral Springs Park, Diamond #1. First Prize earns $500, second $300 and third is $100. ACA approved equipment will be provided. Advance registration is $25 per team. Game day registration ~ 10 to 11:30am on site ~ is $35. Advance registration forms and nonrefundable entry fees must be received by 5:00 pm, Friday, August 22. Forms are available at the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce or by clicking here.

"Bus With Us" Shuttle - Free transportation is provided within Mineral Springs Park during the Marigold Festival by CityLink.  The festival map in the program booklet shows the "Bus With Us" route and stops.  "Bus With Us" will run on Saturday, September 6th from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Sunday, September 7th from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Take advantage of the FREE transportation around the park during the festival!!!

Carnival - It's fun for the entire family.  Come out and enjoy the Pekin Marigold Festival Carnival, sponsored by the Pekin Marigold Festival Committee.  The carnival will be located in Mineral Springs Park, in the grassy area north of the Parkside parking lot. Thursday is bracelet night - pay $15.00 for unlimited rides. Family pack coupons are 20 for $20.00.
The carnival hours:

• Thursday, September 4th, 5:30pm to 9:30pm
• Friday, September 5th, 5:00pm to 11:30pm
• Saturday, September 6th, 11:00am to 11:00pm
• Sunday, September 7th, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Civic Collage - A collection of informational and fundraising booths, Civic Collage is located between the popcorn stand and Art in the Park, on the east side of Pavilion Road.  Civic Collage is open on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and on Sunday, September 7th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.  The latest list of exhibitors includes:  American Association of University Women, Illinois Army National Guard/Lincoln Challenge, Illinois Secretary of State, Parkway Christian Church, TAPS, Tazewell County Democrats, Tazewell County Republicans, and PCHS Cheerleaders Boosters Club.

Pekin Insurance Festive Foods - The Marigold Festival takes great pride in offering the food concessions to non-profit organizations.  For many of these groups, this is their biggest fund raising event of the year.  Most of the Festive Food booths are located in Mineral Springs Park, across Pavilion Road between the pavilion and ball diamond #1.  Festive Foods is open Saturday, September 6th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, September 7th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Marigold Park Jam MPJ7 - Pekin Park District's 5th Bike, Board & Blade Competition.  This again promises to be an entertaining family fun event!  It will be held at the Pekin Park District Skate Park in Mineral Springs Park.  There will be a $10 entry fee and competition in three levels: beginner, intermediate, and expert.  Competition will be held Saturday, September 6th from 9:00am to 6:00pm.  Register in the Recreation Office of the park.  Competition judges and emcee will be Little Ade's team of experts who will be judging flow, creativity, difficulty & execution.

Marigold Festival Committee Presents Miss Marigold Pageant - The "Miss Marigold" Pageant began in 1973 and continues to be a highlight of the Pekin Marigold Festival celebration.  It is an opportunity for young women to compete in the categories of talent, personal interview, sportswear, and evening gown in order to win scholarship money.  The pageant is open to single women who are 17-21 years old and who live or work in the city of Pekin.  

Congratulations to Miss Megan Nolan, who was crowned the 2008 Miss Marigold Queen. The pageant was held on Saturday, August 9th at the F. M. Peterson Theatre at Pekin Community High School. Also, congratulations to First Runner-up, Miss Jamie Morgan, and Second Runner-up, Miss Sarah Krause. Also competing for the title were Miss Rebecca Anderson, Miss Brittany Bozarth, Miss Devyn Whitmore (Community Service Award Winner) and Miss Brittney Heath (Miss Congeniality). More information and pictures are posted on our picture web page at: http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber.

And thanks to Jessica Potts for the photography below.

 

Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt - Approximately two weeks before the Marigold Festival, a medallion is hidden somewhere on public property in or around Pekin.  Thought-provoking, clever and cunning clues to the whereabouts are released.  The public then begins the hunt by interpreting the double meaning of the clues.  Each clue gets more descriptive and as people begin to put together the pieces of the puzzle, more and more sleuths and detectives join in the hunt.  Since 1977 this event has been enjoyed by young and old, individuals and families. Come join in the fun and prove your detective skills.  The person who finds the medallion will receive an exciting grand prize.  The first clue was released on Monday,August 25th. The Pepsi Marigold Medallion was found almost immediately after the 9th clue was released on September 4th. It was found by Scott and Angela Jones of Pekin. They also found the Pepsi Marigold Medallion in 2002. This year they found it in some bushes near the Miller Senior Center. More information will be released later, including an explanation of the clues. You can find that info at: http://medallionhunt.blogspot.com

Public Planting ~ Marigold Flower Beds The Pekin Marigold Festival Committee works with area businesses and non-profit organizations to continue the marigold tradition.  The City of Pekin's appearance is enhanced by the beautiful beds of marigolds and complimenting flowers.  This year's flower beds were sponsored by:  Busey Bank, Illinois & Midland Railroad; John M. Evans; Pekin Masonic Lodge #29; Pekin 1st; Pekin Township; Pekin Rotary Club; Ruskusky Foot and Ankle Clinic; Second Reformed Church; Sunset Plaza; VFW Post #1232, and Vonderheide Floor Covering & Carpet.  Special thanks to the City of Pekin employees, and the many other volunteers that help to make Pekin the Marigold Capital of the World!!  Enjoy!

Sand Volleyball Tournament - Come join in the fun and participate in the Pekin Marigold Festival Sand Volleyball Tournament presented by Parkside Athletics.  Matches will be held in the Mineral Springs Park on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Rain date, Sunday, September 7th. Divisions are Competitive Volleyball on sand and Recreational Volleyball on Grass. More information and entry forms are available at Parkside Athletics, the chamber office, or you can download one online.

The Pekin Archery Club - for its 2nd year - On Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, the Pekin Archery Club will sponsor an Archery Exhibition in Ball Diamond #1 at the festival. Club members will be available to provide instruction on how to properly handle a bow and arrow. This activity is open to children and adults.