(Photo By Flickr User T.Kiya)
In 1972, a group of Pekin, IL residents gathered to investigate the possibility of a local festival. In their discussions, they decided it would be a way to honor Pekin's favorite son, Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen.
Throughout his life, Senator Dirksen was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time in his garden. David Burpee, owner of the Burpee Seed Company, learned of Dirksen's strong appreciation for gardening. He contacted Dirksen on numerous occasions, encouraging him to introduce legislation that would name the Marigold the official floral emblem of the United States. Unfortunately, Dirksen's efforts were unsuccessful. But until his death, the Marigold held a special place in his heart. What better way for the people of Pekin to remember Senator Dirksen than to name their festival after something so close to his heart, his beloved flower, the Marigold.
The first festival was held in 1973, and now, young and old look forward to the 41st Annual Pekin Marigold Festival. With events and fun throughout Pekin over a span of several days, it is unlikely Senator Dirksen or the members of the original Marigold Festival Committee could have imagined what a fantastic event the Marigold Festival would eventually become!
Special Guests For This Year's Festival:
Daniel Logan
Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Daniel Logan started acting when he was 10 years old. At the top of this young actor’s growing resume sits ”STAR WARS: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” with the coveted role of Boba Fett. Daniel has recently reprised his role as the voice of Boba Fett in the animated television series “STAR WARS: The Clone Wars.” Logan currently resides in Los Angeles and is continuing a career in acting.
Tom Kane
Although best known as the voice of Jedi Master Yoda, Tom's busycareer includes Movie Trailers, Commercials, Network Promos, Games and Cartoons, with lead roles in Powerpuff Girls, Robot Chicken, Kim Possible, Avengers, Foster's Home, Iron Man, Wild Thornberrys, Wolverine and the X-Men and feature films such as Shrek, Rugrats and The Smurfs. Tom was also the announcer for the 78th, 80th, 83rd & 84th Academy Awards.
Other Special Guests:
The 501st Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and the Rebel Legion are international fan-based Star Wars™ organizations which promote the love of Star Wars™, the creation of quality
costumes, and the spirit of volunteerism.
Schedule:
Autograph Sessions- Saturday 1pm-4pm & Sunday 1pm-3pm
Celebrity Tents on Pavilion Drive
Q & A Session- Sunday 12noon-12:45pm at the Pavilion
Make sure you make it out to The 2013 Pekin Marigold Festival beginning this Thursday, September 5th in Pekin, IL.
For more information on this year's Pekin Marigold Festival, log on to www.pekinchamber.com right now.
Until we meet again, "May The Marigolds Be With You!"
