Each year, this amazing group of volunteers plans and executes the Pekin Marigold Festival. All volunteers, this group dedicates an amazing amount of time and talent to our community. Festival Chairperson Baylee Gambetti may likely be Pekin’s biggest cheerleader was an outstanding chairperson with her new ideas and energy and willingness to bring back a few festival-treasured events too! We are so thankful for this group!! THEY ROCKED!!

In addition, the Pekin Marigold Festival is proud to announce a generous donation of $12,000 to the Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue located in the heart of Mineral Springs Park. This contribution demonstrates the festival’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the local community’s cultural and artistic resources. Proceeds from the Bicentennial Dragon Jam, a multi-band concert held on September 6th were donated. Event organizer Brian Carroll states, “It was a dream come true shining a spotlight on Pekin’s musical past. The idea that Dan Fogelberg and REO Speedwagon recorded at a little studio in South Pekin – or that KISS played in our high school stadium – it offers the potential that anyone with big musical fantasies can start them here in Pekin. You don’t need to look any further than Jay Goldberg’s story – or The Jet’s. Pekin has been and always will be a very musical town.” Festival Chairperson Baylee Gambetti commented that, “The crowd’s energy was contagious and it was cool to see Pekin’s musical history celebrated in many ways throughout the night.”

A long-time Pekin resident and one recognized at the event for his musical journey, Jay Goldberg, also donated a generous $5,000 to the Performing Arts Venue through his family foundation. Timing was perfect as the Performing Arts Venue’s fundraising committee had an anonymous $25,000 match active during this time, so funds contributed were potentially doubled during this period.

The Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue is nearing completion, and will offer a space for live performances, cultural events, and community gatherings. This donation will be used towards project completion. This venue will provide a vibrant space for creativity of residents of Pekin and beyond. Donations are still needed for this project – visit https://www.pekinparkfoundation.org/donate/performing-arts-venue/ to donate.

Business & Community Recognition Luncheon:
Save the date for the 27th Annual Business & Community Recognition Luncheon. Each year, the Pekin business community gathers to celebrate the milestones and successes of our local businesses and community organizations. From remodeling projects or expansions to a major retraining effort, we take this time to recognize the efforts of our businesses. In addition, we will name the Business Leader of the Year and the Business of the Year. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 11:30 at the Pekin Moose Lodge. Registration will close on October 10th. Visit www.pekinchamber.com to reserve your seats.

Chamber Leadership Receive Service Awards
Chamber Board President, Dr. Danielle Owens, recently received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for her many years of service to our community by the Pekin Rotary Club. Chamber Executive Director, Amy McCoy, received the Luis V. Amador, MD Medallion Award from the Kiwanis Club of Pekin and the Illinois Eastern Iowa Division of Kiwanis International. This award is also for outstanding service to the community. The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide many opportunities for community service and leadership development, facilitating a path for future similar award recipients.