Thousands of people packed a park in Pekin in honor of one of the city's distinguished symbols: the marigold flower.

The Annual Marigold Festival is a tradition for some area residents but is a new experience for others. News 25's Michelle Mantel tells us why.

Each year, people stroll through the Marigold Festival – and recently there's been featured attractions. This year festival participants cast their eyes on a simulated Race Car.

"I think it's pretty cool", said 11 year old Alecia Pettit of Washington.
On the other side of Mineral Springs Park, other residents glanced through tents full of arts and crafts. This is the 15th year Pat and Linda Langan came to the festival.

"My wife and I like it here and see new things and you know new talents", said Pat Langan.

His wife Linda said, "Our house looks like a craft show and we just, this is a nice time of the year to come out. We just really enjoy it and kind of look forward to it."

People were not the only ones celebrating the 36th annual festival. Furry friends were on site too.

"We're baby sitting and we just thought it'd be fun to bring him and I notice other people have their dogs too", said Linda Langan.

And you may wonder why the festival is named after a flower. There's actually some historical significance.

A former Senator was partial to the Marigold Flower which is basically the symbol of the festival and the city of Pekin.

Marigold Festival Chairman Greg Henerson said, "It started to honor Everett Dirksen back in 1972 and the Marigold festival was his favorite flower and he tried to have it become the national flower, it became a Pekin flower I guess you can say."

A Flowery festival wrapping up the summer and bringing in a new season.

'It's a start to fall this is where it really starts", said Pat Langan.