Pekin’s 4th of July Celebration: Full Schedule Set for July 3-4

Photo courtesy of pekinfourthofjuly.com

Pekin is hosting its 196th consecutive Fourth of July Celebration this weekend! The event is recognized across the country as the nation’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration, with Indiana Governor Mike Braun recently releasing a video message in support of the long-standing tradition.

The two-day festival runs July 3 and 4 at Pekin Community Park. This year’s parade theme, “Our American Story,” ties the local tradition to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The celebration dates back to 1830 and has called our community "home" for nearly two centuries, but it has been held at several locations before settling at its current home in the Pekin Community Park. The Pekin Community Betterment Organization, a volunteer-led nonprofit, has overseen the event for generations.

A highlight this year is the display of Pekin’s 1976 bicentennial time capsule along with a new time capsule ceremony, sponsored by the Washington County Community Foundation.

The event includes the annual parade, live music, food vendors, a flea market, contests, children’s activities, a petting zoo, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and of course, fireworks.

Pre-Event – Saturday, June 27

• 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Pre-registration at the First Baptist Church of Pekin

• 3:00 pm: Baby Contest

Friday, July 3

• 8:00 am: Flea Market and Kid Zone set up

• 9:00 am: Flea Market set up

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: 3-on-3 Basketball Registration

• 1:00 pm: 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament starts

• 2:00 pm: Homeland Security and Health Department inspections begin

• 3:00 pm until fireworks: Flea Market opens

• 5:00 pm until fireworks: Food Court, Kid Zone, and Petting Zoo open

• 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Chicken Poop Bingo

• 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Juice Box Heroes perform on stage (sponsored by Washington County Tourism)

• 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Dessert Auction with Sam Hurst (during Juice Box Heroes intermission)

• 10:00 pm: Fireworks by Straight Shooters

Saturday, July 4

• 8:00 am: Parade line-up at Eastern High School

• 10:00 am: Parade – Theme “Our American Story” (Grand Marshal: Rosemary Russell & Family)

Immediately after the parade:

Invocation by Dr. Jeremy Goen, Pekin Church of Christ Minister; Presentation of Colors by Indiana State Police Honor Guard; Pledge of Allegiance led by Rosemary Russell; Star Spangled Banner performed by Chelsey Miller; Reading of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence by 2026 Eastern High School Valedictorian Lucie Mattingly; “Back Home Again in Indiana” performed by Chelsey Miller; A welcome to patrons by Taylor Humphrey-Arnold, PCBO President; and the Grand Marshal Induction.

• 11:00 am – 9:00 pm: DJ Eric at the Pekin Park Stage; Food Court, Flea Market, and Kid Zone open

• 12:15 pm: Dollars for Scholars of Eastern High School presentation at the Pekin Park Stage

• 1:00 pm: Prince and Princess Contest

• 3:00 pm: Ms. Silver Star Contest

• 4:00 pm: Queen Contest

• 5:00 pm: 2026 Queen Crowning Announcement

• 5:45 pm: Time Capsule Ceremony Gathering (sponsored by Washington County Community Foundation)

• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Cade Jones at the Pekin Park Stage (sponsored by Washington County Tourism); Rifle Raffle Drawing and Silent Auction close

• Immediately following: Special Thanks and Closing by Taylor Humphrey-Arnold, PCBO President

All times may be subject to change.

This famous annual community event is organized by the Pekin Community Betterment Organization. It remains one of the community’s most visible traditions, drawing residents, former residents, and visitors each year.

Additional information, updates, and schedule details are available at PekinFourthofJuly.com and on the Oldest Consecutive 4th of July Celebration in the Nation - Pekin, Indiana Facebook page.