About This Festival

The Pekin 4th of July Celebration, held in New Pekin, Indiana at Pekin Park, is the oldest consecutive annual 4th of July celebration in the United States, with a history spanning over 195 years. The festival traditionally takes place over July 3rd to 5th and is a deeply rooted community event emphasizing patriotism, family fun, and small-town Americana.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

New Pekin is a small southern Indiana community characterized by a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The event reflects classic Americana with its parade, patriotic ceremonies, and community-driven spirit. Pekin Park, the event site, provides accessible green space with areas for vendors, carnival rides, stage performances, and communal gathering spots. The vibe is festive, warm, and inclusive, attracting locals and visitors who appreciate historic traditions and community celebration.

Event Activities and Description

The celebration spans several days with a wide variety of activities:

  • Parade: On July 4th at 10 AM, a traditional Independence Day parade proceeds through the town, showcasing local groups, marching bands, and patriotic displays.

  • Festival: An all-day festival includes:

    • Craft Vendors and Flea Market stalls offering local goods.
    • Food vendors presenting traditional festival fare.
    • Carnival rides including Bluegrass Rides from late afternoon to evening.
    • Live music and entertainment, such as DJ Eric’s performances by the stage and potentially live band shows.
    • Children’s activities and games, encouraging family participation.

  • Contests: Fun competitive events include a baby contest the day prior, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the morning, and eating contests for watermelon and corn on the cob with sign-ups during early evening.

  • Honor America Celebration: On July 4th evening at Pekin Memorial Stadium, the 77th Annual Honor America Celebration is held, featuring:

    • Live music performances (e.g., AKA Classic Rock from 6 to 9 PM).
    • Kids’ zone with games and glow sticks.
    • Food concessions.
    • A grand fireworks display at dusk, lighting up the Pekin sky as the festival’s finale.

The fireworks event has free admission; general seating is open and limited VIP and sponsor seating on the field is available. A rain date is set for July 5th if needed.

Rough Schedule (Based on Recent Typical Years)

  • July 3: Early contests such as Baby Contest and registration activities; evening food vendors and rides open.
  • July 4:
    • Morning (start ~8–10 AM): Parade and basketball tournaments.
    • Daytime: Festival with vendor booths, games, contests, carnival rides.
    • 6 PM onward: Music and live entertainment at Pekin Memorial Stadium.
    • Dusk (~9 PM): Fireworks show.
  • July 5: Rain date for fireworks and some extended festival activities.

History and Founding

The celebration has been held every year consecutively for nearly two centuries, making it the longest-running annual 4th of July celebration in the nation. Its founding origins date back to the 1820s, rooted in community patriotism soon after Indiana’s statehood, reflecting the small-town pride and lasting American traditions. The event is managed largely by volunteers and funded through community sponsors, donors, and grants, emphasizing its grassroots nature.

The Pekin Community Betterment Organization, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit, supports the event’s operation, maintaining tax-exempt status to facilitate donations that help sustain this historic celebration.

Accessibility and Contact

  • The event location at Pekin Park is handicapped accessible.
  • Organized contacts include the Pekin Community Betterment Organization and Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Official information and event updates are provided on the website pekinfourthofjuly.com and its social media pages.

Overall, the Pekin 4th of July Celebration offers a rich blend of tradition, community, family entertainment, and patriotic spirit, making it a unique and enduring Independence Day event.