Wednesdays at Noon | Miller Center - 551 S 14th St, Pekin
Rotary Grill
Serving Up a Pekin Tradition Since 1980
For more than four decades, the Pekin Rotary Grill has brought Rotarians, families, friends, and the community together during the Pekin Marigold Festival.
What began as a fundraiser in 1980 has grown into one of Pekin Rotary’s most visible traditions – and an important way we raise funds to support projects throughout our community.
Good Food. Great People.
A Lasting Impact.
Each year during the Marigold Festival, Pekin Rotarians gather at Mineral Springs Park to fire up the grills and serve thousands of festival visitors.
But the Rotary Grill is about much more than what’s on the menu.
It’s Rotarians working side-by-side. It’s families and friends pitching in. It’s meeting neighbors from throughout the community. And it’s knowing that every mean served helps Pekin Rotary continue making a difference.
A PEKIN TRADITION
1980
The tradition begins with Rotary members serving chicken dinners during Art-In-The-Park.
1981
The club switches to butterfly pork chop sandwiches, beginning what many Pekin residents came to know as the Rotary Pork Chop Fry.
Through the Years
Bratwursts, steak sandwiches, lemon shake-ups and other festival favorites join the menu as the fundraiser continues to grow.
Today
Now known as the Pekin Rotary Grill, the tradition continues as one of Pekin Rotary's largest fundraising and fellowship events.
WHERE YOUR MEAL MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Proceeds from the Rotary Grill are put right back to work supporting…
Scholarships
Supporting the next generation of leaders through college scholarships for local students.
Community Grants
Providing grants to local not-for-profit organizations serving the good of our community.
Rotary Park
Creating a beautiful, welcoming space for recreation and community gatherings.
And More
Funding other Pekin Rotary service projects that make a difference all year long.
It Takes a Team
The Rotary Grill has always been a group effort.
Rotarians work alongside spouses, family members, friends and community volunteers to prepare food, serve customers and keep everything running throughout the Marigold Festival weekend.
For many members, it’s one of the highlights of the Rotary year – a chance to work together, meet people throughout Pekin and enjoy the fellowship that comes from serving side-by-side.
HELP US KEEP THE TRADITION GOING
Volunteer at the Pekin Rotary Grill
You don’t have to be a longtime Rotarian to lend a hand.
Whether you’re helping prepare food, serving customers, keeping supplies stocked or assisting behind the scenes, there are plenty of ways to be part of the team.
Give us a few hours during the Marigold Festival and help turn a Pekin tradition into something that makes a difference all year long.
FIND US AT THE MARIGOLD FESTIVAL
Mineral Springs Park - Pekin, Illinois
Look for the Pekin Rotary Grill during the festival and stop by for great food while supporting a great cause.
