Pekin Fourth of July Celebration

Pekin, Indiana  47165

Brief History of the Celebration     and the Pekin Community Betterment Organization

This year marks the 178th consecutive year for the Pekin Fourth of July Celebration. Presently, the celebration includes many different activities. With a hot-air balloon race, a fireworks display, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Parade there are activities for everyone. You will also find a carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, a prince and princess contest and a queen contest. But the celebration wasn't always so complex.

The first celebration was held in 1830. For the first three years, the celebration was held at the homes of three different families. It mainly consisted of family picnics and meeting up with old friends. Then, in 1883, the Washington and Clark County Fair Association was formed and was located where the Pekin Park is today. Due to a disagreement on where to hold the celebration (at the land presently known as the Pekin Park or where the celebration had been held the year before) there were two separate celebrations held that year. In 1884, an agreement was reached and Pekin became united with a bigger and better celebration.

In 1952, the Pekin Community Betterment Organization was formed with the purpose of "bettering" the community. In 1954 the PCBO bought land, which is now known as the Pekin Park. It was decided to continue the tradition, and the PCBO has been in charge of the event ever since. The PCBO was incorporated as a non-profit, non-commercial, non-sectarian and non-partisan organization.

Since it's inception, the members of the PCBO have put forth countless hours of work, all to benefit the residents of their community.

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To sign up for this year's

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Please follow the link....  www.teamhoops.com