What is Pekin Main Street?

The mission statement for Pekin Main Street reads, "to preserve, restore and revitalize Pekin's downtown area, both aesthetically and economically, through educating the entire community to the benefits of Pekin's downtown." To accomplish the above mission statement, a four-point approach is used:

1. Build an effective volunteer-driven downtown management organization, guided by professional staff, with broad-based public and private sector support;

2. Enhance the design and appearance of downtown through historic preservation;

3. Create a unified, quality image and develop promotion strategies that bring people downtown; and

4. Retain and strengthen existing downtown businesses, recruit appropriate new businesses, and develop appropriate economic restructuring strategies to sustain the economic vitality of the downtown.

How is Pekin Main Street Funded?

Our programs are funded locally by contributions from individuals and families, businesses, building owners, local government, utilities and industry. Your donation helps revitalize and promote our historic downtown.

Contributions are tax-deductible under 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Since Pekin Main Street is a community project, you don't have to work in the downtown area to be a part of it. Over 70 "partners" contributed to the program in its first year of operation. Twelve other businesses donated "in-kind" services for the advancement of Pekin Main Street. In addition, some funding is raised through public events and promotions.

Check out these links for more information:

• City of Pekin and the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
• Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Illinois Tourism
• National Trust for Historic Preservation

Eagle Census Day
Saturday, January 26, 2008

Farmers' Market & Artists
Thursday June 19 - September 25 from 4:30-6:30p.m.
Saturday June 21 - August 30 from 8:00a.m. - Noon
Couthouse Square - Capitol Street

Christmas in July at Farmers' Market on Thursday July 17th
"Visit with Santa"

Summer Concert on Court
Featuring the "Bonzi" band
Friday June 20th
6:00 - 10:00p.m.

Main Street Super Cruise
Saturday July 26
4:00 - 9:00p.m.
"Cars, Trucks, Bikes & more"

Summer Concert on Court
Featuring the "Gypsy Road" band
Friday August 15th
6:00 - 10:00p.m.

Friday Night Family Fest
Friday September 5
5:00 - 10:00p.m.
Lip Sync Contest
"Jamm Sammich" Band
Food Vendors

Halloween Parade & Downtown Trick or Treat
Saturday October 25
3:00 - 5:00p.m.
Costume Contest

Halloween Pub Tour
Saturday October 25
7:00 - 10:00p.m.
T-Shirt & Drink Specials

Christmas on Court
Friday December 5
5:00 - 8:00p.m.

Santa House
Weekends in December on the
Courthouse lawn

E-mail questions
or comments to:
Executive Director