DDC_Sycamore Pumpkin Festival_101825

64th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival returns Oct. 22

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

From cinematic pumpkins to hometown VIPs and autumn vibes, the 2025 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is poised to bring the flavor of fall to anyone who attends this month.

The 64th annual 2025 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will kick off at 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 with a ceremonial cake cutting on the corner of State and North Maple streets. Activities run through Oct. 26, ending with a parade that will wind down the streets of downtown Sycamore. The festival, taking place near the corners of Main and State streets, also will feature a smorgasbord of vendors, carnival rides, pumpkin displays, daily events and more.

The carnival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee president Cole Regnery said the festival also serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations.

“We are an opportunity for family to come together at a family-friendly festival, and also an opportunity for DeKalb County not-for-profits to raise money,” Regnery said. “I’m just trying to get that message out there as much as I possibly can so that people understand why it’s so important we preserve our intellectual property.”

The annual event brings together more than 30 DeKalb County nonprofits. The Sycamore Lions Club will play a central role in the pumpkin display and theme contest that fills the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

This year’s theme, “Pumpkins at the Movies,” was crafted by Rayven Rosas, 12, for the festival’s 50th annual theme contest. As the contest winner, Rosas will get to ride in the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade as a dignitary.

“We’re super grateful for such an exciting theme,” Regnery said. “I think the pumpkins are going to be fantastic. It’s always my favorite part, to go look at the courthouse lawn and see how everybody around DeKalb County decorated their pumpkins.”

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee treasurer Jerome Perez, who’s also a member of the Sycamore Lions Club, said the pumpkin display is his favorite part of the festival.

“The pumpkins that they do, I mean, some of them are really spectacular,” Perez said.

The Sycamore Music Boosters will host the annual Autumn Craft and

Treasures Market Oct. 25 and 26 at the Sycamore High School fieldhouse, 427 Spartan Trail. The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce’s annual 10K Pumpkin Run and Family Fun Run will start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Sycamore Armory, 516 E. State St.

Grammy and Tony Award-winning drummer, vocalist, composer, arranger, orchestrator and band leader, Bryan Carter, will serve as the grand marshal of this year’s parade.

“He’s definitely a bigger name than we usually are able to get,” Perez said. “I mean, he’s won a Grammy.”

This year, Carter returned to Broadway through a stage adaptation of the six-time Academy Award-nominated play “Good Night and Good Luck,” written by and starring Academy Award winner George Clooney. That production, which Carter served as composer, arranger, orchestrator, music director and co-music supervisor, was the first Broadway production to be broadcast live. That performance was seen by millions of viewers on CNN and HBO Max.

Carter graduated from Sycamore High School in 2008 and went on to

train at The Juilliard School, a private performing arts conservatory in New York. He has performed as a drummer for NBC’s “Maya & Marty,” “Sesame Street” and has frequently appeared as a guest with The 8G Band for NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” according to the festival.

Regnery said Carter’s willingness to participate in his hometown’s marquee festival speaks to the kind of city Sycamore is.

“I think that people love Sycamore, they love Pumpkin Fest so much that even when they go on to these fantastic, amazing careers, they make time to come back, especially for Pumpkin Fest,” Regnery said. “I think it’s just a testament to how great of a place we live in and how lucky we are.”

The Sycamore Music Boosters helped Carter travel to Sycamore for the parade and meet with students in the Sycamore High School music department, according to the festival.

Rosas and Carter are not the only VIPs of the 2025 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, however. Retired Deputy Police Chief Jeffery Wig will serve as the 2025 Friend of the Festival.

Wig, who retired from the Sycamore Police Department in March, spent years working with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee to plan the multi-day event that is attended by thousands.

Like the other dignitaries, Wig grew up in Sycamore, with the pumpkin festival as a cornerstone of the fall calendar. He was born in Sycamore Hospital, the now-closed Kindred Hospital, and graduated from Sycamore High School in 1990. After spending time with the Illinois National Guard and graduating from Illinois State University in 1995, Wig would go on to work 24 years for the Sycamore Police Department. He was the first Sycamore High School alumnus to become a school resource officer at his alma mater.

“Among my duties as Deputy Chief was being in charge of planning special events, including the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival,” Wig said in a festival news release. “Being a hometown ‘kid,’ it was a great honor to be involved in the planning of Pumpkin Fest.”

For information on the festival and to see a full calendar of events, visit sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Theme contest winner eager for festivities to begin

BY CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

As the 2025 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival approaches, 12-year-old Rayven Rosas is eagerly awaiting her moment – she’s a big part of the festivities after all.

Back in May, Rayven Rosas, 12, was selected as the winner of the annual contest to come up with the theme for the pumpkin festival’s decorating contest. Rosas’ winning entry, “Pumpkins at the Movies,” means she’s going to play a significant part in the downtown Sycamore festival.

“I’m very excited,” Rosas said. “I’ve been excited about being in the parade. Last year, I was just watching on the sidelines. Now I get to be in it. It’s crazy.”

The festival begins Oct. 22, and Rosas’ idea will come to life for days. Contest participants will display their theme entries for all to see on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse downtown. On Friday, Oct. 24, the winners will be announced.

The 2025 Pumpkin Festival Parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Oct. 26. Floats will parade down Somonauk, Elm, California and State and Main streets.

And Rosas will get to be in the parade, too.

Her mother, Nicole Houran, 37, said she and Rosas’ father, Carlos Rosas, are proud of their daughter.

“She’s extremely creative, whether it be painting or art of any sort, she’s got a great imagination,” Houran said. “When she came up with the theme, it wasn’t a question in my mind. I knew it was going to be a good option.”

On Oct. 22, Rosas will be on hand for the ceremonial cake cutting, which formally begins the festival.

The cake cutting will take place at 5 p.m. on North Maple Street, next to the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn.

Rosas said that’s likely what she’s most looking forward to.

“I really like cake,” she said. “It’s my favorite dessert.”

SYCAMORE MUSIC BOOSTERS AUTUMN CRAFT & TREASURES MARKET

SYCAMORE MUSIC BOOSTERS AUTUMN CRAFT & TREASURES MARKET

10/25 9A-5P & 10/26 9A-2P

SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD HOUSE 427 SPARTAN TRAIL SYCAMORE, IL 60178

LIVE MUSIC BY STUDENT MUSICIANSOVER 125 VENDORS - INDOORSFOOD & CONCESSIONS - FREE PARKINGCOLORING CONTEST

ADULTS $3, STUDENTS & SENIORS $1, KIDS UNDER 5 FREE PROCEEDS BENEFIT SYCAMORE’S SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM

Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour: Whimsical Houses

SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com

The DeKalb County History Center’s annual Historic Homes Tour for this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will feature the theme is “Whimsical Houses,” showcasing some of Sycamore’s most interesting and somewhat quirky historic homes.

The tour runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Tickets cost $25 and may be reserved at the History Center or online at dekalbcountyhistory.org. Participants can check in from Friday, Oct. 24, to 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, to pick up a tour booklet with a ticket. Check-in is only at the History Center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore. Actual tickets and booklets will not be available in advance or at individual homes.

Any trip around Sycamore reveals many distinctive home designs in interesting decorative styles.

This year’s tour will offer seven locations, including two cute cottages, each with an individual flair; the well-known Nellie Murphy house, which has many exquisite stained-glass windows and unusual design elements; two houses built as twins which could not be more different in decorating styles; and one more recent bungalow, featuring many energy-saving features, built on a historic site. Also included is the DeKalb County History Center, which is creating a truly distinct new venue on its campus.

For information, to purchase tickets

or to volunteer, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.

Here are some highlights of each of the homes featured on this year’s tour:

128 Alma St.

The first house is a quaint cottage built in 1936 on the original William Marsh estate by Edward Holcomb, who was the owner of a large local lumber yard.

Initially built as a model home, showcasing low-cost homes, it first contained only five rooms. Now, the cute Cape Cod home has huge curb appeal, with a whimsical winding path leading to the front door. This home was built on the part of the estate that once housed an open park featuring native deer and other wildlife, and it retains the feel of a forest with the backyard and the nice enclosed sunroom. Each area in this house is more inviting than the last. The dining area feels welcoming for the whole family and the living room has a one-of-a-kind mantelpiece, carved by famous local carver Joe Dillet, who created the famous wooden mural at the Farm Bureau building. The upstairs master bedroom is so comfortable, you’ll want to move in.

129 N. California St.

The tour moves next to 129 N. California, the perfectly enchanting Nellie Murphy house, built in the substantial American Foursquare style in 1908 for John Murphy, Nellie’s father. Miss Helen

PUMPKIN FEST PARADE ROUTE

ATTRACTIONS

1. Courthouse Square/Lions Pumpkin Display

2. Information booth

3. North Food Court

4. South Food Court

5. Sycamore United Methodist Church

6. Downtown Sycamore/State Street businesses

7. Sycamore City Center

8. Wally Thurow Tribute statue

9. Sycamore Public Library

10. Teen Carnival

11. Kiddie Carnival

12. Bethel Assembly Church of God

13. Sycamore High School Fieldhouse

14. St. Mary's Church Activity Center

15. ACS/Cornerstone Campus

16. DeKalb County History Center

17. Sycamore Park District Golf Course

18. Sycamore Armory/10K Race Start

19. St. Peter's Episcopal Church

20. Ideal Industries/Parade staging

• WHIMSICAL HOUSES

Continued from page 5

“Nellie” Murphy lived 70 years of her life in this lovely home, never marrying. Nellie worked all her life for the Pierce Trust and Savings Bank, which became what we know as the National Bank & Trust and is now Old National Bank. The deep brown brick exterior is surrounded by a magnificent wrap-around porch. This house features some of the nicest glasswork in town. Beveled, leaded, and stained-glass windows, more than 20 in all, are found throughout the house, even in the bathrooms and closets, certainly a whimsical touch. Although the home has seen several owners since Nellie Murphy passed away in 1978 at the age of 89, the most recent owner has restored it.

205 W. High St.

The charming stone cottage at 205 W. High Street was built in the 1930s and has been owned by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church since 1966. The arched doors are now painted a welcoming bright yellow, which adds to the fairy cottage look. This tiny house actually sports 22 windows. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a warm, welcoming living room, complete with an original fireplace. All of the wooden floors and the woodwork throughout the house are also

original. There is a full garage and even an attic.

508 and 464 Somonauk St.

Next, tour goers are invited to enjoy the unusual twin homes at 508 & 464 Somonauk. Both of these homes originally included towers in the front as well as wrap-around porches, built as mirrors of each other. They are now painted in entirely different color schemes, each creating a unique statement of its own.

The “Pink House” at 508 Somonauk was built in 1872, and its tower was topped with a unique pointed cap. Though the tower and the porches are gone, it still creates a sensation with its distinctive color scheme, recently repainted to a beautiful soft shade of pink trimmed with a nice maroon. It was originally owned by the Byers/Faissler family. This home sports many of its original touches, including beautiful inlaid floors, different in every room. The current owners certainly have a singular decorating style; there are creative touches in every room that are worth looking for. Look especially for the inscription in the floor on the second floor, which sums up what working with these historic homes entails.

The other twin, 464 Somonauk, is painted a stunning, Pumpkin Fest orange, trimmed in black and cream. This home dates from about 1880 and was purchased

for Daniel Wild, son of early businessman George Wild. Daniel Wild was vice president of the Pierce Trust and Savings Bank and served with the YMCA in Europe during World War I. This large home showcases beautiful inlaid floors and exquisite crown molding throughout. It features an original staircase that you won’t want to miss. The current owners are continuing to restore this home, which was once cut into apartments, to its previous grandeur. They have recently opened more of the upstairs bedrooms. And you will not want to miss their beautiful kitchen and newly restored bar area and back staircase.

726 Somonauk St.

The last home is quite special: 726 Somonauk is a beautiful, cozy bungalow. This home may be newer than the others on the tour, but it is no less historic or interesting. The grounds this house is built on, in fact, comprise one of the most historic locations in town – the site of Waterman Hall, an exclusive boarding school for Episcopal girls, built in 1889, and then reopened in 1919 as St. Alban’s School for Boys. The campus was extensive with several impressive buildings, including the main hall and a lovely brick chapel, which provides the footprint of this bungalow.

The owners have incorporated some of the original bricks from the chapel into

their patio where they have also mounted the original bell from the school. Today’s home was built with energy efficiency in mind, using geothermal heating and cooling as well as solar panels for electricity. The woodwork is exquisite, made of “fumed” wood. But the best feature may be the large model train display, taking up several rooms in the basement.

1730 N. Main St.

Finally, everyone is invited to 1730 N. Main in Sycamore, current home to the DeKalb County History Center. Previously known as Stark’s Corner, then Engh Corners. This property was a large, prosperous farm for most of its history. First owned by Marshal Stark, an important member of the local farming community. It was then the flourishing farm of Harold Engh and the Engh family. As part of the tour, ticket holders can view the beautiful History Center, opened in 2019 and its current exhibit: “FOOD: Gathering Around the Table,” hosted in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institutes.

Visitors may also view plans for the future of our campus and witness the progress made in fulfilling those plans. The historic corn crib is being transformed into a performance venue, and the grounds will feature walking paths and gardens, showcasing DeKalb County’s agricultural heritage.

•

ANNUAL

SOFTWATERCITY

Poetry

First place – Evelyn Hall, 8th grader at Sycamore Middle School

Orange and yellow and brown and red

Are the color of the leaves that float in the wind

Carve faces into pumpkins, make them look like big orange heads

Then decorate it and hope that it wins

Ride the rides in the carnival, from freakout to zipper to the ferris wheel

The experience is quite remarkable, it provides a happy home-like feel

Come watch the parade, or you may be in it

Hating it is a charade, you’ll love it, admit it

Apple cider donuts, and elephant ears

Pumpkin spice lattes, all traditions through the years

It’s a celebrated holiday that’s lasted through the decades

Then of course, there’s Halloween after, the treasured masquerade

The pumpkin prose and cinnamon skies, leave you in a blissful state

The amber threads won’t let you deny, that autumn is terribly great

October is Sycamore’s month, it’s our best season

If you want to visit our small town, Pumpkin fest’s the best reason

Second place – Amelia Bellerini, 6th grader at St. Mary’s School

“The Pumpkins Treat”

On one mystic, magic night,

Jack O lanterns glowing bright

Kids with bags of candy sweet, Roam door to door, street to street, All dress up for Trick-Or-Treat!

Wizards with wands, pirates with hooks, Monsters and clowns with creepy looks, Kings and queens in capes and crowns, A princess in her royal crown, Witches with warts, and fairies with wings, Movie stars with sparkling rings, Vampires with fangs that bite, Ghosts that boo dressed in white, Imaginations taken flight,

On that one mystic, magic night, Oh, the fun Halloween, Be young or old in between!

Stories

First place – Annabelle Vega, 8th grader at St. Mary’s School

Three mischievous pumpkins named Spice, Patch, and Gourd sat quietly on a porch the night before Halloween, glowing faintly under the full moon. Suddenly, a strange wind swirled around them, carrying whispers of movie quotes and eerie laughter. Without warning, a glowing vortex opened beneath them and whoosh! – they were sucked into a projector screen showing Halloween movies.

See WRITING CONTEST, page 9

See Dr. Michele Jurkovic, Optometrist 2570 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore

1. Choose makeup over masks that can restrict view. Use fresh disposable applicators for each child. Keep makeup particles and applicators out of child’s eyes.

2. Decorate costumes with iron-on or sew-on reflective fabric, tape or self-stick decals.

3. Be sure steps are repaired, railings tightened and holes in the yard are filled.

4. Turn porch and yard lights on. Clear lawn of equipment of loose objects.

5. Drivers who have difficulty seeing at night should avoid driving on Halloween.

Continued from page 8

POOF!

They landed in Halloweentown, dodging witches, goblins, and flying broomsticks. Spice nearly got recruited into witch school, but Patch yanked him out just in time.

WHOOSH!

They dropped into The Nightmare Before Christmas, where Jack Skellington mistook them for decoration. Gourd joined a skeleton band but bailed when his vines got tangled in the drums.

ZAP!

Next, they crash-landed in Hocus Pocus, right into the Sanderson sisters’ cottage.

“A pumpkin with an attitude?” cackled Winifred. “Perfect for a potion!” The sisters lit their cauldron while the pumpkins rolled for their lives.

CRACKLE!

Finally, they popped into Ghostbusters, where a proton beam nearly turned Gourd into pumpkin pie.

“We’re not ghosts!” he screamed.

With a final spark, they were zapped back onto the porch— charred, dizzy, and slightly more orange.

Spice grinned. “Same time next year?” Patch sighed. Gourd just rolled away.

Second place - Aida Doty, 8th grader at Sycamore Middle School

A tall Sycamore stood proudly at the corner of Somanauk Street.

The last leaf, a brilliant yellow and orange color, hung from a strong branch until a big gust of wind tore it free. It spun in the

wind, and overlooked the pumpkins and people parading down the long street. Laughter filled the air and the leaf wondered what was happening below.

It passed a giant sign that read “Sycamore, Illinois Pumpkinfest celebration!” and did a quick flip in the air because of its excitement.

The wind picked up at a quicker pace and the leaf flew over the crafty pumpkins at the courthouse, and Carnival lights shining over Sycamore, as it finally came to rest at Wally Thurow’s statue, decorated with an orange scarf.

Instead of a gentle rest, the leaf was quickly swept up one last time, not by the wind, but by a teenage girl, to use as a prop in a silly group photo. After the picture, she tucked it into the brim of her Pumpkinfest beanie.

But the leaf didn’t mind. It had flown over the entire Pumpkinfest, and now it would enjoy the rest of the parade from the best seat on the streets.

Essay

First place - David Orellana, 6th grade Homeschool/ Sycamore Middle School

Back in 1956, Wally Thurow, known as Mr. Pumpkin, initiated what became the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival by displaying decorations on his lawn. Because of Mr. Pumpkin and the Lions Club, the Festival developed into an official celebration. Eventually it united more than thirty DeKalb County nonprofit groups who labor diligently to provide a week of Halloween festivities for the family. Annually a theme is chosen, such as Pumpkin Freedom, A Pumpkin Carnival, or Wild West Pumpkin Fest.

Last year’s festival hosted over one thousand entries in the pumpkin display, two carnivals, three craft shows, and a ninety-minute parade. Mr. Pumpkin’s decorations have exploded

into an immense festivity!

Although a Friend of the Festival has not been documented before 2015, a Friend of the Festival is someone who has significantly contributed to the Pumpkin Fest. Last year’s Friend was Bart Desch, who Sycamore posthumously honored for twelve years of dedicated service.

When Bart arrived in Sycamore in 2003, he first served as the program supervisor for the park district until he became the Superintendent of Recreation in 2010. People like Mr. Pumpkin and Bart, who were longtime supporters of Pumpkin Fest, leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of Sycamore’s citizens.

Second place - Quinn Oncken, 6th grader at Sycamore Middle School

When I woke up one fall day, I had the brilliant idea to put decorated pumpkins on my front lawn. I invited my neighbors to join in too.

I am Wally Thurow, also known as “Mr. Pumpkin”. I am the founder of the Sycamore, Illinois Pumpkin fest.

In 1962 my great idea evolved with the help of the Lions Club. Our festival got so big that we had to move it to the front lawn of the courthouse. By 1976, we had our first theme which was “The Spirit of 76”.

Every year we also have craft shows, a house walk, a pie-eating contest, a carnival, a fun fair, a race, and other events. Every year since, we have had more and more people attend. Since 2012, I have been happily watching from above as the next generations carry on this tradition.

I am excited to watch an estimated number of 100,000 people attending Pumpkin Fest every year. It is amazing! Now this year our theme is “Pumpkins at the Movies”. Pumpkin Fest would never have grown to the greatest celebration of all if it was not for the Sycamore Lions Club.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Painted and decorated “Pumpkins at the Movies” will fill the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn at the corner of State and Main streets in downtown Sycamore during the 64th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. Activities are planned for every day of the five-day festival, from Wednesday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 26.

SATURDAY, OCT. 18

Free pumpkins provided by the Sycamore Lions Club and Theis Farm Market will be available at 10 a.m. at the Wally Thurow Tribute Statue at Somonauk and Elm streets.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22

The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

Sycamore Lions Club’s pumpkin check-in from noon to 9 p.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St. Festival apparel available from 4 to 9 p.m. by the Rotaract Club of Sycamore at South Maple and State streets.

Opening ceremony and giant cake-cutting at 5 p.m. on North Maple Street downtown. Cake baked, decorated and donated by Hy-Vee.

THURSDAY, OCT. 23

Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St.

Sycamore Kiwanis Club will hold a prayer breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.

The Sycamore Public Library will feature free pumpkin celebrations, including crafts, games and treats from 4 to 8 p.m. at 103 E. State St.

The city of Sycamore will host a trick-ortreat event from 4 to 6 p.m. downtown along State Street.

The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

FRIDAY, OCT. 24

Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St.

Teen Carnival from 3 to 10 p.m. at Sacra-

at 1 p.m. at the North Food Court, and Performing Arts Academy at 2:30 p.m. at North Food Court. Sponsored by Syngenta and Leeward Renewable Energy.

Teen Carnival from noon to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets.

Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 10 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

Craft and merchandise vendors

United Methodist Church hosts a craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, 160 Johnson Ave. Food available and free parking.

Sycamore Music Boosters’ 53rd annual Autumn Craft and Treasures Market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.

Aurora Christian Schools will host a Craft & Vendor Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Cornerstone Campus, 355 N. Cross St.

Tails Humane Society will have dog treats, costumes and T-shirts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Taxco Mexican Cuisine, 233 W. State St.

mento and State streets.

Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from 3 to 10 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

Craft and merchandise vendors

ABC Pre-School will sell Pumpkin Festival flags from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Paulsen Appliance and Electronics, 245 W. State St.

United Methodist Church hosts a craft show from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church, 160 Johnson Ave. Food available and free parking.

Sycamore Fire Buddies will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups and stickers at the South Food Court.

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will sell koozies, beanies and candles in the North Food Court.

Royal Rangers will sell Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes.

Food vendors

The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider from 5 to 9 p.m. in the North Food Court.

The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.

SATURDAY, OCT. 25

Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St.

Sycamore Rotary Club hosts a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Activity Center, 312 Waterman St.

Sycamore Lions Club hosts the Giant Pumpkin Trophy Presentation at 10 a.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.

DeKalb County History Center’s Historic Homes Tour “On the Move” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $25 per person. They are available in advance at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St. or online at dekalbcountyhistory.org. Tickets also available the day of the tour. Check in at History Center, 1730 N. Main St.

Sycamore High School Art Club will offer face-painting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kiddie Carnival in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

Pumpkin 4-Person Golf Scramble at 11 a.m. at Park Golf Course, 940 E. State St. For registration information, call 815-895-3884.

Sycamore Kiwanis Club’s pie-eating contest at 4 p.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.

Marquee Saturday events will feature The Frog Lady at 11 a.m., Magician Rob Thompson

Sycamore Fire Buddies will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups and stickers at the South Food Court.

ABC Pre-School will sell Pumpkin Festival flags from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Paulsen Appliance and Electronics, 245 W. State St. Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will sell koozies, beanies and candles in the North Food Court.

Royal Rangers will sell Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes.

Food vendors

The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the North Food Court.

The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.

DeKalb Knights of Columbus Council 717 will have brats, pulled pork and corn dogs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Food Court.

Moose Lodge of Sycamore will have pretzels, brats and chili from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Moose Lodge, 317 W. State St.

See SCHEDULE, page 11

Continued from page 10

Bethel Assembly of God will have a burger and soup luncheon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 131 W. Elm St. Boy Scout Troop 40 will have loaded baked potatoes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of American Family Insurance, 116 W. State St.

Sycamore Elks Club will have pulled pork and turkey along with smoked macaroni and cheese from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. across from the DeKalb County Courthouse on West State Street.

The Knights of Columbus will have pulled pork, brats and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Maple Food Court.

Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge will have funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples, soups and drinks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Food Court.

St. Mary’s Catholic School Youth Ministry will have a food booth in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.

Oddfellows Lodge will have meatball subs and barbecue pork loin at the North Food Court.

DeKalb County Shrine Club will have pork chop sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Food Court in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.

SUNDAY, OCT. 26

Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St.

10K Pumpkin Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce steps off at 8:30 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory Building, 516 E. State St. For more information, visit pumpkinrunsycamore.com.

The Pumpkin Parade begins at 1 p.m. The parade route follows Somonauk, Elm, California, State and Main streets. Those in need of accommodations for wheelchairs, walkers and more are encouraged to view the parade at the intersection of Main and State streets, where space has been saved.

Teen Carnival from noon to 5 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets.

Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

Craft and merchandise vendors

Sycamore Music Boosters’ 53rd annual Autumn Craft and Treasures Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.

Shaw Local News Network file photo

Debbie and Dave Terpin of DeKalb enjoy the weather before the start of the Pumpkin Parade on Oct. 27, 2024, in downtown Sycamore.

Food vendors

Moose Lodge of Sycamore will have pretzels, brats and chili from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Moose Lodge, 317 W. State St.

The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on North Maple Street.

The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.

Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.

Bethel Assembly of God will have a burger and soup luncheon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 131 W. Elm St.

Boy Scout Troop 40 will have loaded baked potatoes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of American Family Insurance, 116 W. State St.

Sycamore Elks Club will have pulled pork and turkey along with smoked macaroni and cheese from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. across from the DeKalb County Courthouse on West State Street.

The Knights of Columbus will have pulled pork, brats and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Maple Food Court.

Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge will have funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples, soups and drinks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Food Court.

St. Mary’s Catholic School Youth Ministry will have a food booth in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.

Oddfellows Lodge will have meatball subs and barbecue pork loin at the North Food Court.

DeKalb County Shrine Club will have pork chop sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Food Court in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.

St. Peter’s Church will have a food booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 218 Somonauk St.