2011 is the 50th Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival downtown. What started out as an idea by Wally Thurow in 1956 to offer something creative for the students of Sycamore, has grown from a neighborhood display on his front yard into the towns biggest city wide event.
Back in 1956, Wally Thurow, who is known as Sycamores “Mr. Pumpkin”, began what was to become the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival when he displayed a few decorated pumpkins on his front lawn to turn Halloween into a time of fun and creativity. In 1962, through the efforts of Mr. Pumpkin and the Sycamore Lions Club, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival became an official celebration in Sycamore. Fifty years later Sycamore will be celebrating in style this year with a full schedule of events starting on Wednesday (see below) including fireworks at Sycamore Park on Saturday evening.
Every year, the Pumpkin Festival unites more than 30 DeKalb County non-profit groups working to provide a weekend of Halloween fun for all. The Courthouse lawn is the center of activities, including thousands of decorated pumpkins on display, there are also art and craft shows, a house walk, a pie eating contest, a carnival, a fun fair, a race and other events. The festival is concluded by a giant parade on Sunday afternoon. Throughout the festival, good autumn food, snacks and souvenirs are available at stands operated by various not-for-profit DeKalb County organizations.
2011 Schedule of Events
Wednesday – October 26th
Pumpkin Check-in – Courthouse Lawn – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sycamore Lions
Opening / Giant Cake Cutting Ceremony (Cake donated by Brown’s County Market) Courthouse Lawn – 5 p.m.
Thursday – October 27th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – Courthouse Lawn
Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast – Methodist Church – 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Teen Carnival Sacramento & State – 5 p.m. to 10p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from 5 to 9 PM on the adult carnival rides only)
Slightly Scary Stories – for 3 years to Adult at the Sycamore Library – 7 p.m.
Friday – October 28th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display Courthouse Lawn
Teen Carnival Sacramento & State – 5 p.m. to 11p.m.
Kiddie Carnival at Somonauk and Elm – 5 p.m. to Close
United Methodist Church Craft Show (food served) – 160 Johnson Ave. – Noon to 5:30p.m.
Heartland Blood drive on South Maple Street from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Scary Stories in the Cemetery program presented by the Sycamore Library staff and Friends – 6 pm @ Elmwood Cemetery
Saturday October 29th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn
Lions Club Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in – Courthouse Lawn 10 a.m.
Kiwanis Pie Eating Contest Courthouse Lawn 4 p.m.
Sycamore Golf Club Scramble – Sycamore Golf Course – 10 a.m. (Entries close Thursday before. – 815-895-3884)
Teen Carnival Sacramento & State – 10 a.m. to 11p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from Noon to 4 p.m.)
Kiddie Carnival at Somonauk and Elm – 10 a.m. to 11p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from Noon to 4 p.m.)
Autumn Craft & Treasures Market hosted by the Sycamore Music Boosters at the Sycamore High School – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
United Methodist Church Craft Show (food served) – 160 Johnson Ave. – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rotary Pancake Breakfast – Federated Church 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Beef Burger Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church – 131 West Elm St. – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Magician Dave Hill performs from 1 to 4 p.m. (Strolling performance in food courts, Somonauk and State Street area)
Heartland Blood drive on South Maple Street from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Pumpkin Olympics – Sycamore Park Good Times Shelter – 3:30 PM
Concert at the Park – Sycamore Park Good Times Shelter – 5:30 PM to 7 PM
Fireworks at the Park – Sycamore Park Soccer Fields – 7:30 PM
Sunday October 30th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn
Sycamore Chamber 10,000 Meter Road Run – Armory – 9:35 a.m. start Pumpkin Festival Run Website
Pumpkin Festival Parade – Somonauk – Elm – California – State – Main Sts. – 1 p.m. Click Here for Parade Page with Map
Teen Carnival Sacramento & State – 10 a.m. to Close ($20 unlimited ride special from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Kiddie Carnival at Somonauk and Elm – 10 a.m. to Close ($20 unlimited ride special from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Autumn Craft & Treasures Market hosted by the Sycamore Music Boosters at the Sycamore High School – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beef Burger Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church – 131 West Elm St. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Mary’s Church Food Booth – Waterman & Somonauk St. – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Peter’s Church Food Booth – 206 Somonauk St. – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the Pumpkin Festival website for more information.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story