This is the week of the 52nd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. Running from Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013 through Sunday, October 27th, this is one festival and parade that you don’t want to miss!Pumpkin Fest is one of the oldest Sycamore traditions.  Back in 1956, Wally Thurow, who is known as Sycamore’s “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.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. A full schedule of events can be found at the ‘Read More’ link below.

Schedule of Events

 2013 Schedule of Events – 52nd Pumpkin Festival.

Wednesday – October 23th

Pumpkin Check-in – Courthouse Lawn – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Sycamore Lions

Opening / Giant Cake Cutting Ceremony on North Maple Street adjacent to the Courthouse – 5 p.m.  (Cake donated by HyVee)

Thursday – October 24th

Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn

Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast – Methodist Church – 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Free Pumpkin Celebration at the Library – 7 p.m.  to 8 p.m.  The Sycamore Library Youth Services Department hosts a celebration of all thinkgs Pumpkin!  Children in kindergarten through 5th grade will enjoy a variety of games, Miss Megans Pumpkin Storytime, and special treats.

Friday – October 25th

Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn

Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.)

United Methodist Church Craft Show (food served) – 160 Johnson Ave. – 11a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Saturday October 26th

Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn

Rotary Pancake Breakfast – Federated Church 7 a.m. to 11 a.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 4 p.m.

Lions Club Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in – Courthouse Lawn 10 a.m.

Sycamore Golf Club Scramble – Sycamore Golf Course – 10 a.m. (Entries close Thursday before. – 815-895-3884)

Historic Homes Walk – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tickets – $20 each (under 12 free) are available at the Sycamore History Museum and at each home on the walk.

Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 11 a.m. to 10p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from noon to 4 p.m.)

The DeKalb County Shrine Club  pork chop sandwiches  10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Beef Burger Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church  – 131 West Elm St. – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Zombie Miniature Golf – 1p.m. to 5 p.m. (a fundraiser for the library, in the library).  Tickets are $10 per person, $25 for a family.  Tickets on sale now.  Not recommended for those who frighten easily.  All proceeds benefit the Sycamore Library.

Kiwanis Pie Eating Contest Courthouse Lawn 4 p.m.

Scary Stories in the Cemetery – 6p.m.  Meet in the historic Elmwood Cemetery at the corner of Charles and Elmwood at dusk.  Bring your own chairs, blankets and flashlights.  Stories told by Sycamore Library staff and friends.  Very scary, not for the very young.  Please be respectful in the cemetery.  FREE

Sunday October 27th

Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn

Autumn Craft & Treasures Market hosted by the Sycamore Music Boosters at the Sycamore High School – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sycamore Chamber 10,000 Meter Road Run – Armory – 9:35 a.m. start  Pumpkin Festival Run Website

Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($20 unlimited ride special from noon to 4 p.m.)

Beef Burger Luncheon – Bethel Assembly of God Church  – 131 West Elm St. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The DeKalb County Shrine Club  pork chop sandwiches  10 A.M. to 3 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church Food Booth – Waterman & Somonauk St. – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Peter’s Church Food Booth – 218 Somonauk St. – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pumpkin Festival Parade – Somonauk – Elm – California – State & Main Streets.  Parade kicks off at 1 p.m.  Click Here for Parade Page with Map