Every year, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival takes place in downtown Sycamore near the corners of Main and State Street. This year’s festival will take place from Oct. 25-29.

The festival is Sycamore’s biggest citywide event. It begins with an opening ceremony and cake cutting, and ends with a parade. The festival has over 1,000 entries in the Lions Club Decorated Pumpkin Display, two different carnivals, non-profit vendors, indoor craft shows, entertainment and other various activities.

Back in 1956, Wally Thurow began what would become the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival by displaying decorated pumpkins on his front lawn. In 1962, Thurow and the Sycamore Lions Club created the Festival, which became an official celebration in Sycamore.

Each year, more than 30 non-profit groups from DeKalb County are united under the Pumpkin Festival. They display thousands of decorated pumpkins, do a house walk, a pie eating contest, a fun fair, a race and more.

The mission of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is to showcase local non-profit organizations.

Be sure to check out the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival this week!