The 2014 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will be held this Wednesday, October 22nd through Sunday, the 26th. 2014 is the 53rd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival in downtown Sycamore. 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 beginning on Wednesday with the Opening Ceremony and cake cutting.
The festival begins with over 1000 entries in the Lions Decorated Pumpkin Display, 2 carnivals, 2 large indoor craft shows, many non-profit vendors, and culminating with an hour and a half long parade on Sunday.
Sycamore businesses invite you to the Downtown Trick or Treat on Wednesday, October 22nd from 4:30-6pm for downtown Trick or Treating to kick off the week’s festivities. This free, community event features candy and giveaways courtesy of Nestlé and participating Discover Sycamore businesses.
The Downtown Trick or Treat provides an opportunity for local businesses to interact with the community and promote a safe trick-or-treating experience for all. This event provides families with an excellent alternative to traditional door-to-door trick or treating. Put on your Halloween costume and bring the family to Downtown Sycamore for an evening of fun. Children can drop off their decorated pumpkins on the Courthouse lawn from 4-9 pm and take part in the giant cake cutting ceremony at 5pm. This is a night for the whole family to enjoy!
Pumpkin Fest Schedule
Wednesday – October 22ndth
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) North Maple Street adjacent to the Courthouse – 5 p.m.
Thursday – October 23rd
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn
Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast – Methodist Church – 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Pumpkin Celebration – 7 p.m. at the Library (games, story time and treats for K thru 5th grade)
Friday – October 24th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn
Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
United Methodist Church Craft Show (food served) – 160 Johnson Ave. – 11a.m. to 5:30p.m.
Heartland Blood drive on South Maple Street from 1:30 PM to 5 PM. <Link to their site>
Saturday October 25th
Lions’ Pumpkin Display – On the Courthouse Lawn
Rotary Pancake Breakfast – Federated Church,612 W. State Street – 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 – 160 Johnson Ave. – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lions Club Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in – Courthouse Lawn 10 a.m.
Pumpkin 4-person Golf Scramble – Sycamore Golf Course, 940 E. State Street – 10 a.m. (Registration begins Oct 1st – 815-895-3884)
Historic Homes Walk – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets – $25 per person, or $40 for 2 people (children under 12 free). Tickets are available at the Sycamore History Museum, the Sycamore Chamber Office, Sweet Earth Jewelry, and at each home on the walk.
Teen Carnival (Sacramento & State) & Kiddie Carnival (Somonauk & Elm) – 11 a.m. to 10p.m. ($20 daily pass special)
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. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Basically Blue Grass Band – Noon to 3 p.m. at the Courthouse
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.
Kiwanis Pie Eating Contest Courthouse Lawn 4 p.m.
Scary Stories in the Cemetery – Meet in the historic Elmwood Cemetery at the corner of Charles and Elmwood at 6p.m. Bring your own chairs, blankets and flashlights. Stories told by Sycamore Library staff and friends. Very scary, not for the very young (recommended for middle school and older). Please be respectful in the cemetery. FREE
Creepy Crawly Halloween Party – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Midwest Museum of Natural History (some admission fees may apply).
Sunday October 26th
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 )
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
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