Cheer, Celebrate, and Explore: How to Make the Most of Sycamore’s Pumpkin Festival
Welcome to Pumpkin Fest:
At Local Exposure, we’re all about bringing the community together with fun, creativity, unity, and positivity, and there's no better event that embodies these values than the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival! Whether you’re new in town or a local veteran, this festival is the heartbeat of our city’s fall season, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
**A Tradition Rooted in Creativity**
The festival, founded by Wally Thurow in 1956, began with just a few decorated pumpkins on his front lawn. Over the decades, it’s grown into Sycamore’s largest event, attracting thousands of people every year. Today, you’ll see over 1,000 entries in the Lions Club’s Decorated Pumpkin Display on the Courthouse Lawn, adding a colorful backdrop to this weekend of festivities.
**What to Expect: Events & Activities**
The fun begins Wednesday, October 23, with the opening ceremony and cake cutting at 5 p.m. near the Courthouse. Don’t miss out on the sweet treats, courtesy of HyVee, as we officially kick off this beloved tradition.
**Carnivals**: Both a Teen Carnival and Kiddie Carnival will run from Thursday through Sunday, offering thrilling rides for all ages with daily specials.
**Craft Fairs**: Explore three craft shows spread across the city, including at the Cornerstone Campus and United Methodist Church. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local artisans and find unique treasures.
**Pumpkin Run**: Lace up your running shoes on Sunday, October 27, for the Sycamore Chamber 10K Pumpkin Run, starting at 8:30 a.m.
**Parade**: The grand finale happens on Sunday at 1 p.m. with the iconic Pumpkin Festival Parade, making its way through downtown Sycamore.
**Join Us at the Local Exposure Cheer Corner!** Sunday Morning Bethany and Airport Rd
This year, Local Exposure is proud to CHEER ON THE RUNNERS **cheer corner at Bethany and Airport** during Sunday’s 10K race. Come by and join us as we cheer on the runners, spreading the positivity and excitement that makes this festival so special.
**Local Food & Festival Favorites**
Beyond the pumpkins, the food is another highlight. Whether you’re grabbing a BBQ pork chop sandwich from the DeKalb Shrine Club, enjoying the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, or indulging in funnel cakes from the Rebekah Lodge, there’s no shortage of delicious bites to enjoy throughout the weekend
Make sure to follow us at Local Exposure for all the latest updates, insider tips, and coverage of the Pumpkin Fest. We’ll be on the ground capturing the best moments of the weekend, so follow our social media channels and check out our blog for even more information about this exciting event and others happening around DeKalb County. Let’s celebrate together!