DDC-Sycamore-Pumpkin-Fest by Shaw Media

57th Annual

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival October 24-28, 2018

A Pumpkin Carnival

DAILY CHRONICLE

PUMPKIN FEST 2018

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

57th annual festival a family tradition By KATRINA J.E. MILTON kmilton@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – When Jerry Malmassari moved to Sycamore in 1962, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival quickly became one of his family’s fall traditions. In the early 1960s, his father joined the Lions Club and helped promote the event on WGN TV shows such as “Ray Rayner and His Friends” and “Bozo’s Circus.” A few years ago, Malmassari’s youngest son proposed to his girlfriend via a pumpkin display. Malmassari is the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee’s historian; his children have served on the board and his niece is currently on the board. “Our family’s always been involved with Pumpkin Fest, it’s something we all love,” Malmassari said. “My aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren, we all love Pumpkin Fest. It’s just as much a family tradition as it is Sycamore’s tradition.” The 57th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 28. This year’s theme is “A Pumpkin Carnival,” chosen by Dempsey Webb, now a first-grader at North Grove School. This year’s parade grand marshal is Windy City Amusements, which has been providing the carnival for the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival for 30 years. The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival began in 1961 as a fundraiser project for the Sycamore Lions Club by Wally Thurow. “The Lions Club was looking for a new fundraiser, and Wally thought of a decorated pumpkin contest,” Malmassari said. “He went around to art teachers and art classes, he got permission from the county board to use the courthouse lawn. That very first year, we had about 300 entries. Soon, we added a food booth, a pie-eating contest and there was even a dance at the armory.” Community groups were involved with different events. The Sycamore Pumpkin Fest Committee became a nonprofit organization in 1976 and in 1996, the committee took over the parade. “Our only rule is that participants and vendors must be a DeKalb County nonprofit organization,” Malmassari said. “For many of the groups, it is their largest fundraiser of the year. It’s become a festival for the entire community, for the entire city of Sycamore. It’s a fun weekend full of family-friendly events and activities.” The four-day festival kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 24, with the decorated pumpkin check-in on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn beginning at 4 p.m. The opening ceremony, including the cutting of a giant cake donated by Hy-Vee, will be held at 5 p.m. Jerome Perez, a festival committee member, said one of his favorite fest activities is looking at the pumpkins on display. “I love looking at all the pumpkins because they’re all so different, so unique and creative,” Perez said. “It’s great to get kids involved and engage them with the pumpkins, carnival, parade and activities. Their pumpkins are the centerpiece of the whole festival.”

Shaw Media file photos

An inflatable pumpkin barely clears a tree along Somonauk Street during the 2017 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade. more Public Library. Friday and Saturday there will be two craft shows: a craft and vendor show at Cornerstone Christian Academy and “50 Quality Crafters” at Sycamore United Methodist Church. Friday also marks the beginning of two carnivals – one for kids at Somonauk and Elm streets and a teen carnival at Sacramento and State streets. The Autumn Craft and Treasures Market at Sycamore High School will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. On Saturday, the DeKalb County History Center’s Historic Homes Tour will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets costing $25 each or $40 for two. Marquee events on Saturday include Conscious Circus’ kids hoop workshop from 11 a.m. to noon, their roaming entertainment and stilt walker from noon to 2 p.m. and strolling magician Tim Balster from 2 to 4 p.m. The Sycamore Kiwanis pie-eating contest will be held on the courthouse lawn at 4 p.m. The 40th annual Pumpkin Festival Run starts at 9:05 a.m. Sunday at the Sycamore Armory. The Pumpkin Festival Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. and Keegan Palm won the Pick of the Patch award at the 2017 travels along Somonauk, Elm, California, State and Sycamore Pumpkin Festival with a haunted forest display. Main streets. “Pumpkin Fest is probably Sycamore’s most herThere were more than 1,200 entries in last year’s alded event of the season,” Sycamore Mayor Curt pumpkin display contest and 993 entries in the 2016 Lang said. “The parade often attracts more than contest. Pumpkins will remain on the courthouse 100,000 people, the nonprofit vendors, community lawn until Halloween, Oct. 31. activities and decorated pumpkins on display. … I’d Events continue through Sunday. Thursday invite the entire community to come and celebrate events include the Sycamore Kiwanis Prayer Break- the season in Sycamore.” fast at Sycamore United Methodist Church from 7 to For more information about the Sycamore Pump8:30 a.m. and a pumpkin celebration at the Sycakin Fest, visit www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

Saturday, Oct. 20 Activities and events • Free pumpkins provided by Dennis and Jill Jagodzinski will be available at 10 a.m. at the Wally Thurow Tribute Statue, located at Somonauk and Elm streets. • Ghost Stories in the Park will be shared by Phyllis Horst from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the Good Tymes Shelter at Sycamore Park. All ages welcome. Bring a blanket, chair and blanket.

Friday, Oct. 26 Activities and events • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse on State Street. • The teen carnival will be open from noon to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. A $25 unlimited ride special is available. Check for times at the carnival. • The kiddie carnival for young children will be held from noon to 10 p.m. at the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. A $25 ride special is available. Check for times at the carnival.

Festival buttons, patches and hats from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St. • Pumpkin Festival Flags will be sold by ABC Preschool in front of Paulsen Appliance, 245 W. State St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Tails Humane Society will offer dog treats and dog costumes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St. • LEAP will sell Pumpkin Festival T-shirts, sweatshirts and blankets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 134 W. State St. • Cross Roads Community Church will sell fleece blankets in the South Food Court.

Food vendors • The Gracie Center will sell popcorn in the South Food Court from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • DeKalb Rotary will serve brats and hot dogs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Moose Lodge of Sycamore will offer brats, pretzels and chili from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Moose Club. • Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted Wednesday, Oct. 24 nuts in the North Food Court from 9 Activities and events a.m. to 9 p.m. • The Lions food trailer will be open • Boy Scout Troop 40 will serve from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the corner of loaded baked potatoes from 9:30 a.m. Food vendors Maple and State streets. to 4:30 p.m. • Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted • Lions Club’s pumpkin check-in will • The Sycamore Angels Rebekah nuts in the North Food Court from 4 to take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on the Lodge will offer funnel cakes in the 9 p.m. courthouse lawn. North Food Court from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • LEAP will sell Pumpkin Festival • The Sycamore Rugby Club will offer Craft and merchandise vendors T-shirts, sweatshirts and stadium blan- Saturday, Oct. 27 pork shanks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • A craft show will be hosted from kets from 4 to 7 p.m. at 134 W. State St. across from the courthouse. Activities and events 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Sycamore United • The opening ceremony will start at • Boy Scout Troop 16 will serve pulled • Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be Methodist Church at 160 Johnson Ave. pork and pizza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 5 p.m. on North Maple Street, adjacent served from 7 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Food also will be available. to the courthouse. It will include the the North Food Court. Parish Center, 312 Waterman St. • Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 • A burger and soup luncheon will be ceremony for the cutting of the giant • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on N. Cross St., will host a craft and vendor served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethel cake donated by Hy-Vee. the lawn of the DeKalb County Courtshow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm St. house on State Street. • The Autumn Craft & Treasures Thursday, Oct. 25 • Cornerstone Christian Academy will • Oaken Acres Wildlife Center will have Market, hosted by Sycamore Music offer walking tacos in the North Food Activities and events live birds from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front Boosters, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 Court from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Sycamore Kiwanis will host a prayer of Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St. p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field • The DeKalb County Shrine Club will • The Sycamore Golf Club Pumpkin breakfast at 7 a.m. at Sycamore United House. offer pork chop sandwiches in front of Scramble will begin at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. • SCARF (Sudden Cardiac-death P.J.’s Courthouse Tavern and Grille, 202 • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on Sycamore Golf Club, 940 E. State St. Awareness Research Foundation) will W. State St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For registration, call 815-895-3884. the lawn of the DeKalb County Courtsell T-shirts, pop sockets and rubber • A food booth hosted by St. Mary’s • The Lions Club giant pumpkin trophy bracelets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the house on State Street. Catholic Church will be open in front of presentation will be at 10 a.m. on the • A free Pumpkin Celebration will be North Food Court. Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St. lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse held at Sycamore Public Library at 6 • Friends of the Sycamore Library will • The Kishwaukee Valley Barber on State Street. p.m. Children in kindergarten through sell used books, CDs, DVDs, books on Shoppers will offer elephant ears in the • The Historic Homes Walk “Built in fifth grade are invited to come in tape between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the South Food Court starting at 11 a.m. Brick” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 costume and enjoy games, story time Sycamore Library, 103 E. State St. See EVENTS, page 4 and treats. p.m. Tickets cost $25 each or $40 for • Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin

• October 2018

Craft and merchandise vendors • Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 N. Cross St., will host a craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • A craft show will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. Food also will be available. • ABC Preschool will sell Pumpkin Festival flags at Paulsen Appliance, 245 W. State St., from noon to 4 p.m. • Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.

two. They are available at the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.; the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, 407 W. State St.; Sweet Earth, 341 W. State St., and at each home on the day of the walk. Visit www. dekalbcountyhistory.org for more information. • The Sycamore High Art Club will offer face painting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kiddie Carnival. • The Marquee Saturday Event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the 100 block of Somonauk Street. It is sponsored by First State Bank, Northwestern Medicine, ServiceMaster by Skip and Old State Bank. Conscious Circus Play-tainment will hold a kids hoop workshop from 11 a.m. to noon on Maple Street. There will be a roaming entertainment and a stilt walker from noon to 2 p.m. Strolling magician Tim Balster will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. • The teen carnival will be open from noon to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. A $25 ride special is available. Check for times at the carnival. • The kiddie carnival for young children will be held from noon to 10 p.m. at the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. A $25 ride special is available. Check for times at the carnival. • The Kiwanis will host a pie-eating contest at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

undreds of “A Pumpkin Carnival” entries will be on display during Sycamore’s annual Pumpkin Festival at the DeKalb County Courthouse near the intersection of State and Main streets in downtown Sycamore. Activities are planned for every day of the festival, lasting from Wednesday through Sunday, with shuttle buses planned for Saturday, the peak craft show day, and Sunday, the day of the parade.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

at the corner of Exchange and Main streets. A viewing area for disabled From page 3 has been established at the intersec• The Sycamore Elks Club will offer po- tion of State and Main streets. The tato ribbons and sweet corn from 11 a.m. parade route follows Somonauk, Elm, to 6 p.m. across from the courthouse. California, State and Main streets. All of these streets will be posted “No Parking.” Sunday, Oct. 28

a.m. to 4 p.m. • Boy Scout Troop 16 will serve pulled pork sandwiches and pizza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the North Food Court. • A burger and soup luncheon will be served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm St. Food vendors • Cornerstone Christian Academy will • The Sycamore Rugby Club will offer offer walking tacos in the North Food Craft and merchandise vendors Activities and events pork shanks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Court from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin across from the courthouse. • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on • The DeKalb County Shrine Club will Festival buttons, patches and hats from • Moose Lodge of Sycamore will offer offer pork chop sandwiches in front of the lawn of the DeKalb County Court8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Blue Moon brats, pretzels and chili from 9 a.m. to 4 P.J.’s Courthouse Tavern and Grille, 202 house on State Street. Bikes, 211 W. State St. p.m. in the North Food Court. • The Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K W. State St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Oaken Acres Wildlife Center will of• Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted Road Race starts at 9:05 a.m. at the • St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will Sycamore Armory. For information, visit fer artwork, calendars, cat toys, feeders nuts in the North Food Court from 9 host a food booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and honey from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front a.m. to 4 p.m. pumpkinrunsycamore.com. at 218 Somonauk St. of Taxco Restaurant, 223 W. State St. • DeKalb Rotary will serve brats and • The teen carnival will be held from • A food booth hosted by St. Mary’s hot dogs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. noon to 5 p.m. at Sacramento and State • The Autumn Craft & Treasures Catholic Church will be open from 11 • Boy Scout Troop 40 will serve streets. A $25 ride special is available. Market, hosted by Sycamore Music a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Blue Moon Boosters, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 loaded baked potatoes from 9 a.m. to Check for times at the carnival. Bikes, 211 W. State St. p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field 4 p.m. • The kiddie carnival for young chil• The Sycamore Elks Club will offer po• The Kishwaukee Valley Barber dren will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at House. tato ribbons and sweet corn from 11 a.m. • SCARF (Sudden Cardiac-death Shoppers will offer elephant ears in the to 6 p.m. across from the courthouse. the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm South Food Court starting at 10 a.m. streets. A $25 ride special is available. Awareness Research Foundation) will • Conexion Comunidad will offer chursell T-shirts, pop sockets and rubber • The Sycamore Angels Rebekah Check for times at the carnival. ros and tamales from noon to 5 p.m. in Lodge will offer funnel cakes in the • The Pumpkin Parade will begin at 1 bracelets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the front of Sycamore City Building, 308 W. p.m. A disabled parking area is located North Food Court. North Maple Street Food Court from 10 State St.

• EVENTS

• LEAP will sell Pumpkin Festival T-shirts, sweatshirts and blankets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 134 W. State St. • ABC Preschool will sell Pumpkin Festival flags at Paulsen Appliance, 245 W. State St., from noon to 2 p.m.

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57TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Visit us in Sycamore and DeKalb | FirstMidwest.com

Carnival theme winner to participate in parade ed in the contest that has been open to Sycamore elementary school students since 1976. SYCAMORE – Not only will “I just like it that I finally won and Dempsey Webb of Sycamore enjoy lookmy brother hasn’t,” Dempsey said. ing at the decorated pumpkins during Dempsey was one of 201 entries this year’s Pumpkin Fest, but she is this year from all seven elementary excited to actually be part of the parade schools in the city, Jennifer Diehl, as this year’s winner of the 2018 Sycavice president and theme director for more Pumpkin Festival theme contest. the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival ComSeven-year-old Dempsey, now a mittee, said during the announcement first-grader at North Grove Elemenceremony in May. Diehl said three tary School, will get to ride in the entries were chosen from each school winner’s car during the parade on and then the winner and two honorSunday, Oct. 28, and is also looking able mentions were chosen from those forward to cutting the cake to open the semifinalists. festival on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Dempsey received a $50 check, a When asked what inspired her postcard set and a drawstring backto think of the carnival theme idea, pack in May, and her school also though, Dempsey said she wasn’t sure. Katie Finlon – kfinlon@shawmedia.com received a $100 check for student “I just thought of it because I was in Cindy Webb (left) and daughter Dempsey (right) talk Oct. 4 in their Sycamore home enrichment. a hurry and that was all I could think The two honorable mention awards about Dempsey winning this year’s Pumpkin Festival theme contest with the entry “A of,” Dempsey said. went to North Elementary first-grader Pumpkin Carnival.” Cindy Webb, Dempsey’s mom, said Anthony Massey for his entry “Pumpa lot of people have asked Dempsey kin Extravaganza” and Southeast really exciting to hear that Dempsey exciting that she got picked.” about winning the contest since she Elementary fourth-grader Broden Pewon after the fact. Plus, Dempsey said, her winning was named the victor a few months “It’s a pretty big honor,” Webb the contest played into some sibling ri- sek for his entry “Pumpkins Take the said. “You know, only one person a valry with her older brother, 12-yearago. Cindy wasn’t able to make the Stage.” They both received a $25 check year gets to be picked, so it was pretty old Sawyer Webb, who also participat- and also will ride in the parade. ceremony in May, but she said it was

By KATIE FINLON

kfinlon@shawmedia.com

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SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

THEME WINNER

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Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Windy City Amusements get parade honor By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN cheimerman@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Jennifer Diehl, vice president of the Pumpkin Festival, said every year, the rides are among the features people gush about. Hence, it only made sense for this year’s parade grand marshal to be St. Charles-based Windy City Amusements, which long has provided the rides and the laughs and adrenaline that come with them. “It just seems like an obvious choice, especially since our theme is ‘Pumpkin Carnival,’ ” Diehl said. As you’ve likely read, North Grove Elementary School first-grader Dempsey Webb, 7, came up with the winning theme, triggering the festival’s board to go with Windy City as its marshal. Diehl said per usual, Windy City will set up a kiddie carnival at Elm and Somonauk streets, and a teen carnival at State and Sacramento streets. The carnivals will run from noon to 10

p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Windy City and its owners from the Salerno family, who are members of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, have filled that niche for 30 years now – more than half of the 57-year-running festival has existed. The business is also a member of the Showman’s League of America, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, the Illinois Agricultural Association of Fairs, the Geneva Masonic Lodge and the Fox Valley Shriners. Bottom line, Diehl said, is Windy City’s rides are a Pumpkin Fest fixture. “The things people enjoy the most is the time spent downtown with the pumpkins, the rides and the parade. It’s always in the mix,” Diehl said. Diehl said at least one member of the Salerno family will represent the company in the parade, which steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28.

Photo provided

Windy City Amusements provides the rides for the kiddie and teen carnivals at the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival.

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SHAW MEDIA SYCAMORE – The 46th annual Autumn Craft & Treasures Market, sponsored by the Sycamore Music Boosters in partnership with Heartland Bank, is part of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival weekend, Oct. 27 and 28. The event will be held at the Sycamore High School Fieldhouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be nearly 200 vendors featuring a variety of quality crafts, handmade wood products, specialty items such as wool products, candles, spices, candies, antiques, ceramics and more. Various student music groups will perform on Saturday. Craft & Treasures Market admission fees are $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens and students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Children younger than 5 get in free. Parking is free. A handicapped lot will be available on the north side of the fieldhouse just off of Johnson Avenue. There will be golf cart shuttles running during operating hours. No

Photo provided

The 46th annual Autumn Craft & Treasures Market will be held at the Sycamore High School Fieldhouse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. animals are allowed except those used for special needs assistance. Visitors numbering in the thousands come every year from across northern Illinois to browse and purchase items for sale. More than 200 adult and student volunteers help exhibitors, supervise traffic, operate the concession stand and work at admissions, guard posts and various other jobs.

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Raffle tickets for a chance to win $10,000 will be available to purchase at the Autumn Craft & Treasures Market. Raffle tickets cost $20 a ticket or $100 for six. This cash raffle is a fundraiser for Make a Difference DKC and Sycamore Music Boosters. For more information on the raffle, visit makeadifferencedkc.com. Vendor applications are being accepted as space is available. For

vendor information and application, contact Kristine Ohman, vendor chairwoman, via email at Kristineohman. pumkinfair@gmail.com. Sycamore Music Boosters is a volunteer organization composed of families and friends of students enrolled in music education classes in Sycamore schools focused on promoting excellence in music education. Sycamore Music Boosters began years ago with a group of parents interested in supporting school bands. In 1972, the band booster club enlarged its interest to encompass all music programs and the then-named “Antique Craft & Treasures Market” was born. Incorporated in 1978 as a nonprofit organization, the Sycamore Music Boosters continue to support school music programs including funding for equipment purchases, field trips, music camp and college scholarships, high school and middle school musicals, and other music activities. For more information about the Sycamore Music Boosters, visit: www. sycamoremusicboosters.com or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

CRAFT SHOW 200 vendors at Autumn Craft & Treasures Market

JUNIOR MARSHALS

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Katrina J.E. Milton - kmilton@shawmedia.com

Pumpkin Fest Junior Marshals pose for a photo at Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch. Students were selected based on stories, essays and poems they wrote. Pictured (from left) are Nicholas Warren, Avery Huml, Amelia Simone, Isabella Kirchmann, Julia Hattar and Kira Collins.

Six students chosen for Pumpkin Parade honor SHAW MEDIA Six Sycamore students will receive a free ride during this year’s Pumpkin Festival Parade. The students have been selected as junior marshals by the Sycamore Kiwanis Club. Winners are chosen from students who participate in the Kiwanis Club’s annual writing contest, which is divided into poem, story and theme categories. The top two finishers in each category are selected as junior marshals and have an opportunity to ride on the Kiwanis Club’s float during the Oct. 28 parade. Students who entered the contest were

asked to write about the festival’s theme of “A Pumpkin Carnival,” or about Halloween in Sycamore. The winners also receive a cash award. A total of 69 students from Sycamore Middle School and St. Mary’s School submitted entries. Winners were treated to lunch at Culver’s, followed by a picture-taking session at Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch in Sycamore. In addition to the Junior Marshal writing contest, the Kiwanis Club of Sycamore sponsors a pie-eating contest. In this contest, the contestants must eat a wedge of pumpkin pie without using their hands. The contest is open to the public, with age brackets of 5 and young-

er, 6-10, 11-15 and 16 and older. Prizes are $5 for first place, $4 for second place, $3 for third place and $2 for fourth place in each division. The contest will be held at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, on the courthouse lawn. On Oct. 26 through 28, Sycamore Kiwanis Club will host a booth serving roasted nuts to support Kiwanis projects in the community. The Kiwanis will host the annual Pumpkin Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students. Following are the winning entries. See JUNIOR MARSHALS, page 9

• JUNIOR MARSHALS From page 8

Amelia Simone

Seventh grade, St. Mary’s School

A Pumpkin Pumpkin Carnival

FIRST-PLACE STORY

SECOND-PLACE THEME Nick Warren

Sixth grade, Sycamore Middle School

Halloween in Sycamore There once was a fair in a land called Sycamore where citizens would compete against each other. To see whose pumpkin was the best in the land. People would work hours, some even days or even weeks, to get their pumpkin perfect. And finally all the pumpkins in the land were complete and were put on display. All the children in the land loved to look at the pumpkins. They watched them glow in the dark and watch the lights shimmer and shine. Some even said they were stars right in front of them. Some pumpkins were scary, some were funny or even just weird. No one cared, everyone loved the fair and enjoy it every year. That’s why we all thank the man that created this tradition of the town, Wally Thurow.

• October 2018

It was a chilly October day in Sycamore and all the pumpkins were getting ready for the anKira Collins nual Halloween Carnival. They Sixth grade, St. Mary’s School were all bundled up in coats, gloves, and scarves. Once they The Pick of the Patch were ready, they all headed to Shawn’s. Everyone got hot apple It’s been a slow day here in cider and an apple cinnamon Baker’s Fall Goods. That’s my home. They sell pumpkins, candy, spice cookie. All the pumpkins headed to and costumes. I’m Max the pumpkin by the way. I’ve been living in Main Street with a hot drink and this shop forever. And not just me. a sweet treat. There were so many activities to do. There was carThere is Jack, Lolly, Bentley, and Kora too. There are others, but we nival rides, bobbing for apples, are the ones that never get picked. decorating scarecrows, guessing how much candy corn are in a jar, I wish all five of us could get enmaking caramel apples, and even tered for the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. I’ve heard it’s really fun, more. There were so many rides that the pumpkins couldn’t ever and there’s a parade and cake! I really want the five of us to be in it finish them in a day. There was one little pumpkin this year. named Hope that loved the carniDING! There’s a customer! He val the most. It was her favorite seems, I don’t know, 8? He’s comtime of the year. Some of her ing over! “Hey mom! Look at these pump- favorite things to do were to say SECOND-PLACE POEM hello to Mayor Lang, make carkins!” the little boy said. Isavella Kirchman amel apples (and of course eat I was in such shock I almost Eighth grade, St. Mary’s School them), and the carnival rides. rolled over! Hope is 6 years old and has a won“Those are very nice, George! Autumn is the best time of year. Which one would you like to enderful spirit. Her face lights up There’s pumpkins, apple cider, at the parade especially when the ter?” George’s mom asked. and lots of fear, Enter? Was this little boy going bands come down the street. She But my favorite part about fall to enter one of us in the Sycamore loves how lively the music is and Is not the candy free for all, the colors of the outfits. She even Pumpkin Festival? It’s Pumpkin Fest! “Awvvw, just one? I wanted our wears her Halloween costume You can decorate a pumpkin for whole family to enter!” to the carnival. This year she is the contest, a black cat with a pink nose and “Oh, alright. Pick one for All of the entries make me very yourself first,” George’s mom said. white paws. impressed. Hope had the best autumn cele“Then we can bring everyone else There’s a big parade that’s bration in Sycamore this year. But to pick theirs.” always a wow, Soon we were all in their trunk! then again she has said that every And trick-or-treating downyear. Every year it keeps getting At their house, they put us on town, but make sure you beat the better and better! their driveway, rattled some colcrowd. orful bottles, sprayed us different There’s the Lions food truck colors, and glued us on top of each FIRST-PLACE THEME with great hot chocolate to drink, other and brought us to the court(I always end up spilling it house lawn. The Lions Club mem- Avery Huml down myself in less than a blink). bers were carrying ribbons and Sixth grade, Sycamore Middle School There’s the big Pumpkin Fest looking at all the pumpkins on the cake, lawn. Soon, we had a blue ribbon Sycamore Pumpkin Fest PumpAnd it’s so big that I used to on us, and a huge crowd taking kins? Candy? Trick or treating? think it was fake. pictures! We were the Pick of the Halloween in Sycamore means so There’s all the craft shows Patch! And we had a great view much more. It means Pumpkin A pumpkin carnival what a delight All the lights shine so bright So many games and toys to win Pumpkins everywhere that make me grin I eat food that I rarely get to eat Thank goodness it’s fall I hate the summer heat As I eat my food I watch people scream I love how it’s a pumpkin carnival theme I get on some rides that make me dizzy My mom says let’s go we’re super busy! It makes me sad I have to leave I’m trying my best not to grieve My mom says don’t be sad we’ll come back another day We can meet Leo the Lion on our way.

Fest! Pumpkin Fest brings families, cultures, and people together. Happiness grows like local pumpkins on a vine. The sweet smell of corn looms in the air as the excitement grows ... Whose pumpkin will win? Will it be mine? The theme of the year written big on the cake as kids wonder who will get the biggest slice. The courthouse lawn is filling up with giddy kids and parents as they carry over their amazing masterpieces they’ve worked so hard on – PUMPKINS! Carved, painted, bumpy, or smooth, they are all unique. Smelling the hot dogs, apple cider, and hot chocolate, people hurry to the food truck. Friendly faces from the Lions Club greet you everywhere you go. Collecting candy and treats from different shops, cookies from Elleson’s and chocolate from The Confectionary is always a highlight. So to conclude, go enjoy the beloved celebration, Pumpkin Fest and see how Halloween in Sycamore means so much more than collecting a few pieces of candy or dressing up in a costume.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

FIRST-PLACE – POEM

where you can get pretty cool when everyone cleared out, of the beautiful floats in the parade! things, And there’s the awesome carnival, but make sure you have a coat SECOND-PLACE STORY to bring. This and much more during Julia Hattar Pumpkin Fest this fall, Sixth grade, St. Mary’s School Everyone should come, it’s open to all! The Pumpkin’s Halloween

PUMPKIN RUN

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

Chamber’s 40th annual 10K steps off Sunday SHAW MEDIA SYCAMORE – Zak Atwell says the Sycamore Pumpkin Run is the only place he can race against Superman, Captain America and a man in a wedding dress and have a chance to finish before them all. The 40th annual Pumpkin Run, to be held Sunday, Oct. 28, is a 10,000-meter USATF-sanctioned and certified road race presented by Northwestern Medicine and organized by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce. It draws more than 1,800 registered racers from across northern Illinois and beyond. Starting gun goes off at 9:05 a.m. sharp. The Pumpkin Run has been named a “Best of Chicagoland Race” by the Chicago Area Runners Association. Race registration is available online at pumpkinrunsycamore.com. Also available on the race website is a detailed route map, photos of past races, and 2017 race results.

See PUMPKIN RUN, page 11

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The 40th annual Pumpkin Run 10K Road Race will be held Sunday, Oct. 28, starting at 9:05 a.m. at the park just east of the National Guard Armory on Route 64.

1976 – The Spirit of ’76 1977 – Pumpkin Patch Fairyland 1978 – World Rainbow 1979 – Pumpkin Potpourri 1980 – Pumpkin Delight 1981 – Circus of Pumpkins 1982 – The Pumpkin Zoo 1983 – 125 Years of Pumpkins 1984 – Pumpkins for President 1985 – Pumpkin Kaleidoscope 1986 – 25 Years of Magical Pumpkins 1987 – Storybook Pumpkins 1988 – Great Pumpkins in History 1989 – Pumpkin Playground 1990 – The City of Never Ending Pumpkins 1991 – American Pumpkin Pride 1992 – Pumpkin Pioneers 1993 – Musical Pumpkins 1994 – Pumpkin Panorama 1995 – Pumpkin Reunion 1996 – Gold Medal Pumpkins 1997 – Pumpkin Fiesta

1998 – Pumpkin Patchwork 1999 – Pumpkins on the Prairie 2000 – Pumpkin Memories 2001 – 40 Years of Pumpkin Magic 2002 – Pumpkin Patriotism 2003 – Pumpkin Freedom 2004 – Pumpkin Classics 2005 – Pumpkin Hobbies 2006 – Pumpkin Masquerade 2007 – Pumpkin Dreams 2008 – Pumpkintopia 2009 – Pumpkin Safari 2010 – Pumpkins Across America 2011 – 5 0 Fabulous Years of Pumpkins 2012 – H appiness is ... the Perfect Pumpkin 2013 – Pumpkin Adventures 2014 – Pumpkin Inventions 2015 – Pumpkins in Disguise 2016 – Parade of Pumpkins 2017 – P umpkins Across the Decades 2018 – A Pumpkin Carnival

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• October 2018

Are You TIRED of...

Past Pumpkin Festival themes

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

district and then south on Somonauk Street to Bethany Road where the route From page 10 turns east. The route turns north at Airport Road where runners cross “The runners make our race spethe winding Kishwaukee River and cial,” Rose Treml, executive director run up a slight hill past Chapel in the of the Sycamore Chamber, said in a news release. “Because it is so close to Pines. The final mile-and-a-half winds Halloween we have many runners that through Sycamore’s park complex. After crossing the finish line, raccome dressed in costume. We have had ers are welcomed by volunteers who superheroes, zombies, morph people have prepared post-race refreshments, and even pumpkins.” which are located in the National There also are local businesses Guard Armory. Racers age 21 and that encourage their employees to older are treated to Oktoberfest beer. run together and groups that run for Northern Rehab Physical Therapy their special cause, such as Feed My Specialists will provide post-race Starving Children Mobile Food Pak stretching. and Breast Cancer Awareness. Also new this year, according to This year’s shirts are neon blue Treml, runners will be served hot with a new logo on the front. chocolate and a variety of chocolate “We change the color of our race bites provided by Nestle as a post-race shirt annually,” Treml said in the treat. release. “We pick the hot color of the Awards will be given to the overall year and occasionally we change the male and female first, second and design as well. I think runners are third finishers and the top three male going to really like this shirt.” The race will use ChronoTrack tim- and female finishers in 13 age divisions, which are: 14 and younger, 15 to ing by Lakeshore Athletic Services. Results will be provided to all runners 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, immediately following the race. Runners of all ages and abilities join 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 and older. Visit pumpkinrunsycamore.com together at the park just east of the Naor call the Sycamore Chamber at tional Guard Armory on Route 64. The 815-895-3456 to learn more about this route starts at the corner of Kishwauyear’s event. The race has a Facebook kee Drive and heads west on Route 64 past the historic DeKalb County Court- fan page where participants can share photos and comments with other house. Runners will continue through the downtown Sycamore business runners.

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| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

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PUMPKIN FESTIVAL PARADE ROUTE THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2018 Mapping 1 SWD/2018

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HOUSE WALK

SHAW MEDIA SYCAMORE – Brick is the most substantial of building materials; brick homes are solid and built to last. Sycamore was once home to a thriving brick manufacturing community along Brickville Road and features many beautiful brick homes. To showcase that history, this year’s Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour, sponsored by the DeKalb County History Center, will highlight homes that are “Built in Brick” on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour includes full tours of five spectacular homes plus the historic Chicago & Northwestern Depot, home of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Tour goers also can view the progress on the History Center’s museum campus and tour the current exhibit “Beyond Grandma’s Attic.” First on the tour, the striking home at 630 W. State St. was built in 1925 for John Henry Loptien, farmer and businessman, son of Claus Loptien who ran the Loptien Blacksmith and Carriage shop on East State Street. The Loptien brothers also ran one of the first automobile dealerships in Sycamore, a mill and an ice business. Although the home has since seen many occupants, current owners Glenn and Jenny Theriault, have done a great job of updating the house while also staying in touch with its

Photos provided

630 W. State St.

413 Somonauk St.

history. The lovely dark brick exterior, the built-in features throughout, and the many personal touches make this a warm and inviting home. Next on the tour is the historic C & NW Depot building, now home to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing guidance and funding for DeKalb County’s nonprofit organizations. Built in 1880 for the Sycamore-Cortland-Chicago Railroad, this building underwent a fabulous resurrection in

2012 to once again take its place as the jewel of the community. Next, we move to the Walter Langlois home at 413 Somonauk St., built in 1900. Langlois was a successful Sycamore realtor and investor, and the Langlois’ daughter Doris married well-known Circuit Judge Cassius Poust. This welcoming home, with three floors of spacious living space, contains many

See HOUSE WALK, page 14

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

5 historic homes, depot on ‘Built in Brick’ tour

• October 2018

October 26-28 on the purchase of an unlimited ride armband Valid Friday only from Noon–4pm & 5pm–9pm Valid Friday, Oct. 26th, 2018 only. Everyone must have a coupon to receive $5 off (photocopies are allowed) WCASYCAMORE18 17

Friday...............................noon - 4pm Friday................................5pm - 9pm Saturday.........................noon - 4pm Sunday............................noon - 4pm

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com • October 2018

| SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

prominent Sycamore attorney, Floyd E Brower. This stately brick home From page 13 features arched doorways throughout and vintage charm. It has original family pictures that fit well into the vintage woodwork and design. It even wall sconces and light fixtures in many rooms as well as original handshowcases a beautiful stained-glass cranked windows. Guests will see four window that came from the Swedish floors, including a renovated baseLutheran Church that once sat proudment, third-floor servants’ quarters, ly on Somonauk at Charles Street. And and one of the best views of the Pumpcurrent owner Dirk Johnson’s father kin Parade in town. was a bricklayer. Across the street stands the lovely Just down the block, don’t miss 431 Queen Anne-style mansion at 420 SoSomonauk St. This home dates from monauk St. built around 1880. Though around 1900 and was first built for not actually built in brick, it is a Mrs. Olive Robinson, widow of DeKalb perennial favorite and does feature a County judge George S. Robinson. See HOUSE WALK, page 15 It was also the long-time home of

• HOUSE WALK

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• HOUSE WALK From page 14

Autumn Craft & Treasures Market Hosted by: Partnering with Heartland Bank

Saturday, October 27 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 28 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Over 200 Booths Sycamore High School Field House 427 Spartan Trail Sycamore Depot, 475 DeKalb Ave.

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Adults $2.00 Senior Citizens $1.00 Kindergarten - 12th Grade $1.00 Children under 5: Free Sandwiches and pies and other food items available at concessions Free Parking Golf Cart Shuttle * Strollers allowed! No animals please p (except ( p service animals)

• October 2018

420 Somonauk St.

Sycamore Music Boosters 15

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com

stunning brick fireplace with a builtin stained-glass window. This home was designed by architect George O. Garnsey and is fondly remembered as the Edwards Photography studio with the larger-than-life Indian statue on the front lawn. Built by the influential former mayor and businessman, David Syme, this home has seen many layers of restoration. Current owners, Mike and Cecilia Grimson, have retained the character of the house in their renovations and have enhanced it with the addition of their art collections from around the world. They also provide a great home for many rescued parrots. The lovely home at 419 S. Main St. was built in 1925 for Elmore Cooper, owner of Sycamore’s first gas station.

His thriving business located on East State Street across from the courthouse allowed him to have this dark brick home constructed. Again, this home contains many clever built-in features and a beautiful fireplace that current owner, Wendy Tritt, uncovered in recent remodeling. This family is very creative, so you will see amazing artwork from Wendy’s son hung throughout the home. Tickets for the tour will be available at the DeKalb County History Center, Sweet Earth Gifts, or the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce. Tickets cost $25 each or $40 a pair. Also, the museum is still in need of volunteers to staff the houses. For more information on how to earn a free ticket by giving a little time to help showcase these homes, call 815-895-5762, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or like the center on Facebook.

Daily Chronicle / Daily-Chronicle.com â&#x20AC;¢ October 2018

|SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL