DDC_Sycamore Pumpkin Festival_102222

A celebration of hometown, family and nonprofits

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Terri Goodman, president of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, said she has participated in the festival since she was 5 years old and still relishes the hometown atmo sphere of the event.

“The festival itself for me is literally about being a part of Sycamore,” Goodman said.

Goodman said families use the fes tivity as a homecoming, and a lot of Sycamore High School classes plan their reunions for the weekend of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, includ ing hers, the Class of 1982.

“And I think that truly is, for me, what is the best part of Pumpkin Festi val is family,” Goodman said. “It’s about hometown, it’s about gathering together and being with your friends and family and celebrating Sycamore.”

The 61st annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival runs from Wednesday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Oct. 30. The festi val will feature a pumpkin display contest outside the DeKalb County Courthouse and events throughout downtown Sycamore.

This year’s theme, “Wish Upon a Pumpkin,” was created by Vivian Rubicz, a fifth grader at St. Mary’s School in Sycamore. Rubicz’s theme was chosen from a pool of 122 entries submitted in the 2022 Pumpkin Festi val Theme Contest. She and two hon orable mentions will be guests of honor in the Pumpkin Festival Parade on Oct. 30.

Unlike previous years, no grand marshal was selected for the 2022 Syc amore Pumpkin Festival.

The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival started as a fundraising project by Wally Thurow for the Sycamore Lions Club. It began as a pumpkin-decorat ing contest that drew 300 entries in its first year before expanding to include food options, a pie-eating contest and a dance at the armory.

From its inaugural rendition, the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival has been an event held by local nonprofit orga nizations and benefits those same enti ties.

The goal of the festival, Goodman said, is simple: safe and family-friendly fun for all ages, as well as a chance to raise funds for area nonprofits.

“That is the goal of our festival overall, which is different from most other festivals,” Goodman said. “Most festivals will hire in vendors and vari ous things like that that are more com mercial, and ours really focuses on helping the nonprofits.”

This year’s Friend of the Festival is Steve Cook, retired deputy chief of the Sycamore Police Department. He said he thinks the nonprofit aspect of the festival is an important component that shouldn’t be forgotten.

“The purpose of the festival is to give the nonprofits a chance to fundraise for their specific nonprofit group,” Cook said. “That’s why the Pumpkin Fest Committee is very guarded with our service marks, you know, which are like trademarks and things.”

The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival will kick into gear Wednesday, Oct. 26, with the cutting of a giant cake, donated by Hy-Vee, near the courthouse on North Maple Street at 5 p.m. Rubicz will take

part in the cake cutting, along with two students who earned honorable men tions for their themes: Mason Clark, a first grader from Cornerstone Christian Academy, with the entry “Pumpkins on Vacation,” and Lennox Freeman, a kin dergartener from Southeast Elemen tary School, with the entry “Pumpkin Magic.”

On Thursday, Oct. 27, games, story time and treats for those in kindergar ten through fifth grade will be hosted from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sycamore Public Library. Those attending are encouraged to wear a costume.

Friday, Oct. 28, will feature two car nivals and a craft show. The Teen Car nival is located at the intersection of

North Sacramento and State streets, while the Kiddie Carnival is at the cor ner of Somonauk and West Elm streets.

Both carnivals run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but there is a $35 ride special from 4 to 8 p.m. The carnivals are open the same hours on Saturday, with the $35 ride special in effect from 5 to 9 p.m. An additional ride special for $30 runs from noon to 4 p.m.

The United Methodist Church Craft Show, 160 Johnson Ave., will run from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Also on Saturday is the Sycamore Kiwanis Pie-Eating Contest, held at 4 p.m. on the courthouse lawn.

The Sycamore Chamber 10,000 Meter Road Run starts at 9:05 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory that day.

The culmination of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, the Pumpkin Festi val Parade, kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday from the corner of Borden Avenue and Somonauk Street.

“We tell everybody, ‘Don’t just come on Sunday for the parade,’ ” Goodman said, “although that’s a won derful event, and I work very hard to make it really special because I’m also the parade chair. But really, come on out all weekend long – Friday and Sat urday as well – because there’s all kinds of great food and activities.”

Shaw Local file photos

ABOVE: People line Somonauk Street in Sycamore to watch the 2021 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade. BELOW: Decorated pumpkins are displayed on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn.

St. Mary’s student ‘almost couldn’t believe’ her idea picked

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

CORTLAND – Vivian Rubicz didn’t go to the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Theme Contest reveal event because she had dance practice, but when her mom showed up early to practice and said she had to go, she knew some thing was afoot.

Rubicz’ mother, Katie Rubicz, 40, a real estate agent at Hometown Realty Group and owner of Shades Salon in Sycamore, attended the May 18 event that named her daughter as the win ner of the 2022 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Theme Contest.

“I was actually shocked, too. I mean I thought her theme idea was wonderful, but there were so many entries it was just like, I just was so excited and happy for her,” Katie Rubicz said.

Katie Rubicz was asked to bring her daughter to the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse so that she could take part in the celebration, but she was told not reveal anything to her daughter.

“Yeah, it was really crazy when I

first heard about it. I almost couldn’t believe it because I was at dance it was like really crazy,” said Vivian, 11,

a sixth grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sycamore. “My mom came to pick me up and said I had to go and

when I got there everyone started clapping.”

Vivian Rubicz said she came up with the theme “Wish Upon a Pump kin” because she thought it would “be cool to see what people would do.”

“Maybe a Disney theme or like –cause wish upon a pumpkin is kind of like wish upon a star,” Vivian Rubicz said, who also mentioned she is really honored, happy and thank ful to be named the theme contest winner.

Katie Rubicz said she’s also excited to see how people decorate pumpkins and parade floats in accordance with the theme her daughter created.

Katie Rubicz, along with her hus band Michael Rubicz, lived in the Syc amore area for more than a decade before moving to Cortland with their daughter Vivian and son River. That time in the area has made the experi ence all the more impactful, said Katie Rubicz.

“I’m honored we’ve lived in this area for so long so it’s really incredi ble to see her name and to be such a part of it. So it’s really special,” Katie Rubicz said.

PumpkinFest& HalloweenVision

SafetyTips

Camden Lazenby – clazenby@shawmedia.com

Vivian Rubicz stands by a statue of Willy Thurow in Sycamore on Oct. 13. Rubicz is the winner of this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Theme Contest. Her theme is “Wish Upon a Pumpkin.”

FRIEND OF THE FEST

Retired deputy chief proud to keep annual festival safe

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Steve Cook, a liaison to the Sycamore Police Department, has helped keep the Sycamore Pump kin Festival safe since 2015. Now retired, he is being honored as this year’s Friend of the Festival.

Cook, a Sycamore resident and retired deputy chief of the Sycamore Police Department, said he “was pretty honored” to be named the Friend of the Festival, especially because he consid ers the pumpkin festival a signature Sycamore event.

The festival will kick off Oct. 26 and run through the weekend, Oct. 30, fea turing a pumpkin display contest out side the DeKalb County Courthouse and events throughout downtown Syc amore.

“It’s the thing that I think represents Sycamore the most,” said Cook, 59. “You know, when people think of Syca more, that’s what they always think of – the pumpkin festival.”

Keeping the festival safe was some thing Cook said he took pride in, not just because of the marquee status of the event but also because “it’s such a huge festival.”

When Cook was involved, the police department would bring about 100 vol unteers to assist with traffic control and security for the festival.

“So that’s why I really enjoyed working on it, and that’s one of the things I was most proud of,” Cook said.

Over the years, Cook was tasked by the police department to conduct secu rity, parking and crowd control for the festival. Beyond safety, Cook also has been intimately involved in planning the annual five-day festival as a mem ber of the Pumpkin Fest Planning Com mittee.

“As the city’s liaison to the Pumpkin Fest Committee, I went to all of the meetings and was part of the actual committee, too,” Cook said. “So it’s a little bit of a two-part thing.”

Although Cook said he doesn’t have a specific favorite memory of the festi val, he does remember feeling exalted once the festivities finish.

“It’s just every year, you know, it’s a big event, and every year when it’s done you’re so proud of the fact that it worked,” Cook said.

A favorite event among Cook’s to help close out the festival is the parade, which travels through downtown Syc amore on Sunday, the final day of the festival.

“The centerpiece is the parade, and that’s the part that I really like being involved in and making sure that works because that’s when most of the people come into town,” Cook said.

Festivalgoers are expected to gather for the Pumpkin Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Oct. 30. This year, they’ll see Cook prominently featured in the parade as the Friend of the Festival.

“So that’s the centerpiece, that’s the part that I always enjoy the most – the parade,” Cook said.

Photo provided by Steve Cook Retired Sycamore Police Deputy Chief Steve Cook poses next to the logo of the Sycamore Police Department.

Hundredsof “Wish Upon a Pump kin” 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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

• Free pumpkins provided by the Sycamore Lions Club and Theis Farm Market will be available at 10 a.m. at the Wally Thurow Tribute Statue, located at Somonauk and Elm streets.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

• The Lions food trailer will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Maple and State streets.

• Lions Club’s pumpkin check-in will take place from noon to 9 p.m. on the courthouse lawn.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have Pumpkin Festival T-shirts and sweat shirts from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Grand Dental, 134 W. State St.

• The opening ceremony will start at 5 p.m. on North Maple Street, adjacent to the courthouse. It will include the ceremony for the cutting of the giant cake donated by Hy-Vee.

• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will offer cotton candy in the North Food Court.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Court house on State Street.

• Sycamore Kiwanis will host a prayer breakfast at 7 a.m. at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.

• Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted nuts and bubble tea in the North Food Court from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• The Lions food trailer will have hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, brats, pork chops and pumpkin pie from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Maple and State streets.

• A free Pumpkin Celebration will be

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

held at Sycamore Public Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to come in costume and enjoy games, story time and treats.

• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will offer cotton candy in the North Food Court.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

Activities and events

• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Court house on State Street.

• A craft show will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave. Food and free parking will be available.

• The teen carnival will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. A $35 unlimited ride special is available from 4 to 8 p.m.

• The kiddie carnival for young chil dren will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. A $35 ride special is available from 4 to 8 p.m.

Craft and merchandise vendors

• ABC Preschool will sell Pumpkin Festival flags at Paulsen Appliance, 245 W. State St., and at the SUMC craft show from noon to 4 p.m.

• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats from 5 to 8 p.m.

• Bethel Assembly of God will have stainless steel tumblers from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 131 W. Elm St.

Food vendors

• Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted nuts and bubble tea in the North Food Court from 3 to 6 p.m.

• The Lions food trailer will have hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, brats, pork chops and pumpkin pie from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Maple and State streets.

• DeKalb Knights of Columbus will sell brats, pulled pork and corn dogs in the North Food Court.

• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will offer cotton candy in the North Food Court.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

Activities and events

• Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be served from 7 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Parish Activity Center, 312 Waterman St.

• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Court house on State Street. Awards will be presented at 10 a.m.

• The Sycamore Golf Club Pumpkin Scramble will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sycamore Golf Club, 940 E. State St. For registration, call 815-895-3884.

• The DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St., will hold its annual His toric Homes Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and will be available at the center or online at www.dekalbcoun tyhistory.org.

• The Marquee Saturday Events will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stilt walker Jason Kollum will perform downtown at 10:30 a.m. Zack Percell of TnZ Magic will perform at 1 p.m. in the North Food Court. The “Artists in Air” Aerial Troupe from the Performing Arts Academy will perform at 2:30 p.m. in the North Food Court.

• The Sycamore High Art Club will offer face painting from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kiddie Carnival.

• The teen carnival will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. A $30 ride special is avail able from noon to 4 p.m. and a $35 ride special is available from 5 to 9 p.m.

• The kiddie carnival for young chil dren will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. A $30 ride special is available from noon to 4 p.m. and a $35 ride spe cial is available from 5 to 9 p.m.

• The Kiwanis will host a pie-eating contest at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse on State Street.

Craft and merchandise vendors

• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cross Roads Community Church will sell fleece blankets at the North Food Court from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• A craft show will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Sycamore United Methodist Church at 160 Johnson Ave. Food and free parking will be available.

• The Lutheran Church of St. John will sell sweatshirts in front of Lizzy’s Pink Boutique, 303 W. State St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Autumn Craft & Treasures Mar ket, hosted by Sycamore Music Boost ers, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Fieldhouse.

• Bethel Assembly of God will have stainless steel tumblers from 9 to 5 p.m. in the North Food Court and at the church, 131 W. Elm St.

• Tails Humane Society will offer dog treats and dog clothing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• ABC Preschool will sell Pumpkin Festival flags at Paulsen Appliance, 245 W. State St., and at the SUMC craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have Pumpkin Festival T-shirts and sweat shirts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Grand Dental, 134 W. State St.

Food vendors

• Lucky Maples 4-H Club will sell baked goods, apple cider and hot choc olate in front of Paulsen’s Appliance & Electronics, 245 W. State St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Moose Lodge of Sycamore will offer baked goods, brats, hot dogs, pretzels, chili and more.

• The Odd Fellows will sell barbecue pork loin sandwiches, meatball subs, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and fries from 9 to 6 p.m.

• Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted nuts and bubble tea in the North Food Court from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Boy Scout Troop 40 will serve load ed baked potatoes, hot dogs, chili and cookies from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 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.

• Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge 106 will offer funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples and soups in the North Food Court from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church will sell pastries and baked goods in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Sycamore Elks Club will offer pulled pork, pulled turkey, chili, baked beans and mac and cheese from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. across from the courthouse.

• The Lions food trailer will have hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, brats, pork chops and pumpkin pie from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the corner of Maple and State streets.

• The DeKalb County Shrine Club will sell pork chop sandwiches in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.

SUNDAY, OCT. 30

Activities and events

• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Court house on State Street.

• The Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K Road Race and the 1-mile Family Fun Run starts at 9:05 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory. For information, visit pumpkin runsycamore.com.

• The teen carnival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. A $30 ride special is available from noon to 4 p.m.

• The kiddie carnival for young children will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. A $30 ride special is available from noon to 4 p.m.

• The Pumpkin Parade will begin at 1 p.m. The parade route follows So monauk, Elm, California, State and Main streets.

Craft and merchandise vendors

• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, patches and hats from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cross Roads Community Church will sell fleece blankets at the North Food Court from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Bethel Assembly of God will have stainless steel tumblers from 9 a.m. to noon at the church, 131 W. Elm St.

• The Autumn Craft & Treasures Mar ket, hosted by Sycamore Music Boost ers, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House.

• The Lutheran Church of St. John will sell sweatshirts in front of Lizzy’s Pink Boutique, 303 W. State St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Rotaract Club of Sycamore will have

Pumpkin Festival T-shirts and sweat shirts from 10 a.m. to noon in front of Grand Dental, 134 W. State St.

Food vendors

• The Odd Fellows will sell barbecue pork loin sandwiches, meatball subs, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and fries from 9 to 4 p.m.

• Sycamore Kiwanis will offer roasted nuts and bubble tea in the North Food Court from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Moose Lodge of Sycamore will offer baked goods, brats, hot dogs, pretzels, chili and more.

• Boy Scout Troop 16 will serve pulled pork, pizza, hot dogs, baked beans and baked goods from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the North Food Court.

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church will sell pastries and baked goods in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Boy Scout Troop 40 will serve load ed baked potatoes, hot dogs, chili and cookies from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 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.

• Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge 106 will offer funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples and soups in the North Food Court from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Lions food trailer will have hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, brats, pork chops and pumpkin pie from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of Maple and State streets.

• The Sycamore Elks Club will offer pulled pork, pulled turkey, chili, baked beans and mac and cheese from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. across from the courthouse.

• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will offer brats, hot dogs, hot chocolate and pumpkin squares from noon to 3 p.m. at 218 Somonauk St.

• The DeKalb County Shrine Club will sell pork chop sandwiches in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.

Keeping Community in Banking

Six students chosen for Pumpkin Parade honor

Shaw Local News Network

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 participated in the Kiwanis Club’s annual writing con test, which is divided into poem, story and theme categories. The top two fin ishes in each category are selected as junior marshals and have an opportu

nity to ride in the Kiwanis Club’s float during the Oct. 30 parade.

Students who entered the contest were asked to write about the festi val’s theme of “When You Wish Upon a Pumpkin,” or about Halloween in Sycamore. The winners also receive a cash award.

A total of 29 students from Syca more Middle School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sycamore submit ted entries. Winners were treated to lunch at Culver’s, followed by a pic ture-taking session at Johnson’s

FIRST PLACE – POEM

Aislinn Wickness

Sycamore Middle School, sixth grade

“When You Wish Upon a Pumpkin”

What will happen when you wish upon a pumpkin?

Will your wildest dreams come true?

Will you fly high above the worry and stress of life and soar with the birds?

Well I know what will happen.

You will jump, no, leap, across the ravines, above the obstacles that threaten to slow you down.

You will tame the lion of your great est fears and fight the monsters hiding under your bed.

You will dance across the tightrope that is made of your dreams,

Pumpkin Patch in Sycamore. Following are the winning entries.

Kelsey Rettke – krettke@shawmedia.com

Pumpkin Fest Junior Marshals pose for a photo at Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch in Sycamore Friday, Oct. 14. Students were selected based on stories, essays and poems they wrote. Pictured (from left) are Aislinn Wickness, Fiona Holtz, ElleAnna Rongere, Joe Donahoe, Eileen Lehan and Evelynn Smith.

Gracefully gliding across the sway ing rope that hangs above the canyon of failure.

You will take the pass of a big change and score the goal of overcom ing it.

You will pave the path for others stepping away from the signs and warnings that once kept you on the safest path

You will capture all the doubts and tuck them away in the darkest corner of your mind knowing that they are not true

What will happen when you wish upon a pumpkin?

Will you be blessed with fame and fortune?

Will you get your biggest wish?

Well I know what will happen. When you wish upon a pumpkin, anything can happen

If you just believe that it can.

FIRST PLACE – POEM

Evelynn Smith

St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade

“The Fearsome House”

The skeletons roam and the goblins groan, and children in costumes with candy in hand are cheerful and happy, no bad moods to be found.

All houses have treats that every kid loves, spooky, and scary, their decorations are up.

Kids venture to houses, anticipating what’s to come, as witches scream, they turn and run.

With every new house, their faces light up; but at the end of the road, their eyes dart away.

Spooky and scary, the walls a peeling gray; the door was barely hanging, decaying by the day.

No kids or parents, not even a teen, will venture around that part of the street.

The sidewalk is broken and the windows are smashed.

The kids try to investigate, but they never last.

With every new year comes a new brave soul, ready to encounter something so terrifying it can not be told.

They walk through the door not knowing what’s to come; there’s a creek and a smash; and out the door they dash.

They say that not one person has made it out of the house just fine, That they are emotionally scarred, beaten and bruised...

FIRST PLACE – ESSAY

Fiona Holtz

Sycamore Middle School, seventh grade

“When Pumpkinfest Comes”

When Pumpkin fest comes, we are overwhelmed with the wonderful sen sory experiences of the season, it wraps you up like a cozy warm blanket. “Crunch Crunch,” the leaves on the sidewalk of Somonauk Street create a rhythm under your feet. The crisp air of Sycamore has a distinct smell in fall. You can hear the ecstatic screaming of people on the rides at the carnival in town. Autumn is everywhere. People crowd around the booths in the street. They enjoy the flavors of cider, hot dogs and roasted nuts from the Lions Club and Kiwanis. Your eyes take in the courthouse lawn that is filled to the brim with unique kinds of decorated pumpkins. Hearts overflow as families see loved ones in town for the fest. We remember and celebrate Sycamore’s very own hero Wally Thurow who started Pumpkin Fest in 1956. Anyone who has ever lived in or near our City of Sycamore can tell you this festival is the highlight of the year. It is the pride and heart of the city. Soon, It will be Sunday. A parade of local pride will wash through the streets and finish up the festival. To us, it is a small town’s dream come true.

SECOND PLACE – ESSAY

Eileen Lehan

St. Mary’s Catholic School, sixth grade

“Fall in Sycamore”

Fall in Sycamore is amazing. The leaves turn all sorts of colors, Hallow een decorations are everywhere, and everyone is getting ready for Pump kin Fest. Leaves are a huge part of fall because they are everywhere! Syca more has a lot of trees, like maples and, of course, Sycamore trees. Maples especially have beautiful col ors, and they really brighten up fall. I also love the fall weather, with the air being so crisp and cool. It really gets you in the mood for the festivities!

Halloween is something all kids look forward to in fall, whether they like dressing up, the scary decorations, the candy, or everything! Sycamore makes fall and Halloween extra special though with Pumpkin Fest and the Pumpkin Parade. It is so fun to create pumpkins for the contest, to go on all of the rides, to see all of the decorated pumpkins, and to watch all of the floats in the parade. I love seeing all the different takes on the theme. My friend won the contest for the theme this year, “Wish Upon a Pumpkin,” and she said she chose it because it leaves a lot of room for your own interpretation and cre ativity. Fall in Sycamore is so special!

FIRST PLACE – STORY

Joe Donahoe

St. Mary’s Catholic School, sixth grade

“Wally’s Perfect Pick”

Once upon a pumpkin, there was a boy named Wally Jr. He wanted to win first place in the Pumpkin Fest contest. The theme was “Wish Upon a Pumpkin.” He didn’t know what to do, but he had to win. He was thinking of making a fairy, but before he did that, he had to pick a pumpkin.

He went to Kuipers Family Farm to get a beautiful pumpkin. He saw every thing a pumpkin could offer from green pumpkins to purple pumpkins to trian gular pumpkins! He ended up getting three pumpkins, round and orange.

He started spray painting a random pumpkin. It was all white and gold, then he painted the face, but Wally Jr. was not happy. He decided to give up because he thought he couldn’t win.

There were only two days left to submit your pumpkin. Wally Jr. was staring at his pumpkins, then some thing crazy happened. His dad appeared who had died in 2012. His name was Wally Thurrow, but some people called him Mr. Pumpkin.

Mr. Pumpkin said, “Don’t give up, kid. I didn’t make this just for people to win!” This inspired Wally Jr. He made a giant cyclops! He won Pick of the Patch!

SECOND PLACE – STORY

ElleAnna Rongere

St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade

“A Place to Call Home”

One day I saw a ginormous pump kin in the patch in my yard. I thought back to when I was a kid, when my grandmother used to tell me that if I ever were to see a big pumpkin, to wish on it, and my wish would come true.

As soon as I saw it I knew exactly what I would wish for. I wished that it could be a functioning house that I could live in.

Once I made my wish, the pumpkin grew bigger and bigger until it looked like a house shaped like a giant pump kin. After it had finished growing and molding to what I wanted and wished for, I quickly went inside and explored my new house. It had every thing I had ever dreamed of on the inside, and it looked really cool on the outside. It even had a playroom and spare bedrooms that I could give to my little siblings if they ever wanted to come over and play or spend the night.

I immediately called my siblings over to my new house and I showed them their rooms. They loved my ginormous pumpkin home and asked to stay frequently.

Pick the best!

GrandVictorianSycamore.com

CRAFT SHOW

About 6,000 shoppers shop from over 100 booths at the Sycamore Music Boosters annual craft fair. The fair runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at Sycamore High School.

Sycamore Autumn Craft and Treasure Market marks 50th anniversary

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – In 1972, milk and gas oline were less than $1 a gallon, Amer icans began hearing about something called Watergate, Marlon Brando made an offer that couldn’t be refused and one of the best craft fairs in the Midwest was born.

That craft fair became formally known as the Sycamore Autumn Craft & Treasure Market, and for half a cen tury, it has provided visitors thou sands of unique gifts ideas just in time for the holidays and a way to support small, local businesses.

The second half-century of the Autumn Craft & Treasure Market begins soon. It will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Syca more High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for

students and seniors. Children ages 5 and younger get in for free. Proceeds benefit the Sycamore Music Boosters. Held in conjunction with Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, the market draws about 6,000 shoppers to more than 100 booths in an indoor facility. Craft fair vendors offer items ranging from textiles to jewelry, to art to home deco rations, to foods and spices, to pet par aphernalia.

The Sycamore Park District will supply golf carts to drive shoppers to and from their vehicles. The fair also will offer food, beverages and desserts.

Vendor spaces still are available. To sign up, visit sycamoremusicboost ers.com.

The Sycamore Music Boosters sup port students in kindergarten through 12th grade music programs offered within Sycamore School District 427.

For information, visit sycamoremu sicboosters.com.

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Chamber’s 44th annual 10K race steps off Sunday

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The Sycamore Pumpkin Run is the only place you can race against Superman, Captain America and a man in a wedding dress and have a chance to finish before them all.

The 44th annual Pumpkin Run, to be held Sunday, Oct. 30, is a 10,000meter USATF-sanctioned and certi fied road race presented by North western Medicine and organized by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce. It draws runners from across north ern Illinois and beyond. Starting gun goes off at 9:05 a.m. sharp.

There also will be a Sycamore Family Pumpkin Fun Run. In its sec ond year, the 1-mile fun run starts at the same time as the 10K. Runners will head east on Route 64 into the park, around the pool, and finish at the same finish line as the 10K. Those registered will receive a custom shirt and bib just for the Fun Run.

Race registration is available online at pumpkinrunsycamore.com.

“The runners are what make our race special,” Rose Treml, executive

director of the Sycamore Chamber, said in a news release. “Because it is so close to Halloween, many runners come dressed in costume. We have had superheroes, dinosaurs, zombies, morph people and even pumpkins.”

There also are local businesses that encourage their employees to run together and groups that run for their special cause, such as Feed My Starving Children Mobile Food Pack,

Breast Cancer Awareness, Alzheimer Awareness and a local food pantry. Runners of all ages and abilities join together at the National Guard Armory on Route 64. The route starts at the corner of Kishwaukee Drive and heads west on Route 64 past the historic DeKalb County Courthouse. Runners will continue through the downtown Sycamore business dis trict and then south on Somonauk

Street to Bethany Road where the route turns east. The route turns north at Airport Road where runners cross the winding Kishwaukee River. The final mile-and-a-half winds through Sycamore’s park complex and golf course.

After crossing the finish line, rac ers are welcomed by volunteers who have prepared post-race refresh ments, which are located in the National Guard Armory. Racers age 21 and older are treated to Oktober fest beer. Sycamore Integrated Health will provide post-race stretching.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female first, second and third finishers and the top three male and female finishers in 13 age divi sions, which are: 14 and younger, 15 to 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, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 and older.

Visit pumpkinrunsycamore.com or call the Sycamore Chamber at 815-895-3456 to learn more about this year’s event. The race ha Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages where participants can share photos and comments with other runners.

Photo provided

The 44th annual Pumpkin Run 10K Road Race will be held Sunday, Oct. 30, starting at 9:05 a.m. in Sycamore. A 1-mile family fun run also will take place.

‘Working From Homes’ tour back in person

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will present an in-per son Historic Homes Tour during Pumpkin Fest this year, after a twoyear hiatus.

The tour theme is “Working From Homes” and will feature businesses that are located in historic homes. The tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets cost $20 a person and are available at the History Center, 1730 N. Main in Syca more, or at Rustic Roots, 341 W. State St. in downtown Sycamore.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic homes tour has been held virtually the past two years. Organiz ers are excited that attendees will be able to enter these properties this year. The five locations have all respected the original homes in their designs and are proud to be part of the local history.

212 S. Main St.

First up is the law office of Riley Oncken at 212 S. Main St. Originally built as a simple one-story building that was home to the Universalist Church, it now is a beautiful brick two-story Italianate structure. Over the years, its look has changed signifi cantly, but it has retained some of the original church features, including windows and doors. There is a framed copy of the charter for the church on the wall near the entrance.

This home has been renovated sev eral times, adding space above and on

the back. However, there still are many features from early renovations, including light fixtures, doorknobs and built-ins. Well-known residents include Arthur Stark, Earl Wetzel and Nancy Seymour Heatley. Don’t miss the doggie spa room and the beautiful backyard, featuring AstroTurf.

204 S. Main St.

Next door is the former residence of one of Sycamore’s founding fami lies, Abraham and Sarah Ellwood, at 204 S. Main St. That name will be

familiar to local history lovers and barbed wire aficionados. The Ell woods were some of the earliest set tlers in the area and had 11 children, including several Sycamore mayors and Isaac Ellwood of barbed wire fame. Abraham built this magnificent home on a prominent corner as the family became prosperous and had a cooper business in the back.

Currently the home of My Insur ance Guy and Crain-Bruch financial services, the essence of the original home has been well preserved throughout the years while housing

several local businesses. The entry way and front stairs are stunning, and many of the original windows and even some original siding have been preserved.

107 W. Exchange St.

Moving on to North Main Street, the next location is 107 W. Exchange St., home of the Turner Law Group. Rick Turner has practiced law here since the mid-1980s. In fact, this prop erty has served various attorneys as a place of business since the 1960s, which is fitting since it was first built in 1855 for Daniel James, one of the county’s early judges.

This house appears in illustrations on early plat maps as an example of some of the most important locations in Sycamore. At the time, it had a tower in the rear and a wrap-around porch. Over the years, it has been remodeled to serve other purposes, including a new addition that seam lessly matches the design of the origi nal house.

351 N. Main St.

Next up is Resource Bank at 351 N. Main St. This building was the car riage house for the beautiful Townsend mansion, now Paper Doll House. Originally, it was a wedding present to Frederick Townsend from his father-in-law, Charles Boynton. Frederick was an important farmer, businessman, and even mayor.

This carriage house was never

204 S. Main St.

Photos provided by DeKalb County History Center 107 W. Exchange St.

212 S. Main St.

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• HOMES TOUR

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meant for horses but housed the first automobile in Sycamore. Fittingly, it then served as a gas station for many years. In the 1980s, it became a restau rant and saw several different owners and interpretations.

In 2015, it was bought by Resource Bank and meticulously renovated, even matching the “roping” around the

stone work. The original windows and beams can be seen, and there are a number of pictures of historic Syca more hanging on the walls. This site will only be open for interior tours until 1 p.m., but volunteers will remain onsite until 5 p.m. with information about its history and occupants.

1730 N. Main St.

Finally, guests are invited to 1730 N. Main St., current home of the DeKalb

County History Center, previously known as Stark’s Corner then Engh Corners. This property was a large, prosperous farm for most of its his tory.

First owned by Marshal Stark, an important member of the local farming community, the small house, open on this tour, dates to the farm’s early days and later served as a residence for hired hands. It was eventually used as rental property. The larger house was renovated into the Colonial structure

seen today by longtime owner Harold Engh as a home for his farm manag ers.

As part of the tour, ticket holders can tour the History Center, opened in 2019 and the current exhibit, “DeKalb County in 100 Objects.” Visitors also will hear the stories of the Starks and the Enghs and their importance to the county.

For information or to volunteer, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.

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