New live music and sound system to boost Sycamore festivities
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Although pumpkins, cake and community are what draw people to the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival year in and year out, organizers said the fanfare, at its core, is a fundraiser for area nonprofits.
Festival committee president Cole Regnery said he’s most excited for the funds that five days of events will generate for partnered nonprofit organizations, such as the Sycamore Lions Club.
“The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is a community celebration showcasing our area not-for-profits,” Regnery said. “What I’m excited about this year is to help a bunch of not-for-profits raise a bunch of money so that they can continue to serve DeKalb County and the world.”
Terri Goodman, a longtime Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee member, said there will be new entertainment Saturday, Oct. 26, in the North Food Court at the corner of North Maple and State streets.
Miss Jamie’s Farm Music Show will begin at 11 a.m., Wendy & DB will play at 1 p.m. and the Performing Arts Academy at 2:30 p.m.
Regnery said that this year fans of the festival also can find new festival
merchandise to buy from multiple vendors.
The Rotaract Club of Sycamore, a nonprofit organization that seeks to help young professionals engage and build professional skills while serving their communities, will sell wearable Sycamore Pumpkin Festival merchandise.
Regnery, also the Rotaract Club’s director, said child-sized pumpkin festival attire is new this year.
Another highlight is the city’s chance to showcase downtown’s new sound system. The Sycamore City Council approved the purchase of a new system in April, and downtown patrons were serenaded by music outdoors all summer.
Goodman said the festival will be able to tap into the city’s new sound system for festival activities, including the cake-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Oct. 23.
“We’re very excited about that,” Goodman said. “Hopefully that will help with being able to hear because, generally, unless you’re standing around that cake with the tent, you can’t hear anything that’s being said. So, hopefully, that will help everybody actually hear the names of those kids, because that’s really important to make sure they are honored and acknowledged.”
Enter the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off January 16, 2025 Enjoy
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Tee Off at Sycamore Golf Club
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The Becker Family received third place in the family category of the pumpkin decorating contest at the 2023 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. PUMPKIN
This year’s festival dignitaries are dearly departed
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Sycamore Pumpkin Festival organizers this year have named its friend of the fest and Pumpkin Parade grand marshal to what they said are some of the city’s dearly departed.
Festival committee president Cole Regnery said the committee traditionally selects somebody for its friend who has given a lot of their time, effort and energy to the yearly event. And the grand marshal often is a person whom the committee believes will be a “big draw for the parade,” he said.
This year, both are men being honored posthumously. The festival has named the late Jim Dombek, a longtime Sycamore School District 427 Board president, as the Pumpkin Parade’s grand marshal. Dombek died Aug. 12 at 68. Veteran Bart Desch, who died at 58 on Nov. 6, 2023, was named this year’s friend of the fest.
“It turns out that this year, both the friend of the festival and the grand marshal are people who have given
an enormous amount to the festival,” Regnery said.
Dombek, who served as school board president from 1999 to 2024, was no stranger to Sycamore’s biggest
acting as the group’s legal adviser for 26 years. He also announced the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade for years.
“Jim Dombek, as the grand marshal, is so well known that it makes sense that he would be a big draw as well,” Regnery said. “Not only did he give a ton to the Pumpkin Festival, he was a school board president for two decades and was active at the Newman [Catholic Student] Center, and he is just a prominent figure in the community.”
Dombek’s widow, Kathy Dombek, will ride in the parade in his place.
The family of Desch also will ride in the parade to honor his friend of the fest tribute.
Terri Goodman, a tenured member of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee, said Desch acted as her mentor when she first joined the committee.
event of the year. He spent three decades as a permanent deacon for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford. Dombek also served the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee by
“I got to work with Bart firsthand, right from the get-go,” Goodman said. “He was just such a fun-loving person, real dry sense of humor, really nice guy. Always up to lift something,
Shaw Local News Network file photos
The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival named the late Jim Dombek (left) as this year’s parade grand marshal and the late Bart Desch as Friend of the Fest. “The committee owes a great debt to both of them,” said committee president Cole Regnery.
DeKalb Park District Presents
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Painted and decorated “Pumpkins Around the World” will fill the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn at the corner of State and Main streets in downtown Sycamore during the 63rd annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival.
Activities are planned for every day of the five-day festival, from Wednesday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 27.
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
• 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 at Somonauk and Elm streets.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
• The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.
• Sycamore Lions Club’s pumpkin check-in from noon to 9 p.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• Festival apparel by the Rotaract Club of Sycamore at South Maple and State streets.
• Opening ceremony and giant cake-cutting at 5 p.m. on North Maple Street downtown. Cake baked, decorated and donated by Hy-Vee.
• The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• Sycamore Kiwanis Club will hold a prayer breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave.
• The Sycamore Public Library will feature free pumpkin celebrations including crafts, games and treats from 4 to 8 p.m. at 103 E. State St.
• Sycamore trick-or-treat event from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. downtown along State Street.
• The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.
• The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.
FRIDAY, OCT. 25
Activities and events
• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• Teen Carnival from 3 to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets.
• Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from 3 to 10 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.
Craft and merchandise vendors
• ABC Pre-School will sell Pumpkin Festival flags from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Paulsen Appliance and Electronics, 245 W. State St.
• United Methodist Church hosts a craft show from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church, 160 Johnson Ave.. Food available and free parking.
• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, badges and hats in front of Blue Moon
Bikes, 211 W. State St.
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North Food Court.
• Sycamore Fire Buddies will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups and stickers at the South Food Court.
Food vendors
• The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.
• The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.
• Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.
SATURDAY, OCT. 26
Activities and events
• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• Sycamore Rotary Club hosts a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Activity Center, 312 Waterman St.
• Sycamore Lions Club hosts the Giant Pumpkin Trophy Presentation at 10 a.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• DeKalb County History Center’s Historic Homes Tour “On the Move” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person. They are available in advance at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St. or online at dekalbcountyhistory.org. Tickets also available the day of the tour.
• Sycamore High School Art Club will offer face-painting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kiddie Carnival in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.
• Pumpkin 4-Person Golf Scramble at 11 a.m. at Park Golf Course, 940 E. State St. For registration information, call 815-895-3884.
• Sycamore Kiwanis Club’s pie-eating contest at 4 p.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• Marquee Saturday events will feature Miss Jamie’s Farm Music Show at 11 a.m., Wendy & DB at 1 p.m. at the North Food Court, and Performing Arts Academy at 2:30 p.m. at North Food Court. Sponsored by Syngenta.
• Teen Carnival from noon to 5 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. Ride specials from noon to 5 p.m.
• Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. Ride specials from noon to 5 p.m. Craft and merchandise vendors
• United Methodist Church hosts a craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, 160 Johnson Ave. Food available and free parking.
• Sycamore Music Boosters’ 52nd annual Autumn Craft and Treasures Market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.
• Aurora Christian Schools will host a Craft & Vendor Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Cornerstone Campus, 355 N. Cross St.
• ABC Pre-School will sell Pumpkin Festival flags from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Paulsen Appliance and Electronics, 245 W. State St.
• Tails Humane Society will have dog treats, costumes and T-shirts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Taxco Mexican Cuisine, 233 W. State St.
• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, badges and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.
• Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North Food Court.
• Sycamore Fire Buddies will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups and stickers at the South Food Court.
Food vendors
• The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.
• The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.
• Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.
• DeKalb Knights of Columbus Council 717 will have brats, pulled pork and corn dogs at the North Food Court.
• Moose Lodge of Sycamore will have pretzels, brats and chili from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Moose Lodge, 317 W. State St.
• Bethel Assembly of God will have a burger and soup luncheon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 131 W. Elm St.
• Boy Scout Troop 40 will have loaded baked potatoes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of American Family Insurance, 116 W. State St.
• Sycamore Elks Club will have pulled pork and turkey and smoked macaroni and cheese from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. across from the DeKalb County Courthouse on West State Street.
• The Knights of Columbus will have pulled pork, brats and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Maple Food Court.
• Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge will have funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples, soups and drinks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Food Court.
• St. Mary’s Catholic School Youth Ministry will have a food booth in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.
• Oddfellows Lodge will have meatball subs and barbecue pork loin at the North Food Court.
• DeKalb County Shrine Club will have pork chop sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Food Court in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
Activities and events
• Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St.
• 10K Pumpkin Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce steps off at 8:30 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory Building, 516 E. State St. For more information, visit pumpkinrunsycamore.com.
• The Pumpkin Parade begins at 1 p.m. The
parade route follows Somonauk, Elm, California, State and Main streets. Those in need of accommodations for wheelchairs, walkers and more are encouraged to view the parade at the intersection of Main and State streets, where space has been saved.
• Teen Carnival from noon to 5 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets. Ride specials from noon to 4 p.m.
• Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets. Ride specials from noon to 4 p.m.
Craft and merchandise vendors
• Sycamore Music Boosters’ 52nd annual Autumn Craft and Treasures Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.
• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, badges and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.
• The Kishwaukee Special Recreation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North Food Court.
• Sycamore Fire Buddies will offer T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups and stickers at the South Food Court.
Food vendors
• Moose Lodge of Sycamore will have pretzels, brats and chili from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of Moose Lodge, 317 W. State St.
• The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer offering hot dogs, sandwiches, cider, coffee and other festival foods will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.
• The Rotaract Club of Sycamore will offer festival apparel, pumpkin custard and frozen cider in the North Food Court.
• Kiwanis Club of Sycamore will have a Roasted Nut Hut at Main and North Maple streets.
• Bethel Assembly of God will have a burger and soup luncheon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 131 W. Elm St.
• Boy Scout Troop 40 will have loaded baked potatoes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of American Family Insurance, 116 W. State St.
• Sycamore Elks Club will have pulled pork and turkey and smoked macaroni and cheese from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. across from the DeKalb County Courthouse on West State Street.
• The Knights of Columbus will have pulled pork, brats and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Maple Food Court.
• Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge will have funnel cakes, cotton candy, cinnamon apples, soups and drinks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Food Court.
• St. Mary’s Catholic School Youth Ministry will have a food booth in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St.
• Oddfellows Lodge will have meatball subs and barbecue pork loin at the North Food Court.
• DeKalb County Shrine Club will have pork chop sandwiches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Food Court in front of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern, 202 W. State St.
• St. Peter’s Church will have a food booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 218 Somonauk St.
Autumn Craft and Treasures Market returns for 2 days during Pumpkin Fest
Event proceeds benefit school Music Boosters
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – The Autumn Craft and Treasures Market will return during the final two days of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival to support the Sycamore Music Boosters.
The market will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Sycamore High School Field House, 427 Spartan Trail.
The craft show will feature more than 100 craft fair vendor booths offering various items including jewelry, art, food, pet paraphernalia, textiles, spices, home decorations and homemade pies.
Student volunteers will help vendors set up their booths. Attendees can receive free golf cart rides to and from their vehicles. Parking is free. The event also will offer food, beverages and desserts.
Admission is $3 for adults and
$1 for seniors and students. Children ages 5 and younger can attend for free.
The Sycamore Music Boosters supports music programs for students in
kindergarten through 12th grade within Sycamore School District 427. For information, visit sycamoremusicboosters.com.
• DIGNITARIES
Continued from page 4
move something, show you something, that kind of thing. He was a go-getter, for sure, and just really loved our community a lot.”
Desch served in the Illinois National Guard from 1985 to 1990 and moved to Sycamore for a job with the Sycamore Park District in 2003, according to the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. Desch became the Sycamore Park District’s superintendent of recreation seven years later. He also served many years on the Pumpkin Festival committee.
“[Desch was] a very community-minded person who was willing to jump in the trenches and get the job done,” Goodman said. “He was a just a really, really wonderful mentor to me in learning all the ins and outs of the parade, because there’s a lot.”
Desch volunteered his time to the committee for a dozen more years before relinquishing his efforts in 2022.
“I am extremely saddened by the loss of both Bart and Jim, but we are honored to be able to honor them with these posthumous designations,” Regnery said. “Their families will be in their parade representing the friend of the festival and the grand marshal. The committee owes a great debt to both of them.”
Photo provided by Sycamore Music Boosters
The Autumn Craft and Treasures Market will feature more than 100 craft fair vendor booths offering various items including jewelry, art, food, pet paraphernalia, textiles, spices, home decorations and homemade pies.
Nine students chosen for Pumpkin Parade honor
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Nine Sycamore students and aspiring writers will get a chance to ride in the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade after their essays, poems and short stories were chosen as part of the 2024 Sycamore Kiwanis Club’s Junior Marshal Essay Contest.
The contest had 51 entries from Sycamore Middle School, St. Mary’s Catholic School and Aurora Christian School-Cornerstone campus. Participants included 21 sixth graders, 14 seventh graders and 16 eighth graders.
The annual writing contest picks the top three winners from each category. Winners get the opportunity to be junior marshals and ride on the Kiwanis Club’s float during the Oct. 27 parade.
Winners were treated to lunch at Culver’s and had their picture taken at Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch in Sycamore.
Here are the winning entries:
FIRST PLACE – POEM
Kylie Hines
St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade “Sycamore’s Pumpkin Fest”
In Sycamore, when autumn’s here, Pumpkin Fest brings us cheer.
Carved or painted with different faces, Pumpkin magic fills the grassy spaces.
Food, rides and games to play, Pumpkin Fest makes for a perfect day.
Parade marches on, with laughter near,
In our town, everyone will be here.
As the sun sets and stars appear, Sycamore’s spirit shines so clear.
A town united, fall embraced, Pumpkin Fest is our joyful space.
SECOND PLACE – POEM
Mary Demmin
Sycamore Middle School, sixth grade “Pumpkin Portrait”
I walk along a path lined with pumpkins,
They stare at me. Different stories behind
Each and every one. Many cultures and folktales
Represented in one place, making it feel like
I’m seeing the world, just in pumpkin form.
I feel special just seeing all the work put into them.
The care put into carving the pumpkins,
To the dedication and creative
munity, togetherness, and a familial warmth that swirls through the air with the falling leaves, enveloping all who attend and taking root deep within their hearts.
This feeling is what draws people back after they have moved away; it is what brings families together, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. It is what Pumpkin Fest is all about.
SECOND PLACE – ESSAY
Olivia Buesse
Sycamore Middle School, seventh grade “The History of Pumpkins Around the World”
Pumpkins can be found anywhere in the world except, of course, Antarctica.
Pumpkins are one of the oldest crops, corn being the other oldest. They were very popular in Native American history because they can grow in colder seasons and because of how versatile their uses are.
ideas for Specific themes.
All aspects of the world that have been brought through these pumpkins
Open doorways for others to show and express their creativity.
THIRD PLACE – POEM
Naya Collins
Sycamore Middle School, sixth grade “Pumpkin Fest”
I’m walking downtown looking at all the pumpkin designs, Watching little kids dressed as angels, with wings that shine.
Kids dressed as dogs, kids dressed as cats.
Kids dressed as spiders, kids dressed as bats
There’s so many pumpkins, I don’t know where to look, Pumpkins painted as characters, and even one that looks like a book. Pumpkins with lights, pumpkins with leaves, Pumpkins with masks, dressed as thieves.
There’s people eating cake, and pumpkin pies, Funny pumpkins, with big round eyes.
Orange, brown, red, and yellow leaves scattered all over the ground,
And I can’t help thinking that I’m simply spellbound.
I see people with food, raffle tickets, and more.
So I walk over to the food trucks,
and see food galore!
There’s so many options: pumpkin lattes, sandwiches, soda, pumpkin pies,
But in the end I choose a sandwich, a latte, and some fries.
But in the end when I’m tired and full of food, and decided I’m done here, I say to myself, “I think I’ll come again next year.”
FIRST PLACE – ESSAY
Eileen Lehan
St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade “Pumpkin Fest in Sycamore”
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, anticipation of what’s to come begins to build among the residents of Sycamore.
The vibrant hues of red, orange and gold paint the landscape and mark the arrival of a new season, bringing with it the cherished traditions that the people of Sycamore hold so dear.
Adults begin to make plans for parade-watching parties, while kids excitedly chatter about which rides they will go on and what friends they will meet up with.
Along State Street, a delightful buzz fills the air, with carnival rides, creative pumpkin displays, and an array of vendors and booths adding to the festive atmosphere of this amazing festival.
However, Pumpkin Fest brings more than just your typical fair experience; beneath the surface of the activities lies a profound sense of com-
Jack O’Lanterns originated in Scotland and Ireland. The pagans carved skulls and put candles in them to attract deceased family members, but after a while, they started carving pumpkins and turnips instead because they were easier to obtain than skulls – for obvious reasons.
When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they brought this tradition with them, and it has now become a household tradition every Halloween, sparking pumpkin-carving competitions and pumpkin shows like Pumpkin Fest all over the U.S.
Fun fact: Illinois produces the most pumpkins in the U.S. We produce 40,000 pounds per acre. California and Texas are close, with 30,000 pounds per acre, but we still have the lead by 10,000 pounds per acre, so we have a nice big lead.
Only about 20% of pumpkins are sold for carving and decorating; the other 80% go toward making food.
THIRD PLACE – ESSAY
Aida Doty
Sycamore Middle School, seventh grade “Pumpkin Fest with Family” Fall is my favorite season of the year.
Not only because of the pumpkins or the apple cider doughnuts, the crisp fall mornings or the red, brown and orange leaves swirling around me. No, my favorite part of fall is Pumpkin Fest.
Before my grandparents moved, we would go down to their house on the corner of Somonauk and Vance Street
Kelsey Rettke
Pumpkin Festival junior marshals pose for a photo on Oct. 7 at Johnson’s Pumpkin Stand, 1502 W. Motel Road, Sycamore. The students were named winners for their poems, essays and short stories in the Sycamore Kiwanis Club’s annual writing contest. Pictured (from left) are Mary Demmin, 12; Naya Collins, 11; Aida Doty, 12; Olivia Buesse, 12; Annabelle Vega, 12; Eileen Lehan, 13; Kylie Hines, 13; Ethan Eide, 13; and Declan Jaszczak, 13.
Continued from page 8
and watch the parade from her lawn with family. One Pumpkin Fest, my cousin Paige and I were outside watching the band practice for the parade, and we got to step up on the stool and rehearse with them. The conductor taught us how to cue the band, and it was a cool experience.
All of our family hangs out during Pumpkin Fest, and we get to see lots of different people. Everybody brings food and desserts, and there is laughter and chattering.
We always go to our grandad’s house and drop off our painted pumpkins at the courthouse. We get hot dogs, and hot chocolate or apple cider, and then we walk back down to Grandad’s house.
Pumpkin Fest is the best time of year, not because of the carnival or the food, but because of the people you spend it with.
FIRST PLACE – STORY
Declan Jaszczak
St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade
“Joe’s Journey Around the World”
Joe was a pumpkin, and all he wanted to do was travel the world. But that’s kind of hard when you’re a pumpkin.
Somebody might want to carve you,
and if Joe didn’t stay attached to his stem, he would rot!
Joe was feeling sad that he couldn’t travel, but then his stem jumped out of the ground and started climbing up a building and then paraglided off of it! Joe started to chase after it by climbing up the building using plungers.
Joe then decided to use a flying squirrel to fly after his stem, but when they landed, they were in Canada. Joe was chasing his stem all throughout Canada and during the Northern Lights.
Then Joe and his stem started an epic montage around the world by going to Japan, Brazil, France, Australia and Mexico. Joe also met a bunch of pumpkins that helped him to try and stop his stem.
Joe and his stem ended back in Sycamore, IL and that’s when Joe realized it! When he was chasing his stem, he had traveled the world! Joe then thanked his stem for fulfilling his childhood dream.
SECOND PLACE – STORY
Ethan Eide
St. Mary’s Catholic School, eighth grade “We All Live on the Same Pumpkin”
Once there was a pumpkin named Jim. Now Jim was very self-centered and rude to others, he believed that the only place on the earth that matters was his homeland and nowhere else.
One night, when it was quiet in Jim’s home, Jim had awoken to a
creak in the floorboards. Looming over Jim, at the foot of his bed was Wally, the Pumpkin man.
Jim was startled, jumping in fear. Wally told him not to be afraid and that he was going to show Jim the world. So Wally picked up Jim and whisked him to their first stop: the city of يقطي. Jim was amazed, he saw the clockwork of this city – so different from his home, but just as important.
Then Wally whisked him away to another city: 南瓜. This city was huge, many factories smoking up the sky, and yet, this was another important city in the line of trade and culture.
As Wally whisked Jim away again and again, each city taught Jim something new. The clock struck 12, and Jim awoke in his bed, wondering if it was all a dream. In reality, Jim had been taught an important lesson: everywhere and everyone … matters.
THIRD PLACE – STORY
Annabelle Vega
St. Mary’s Catholic School, seventh grade “Jack the Pumpkin”
Once, in a small town nestled between rolling hills and lush meadows, there lived a peculiar pumpkin named Jack.
Jack was no ordinary pumpkin; he had a mischievous glint in his eye and an adventurous spirit that set him apart from the rest.
As autumn arrived and the leaves
turned into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, the townsfolk began their preparations for the annual harvest festival. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes were carefully selected to be carved into jack-o’-lanterns, each one destined to illuminate the darkness of the coming Halloween night.
Jack longed to be chosen for this special task, to have his insides scooped out and to be adorned with a grinning face that would light up the night. However, as the days passed, Jack remained untouched, watching as his fellow pumpkins were picked one by one.
Determined to fulfill his dream, Jack decided to take matters into his own vines. Under the cover of the moonlit night, he rolled himself to the town square, where the carving contest was to take place. With the help of a friendly squirrel and a resourceful field mouse, Jack managed to carve his own intricate design, turning himself into the most extraordinary jacko’-lantern the town had ever seen.
On the night of Halloween, as children roamed the streets in search of treats, Jack’s light shone the brightest, casting an enchanting glow that captivated all who beheld it.
From that day forward, Jack became a legend in the town, his story was passed down from generation to generation as a testament to the magic of believing in oneself.
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Fifth grader ‘feeling good’ about worldly theme idea
By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Fifth grader Samuel Schwartz, 10, said he’s ready to take on the excitement of helping herald in the start of this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival after his idea was picked for the annual decorating contest, a highlight of the merriment.
In May, Samuel was declared the 2024 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival theme contest winner for his idea “Pumpkins Around the World.” At the time, Schwartz was recognized on the steps of the DeKalb County Courthouse by organizers of the annual fall affair, but this month, he’ll have more fanfare to enjoy.
“I’m feeling pretty good about it,” Samuel said of his upcoming dignitary responsibilities.
Longtime Sycamore Pumpkin Festival committee member Terri Goodman said she couldn’t believe the idea hadn’t been done before.
“I think it’s a great theme,” Goodman said. “I’m kind of surprised, when I saw it on the sheet, I thought, ‘Really, this has never been suggested?’ Because it’s a great theme. It really is.”
The North Grove Elementary School student will get to cut the first slice of a giant cake at 5 p.m. Oct. 23 as a part of the festival’s opening ceremony. Samuel also will ride in Sunday’s Pumpkin Parade at 1 p.m. Oct. 27.
His mother, Marcy Schwartz, said she thinks her son’s duties are exciting.
ing how people choose to adorn their pumpkins.
“Sam is a man of few words,” Schwartz said. “He came up with it [the idea] because he was thinking of the Olympics, the world and all the people represented. That is what he told me anyway.”
The Schwartzes said they’ve already been toying with a couple of ideas that involve wonders of the world for their own pumpkin design, but they haven’t decided exactly what they’ll do yet.
Goodman said she thinks Samuel’s theme also is an opportunity for designers to put a positive spin on immigration.
“Our country is built on immigrants,” Goodman said. “That’s who we are: Americans. We are a bunch [of] melting pot immigrants from all over the world.”
The 2023 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival had about 1,200 entries into the Sycamore Lions Club’s pumpkin-decorating contest. Goodman said she’s hopeful that even more will be entered this year. Organizers won’t know the official total until the first day of the festival when decorated pumpkins are dropped off on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn.
Goodman said she also likes how Samuel’s theme could spur participants to consider their own heritage as they design their pumpkins.
“I think it’s a big deal that he gets to ride in the parade and cut the cake,” she said.
Schwartz said she’s also looking forward to view-
“It’s wonderful that kids have internet, and they can learn so much about other countries, and they can talk to other people around the world and that kind of thing,” Goodman said. “But to really connect and have that understanding of their own heritage is cool. And I hope that we’ll see some of that as well.”
Mark Busch
Sam Schwartz, 10, a fifth grader at North Grove Elementary School in Sycamore, stands with his mom Marcy and dad Nathan at the Wally Thurow statue on Sept. 27 in Sycamore. Sam was the theme contest winner for the 2024 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival.
PUMPKIN FEST PARADE ROUTE
Sycamore Chamber’s 10K race and family fun run starts early this year
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
SYCAMORE – Hundreds of runners (and walkers) are expected to descend upon the streets of Sycamore on Oct. 27 for the 46th annual Pumpkin 10K Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run, which will start a little early this year.
Both runs are expected to step off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, event organizers said.
The events, hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, are part of the final day of the 63rd annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, which runs from Wednesday through Sunday downtown.
The route is open to all, experienced runners or casual festivalgoers alike. Each race will start and finish at the same line. Strollers are allowed but will be asked to start at the back of the group.
All registered runners will receive a custom race shirt and bib, refreshments after the race and beer offered for those 21 and older. To register, visit pumpkinrunsycamore.com.
The 10K race starts at the corner of Kishwaukee Drive and heads west on Route 64 past the DeKalb County Courthouse. Runners will continue through downtown Sycamore and then south on Somonauk Street, east onto Bethany Road through adjacent cornfields and a horse farm, north on Air -
port Road into the park and over the Kishwaukee River, and through the Sycamore Park District golf course to the finish line.
Three water stations – one about 2½ miles in, one near the 4-mile mark and one at the end – will be provided by Northern Illinois Water Works.
The Fun Run will start at the corner of Kingsway Drive and State Street, heading into Sycamore Park on the park path, east of the Sycamore Armory, 516 E. State St., near the west park entrance. The route will go east into the park, past the tennis courts south and around the pool, and west back to the finish line. Walkers and strollers are welcome.
The 10K Run will use chip timing by EnMotive. Medical staff also will be available near the finish line.
Results will be provided to all runners immediately after the race.
Sycamore Integrated Health will provide post-race stretching. Awards will be given to the overall male and female first-, second- and third-place finishers and top three male and female finishers in 13 age divisions. Age divisions are: 12 and younger, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and older.
For more information, to register or to view a run map, visit www.pumpkinrunsycamore.com or call the Sycamore Chamber at 815-895-3456.
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SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD HOUSE 427 SPARTAN TRAIL, SYCAMORE
Photo provided by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce
The 46th annual Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K and 1-mile Family Fun Run will both step off at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 27.
PUMPKIN RUN
Tour showcases Sycamore houses ‘On the Move’
Six locations featured that have been uprooted to land elsewhere
SHAW LOCAL NEWS NETWORK contact@shawmedia.com
The DeKalb County History Center’s annual Historic Homes Tour for this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, dubbed “On the Move,” will feature six houses that aren’t in their original building spots.
“On the Move,” featuring historic homes, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26.
“While researching this event over the years, the committee found more and more homes that have been moved and thought that they would make for a fascinating tour,” organizers wrote in a news release. “Materials in the Joiner History Room also identified several of the important people and companies that performed these moves.”
This year’s tour will offer six locations, including three homes that were moved, one home that was built on the site from which another house was moved, a home that wasn’t moved but is too lovely to pass up, and one with a History Center personal connection: the story about the moving of Hired Hands House to Pleasant Street in DeKalb. The impending move is part of a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity.
Tickets cost $20 a person and may be reserved after Oct. 15 at the History Center or online at dekalbcountyhistory.org. New this year, organizers ask that all participants check in on the day of the walk to pick up their tour booklet with ticket only at the History Center, 1730 N. Main St., Sycamore. Actual tickets and booklets will not be available in advance or at individual homes.
Those interested in a free ticket are encouraged to consider volunteering for a shift. Volunteer training will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the History Center. For more information, to buy tickets or to volunteer, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.
Here are details on this year’s locations:
708 Somonauk St.
The house famously got stuck in the middle of Somonauk Street for a night during the moving process in 1989. Built circa 1881 for George Marsh, whose father was Charles Marsh
See HOMES TOUR, page 15
of the
708 Somonauk St.
432 Somonauk St.
343 Grant St.
123 Center Cross St.
589 W. State St.
Photos provided by DeKalb County History Center
Hired Hands House, 1730 N. Main St.
Marsh Harvester Co., the home was bought by James Ellwood in 1888. James was one of Sycamore’s Ellwood brothers, a merchant who served as Sycamore’s postmaster. The house also served at one point as the convent for St. Mary’s Church, and another time as the administration offices for the Sycamore Municipal Hospital. It also is one of three homes in Sycamore restored by Margaret Baack. It features original stained-glass windows in the front, stunning woodwork, a newly remodeled kitchen and a thirdfloor deck. Tour participants will get to view all four stories.
432 Somonauk St.
J.H. Rogers settled in Sycamore in 1858 and was a highly respected dry goods merchant. This home was built in 1891 on the place where a large, twin gabled home stood. That house was moved by mule to the 500 block of South Main Street. After the move, the house was split into two houses, turned and set down. Both of those resulting homes were expanded, providing new homes for two families. The current home on Somonauk was built after the move. It sports a Queen Anne-style turret on the home’s northwest side, offset by a Romanesque arch over the front doorway. Stained glass windows along the stairway, a remodeled kitchen and a unique three-sided fireplace lend character to the home.
343 Grant St.
The house at 343 Grant St. is an eye-catching, airy home that features double entryways in the front. It was built in 1896 for David Middleton, a tailor who also operated a clothing store. Middleton was a major golf enthusiast. He founded a local golf club and was instrumental in bringing a golf course to the design of Sycamore Park. This home was moved from 530 W. State St. in 1991 to make way for the First Baptist Church, a move that many current Sycamore residents witnessed. The original main entry on the right contains leaded glass windows. The intricately carved leaf-design wooden staircase and stained glass window above give the entryway a classic style. Stained glass and leaded glass abound throughout the house, which also includes woodwork and pocket doors with glass panels in the front parlor. The abundant tall windows let in light and command a picturesque
view of downtown Sycamore from the upstairs bedrooms.
123 Center Cross St.
This is the only house on the tour that wasn’t moved. Built circa 1870, its style and coziness offer spirited decor, with a wide pallet of colors throughout. The dining room contains an original fireplace with tiles depicting a hunting scene. The kitchen has been redone. The back sunroom has been turned into a bright, open bedroom, surrounded by windows that admit cool breezes and provide a view of the gazebo in the backyard. There also is a secret passageway in this house that you will have to visit to discover.
589
W. State St.
The large Italianate home at 589 W. State St. sits on the creek side as if it was built there. However, this home was built in 1877 and was moved in 1904. The original owners were Elry and Emma Hall. Elry was a station agent for the Northwestern Railroad Co. This home features a striking ceiling medallion in the front parlor and carefully curated colors throughout. Note the unique crown molding in the downstairs rooms. The dining room, painted in a shade of blue, provides a place to eat meals prepared in the fully modern chef’s kitchen. Off the kitchen is a patio, built in several levels, leading down to a creek.
1730 N. Main St.
This is the 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 history. First owned by Marshal Stark, an important member of the local farming community, the small white house is dated to the farm’s early days and later served as a residence for hired hands. It eventually was used as a rental property. It then became the offices and archives for the Sycamore History Museum and now will serve as a home for a deserving family through Habitat for Humanity on Pleasant Street in DeKalb. The larger house was renovated into the colonial structure you see today by longtime owner Harold Engh as a home for his farm managers. As part of the tour, ticket holders can view the History Center, which opened in 2019, and its current exhibit: “Food: Gathering Around the Table,” hosted in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institutes. Visitors also can view plans for the future of the center’s campus and see pictures of its own “On the Move” story.
