DDC_Sycamore Pumpkin Festival 2023_102123

Pumpkins of History Oct. 25-29, 2023

October 2023

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023

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By KELSEY RETTKE

krettke@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Everybody’s got a childhood story, it seems, of chilly Octobers spent hauling decorated pumpkins to the courthouse lawn, playing carnival games and eating fair food, lining the streets to watch a parade before Halloween.

And more than six decades in, it’s not surprising, as Sycamore Pumpkin Festival has spanned multiple generations.

The 62nd annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival runs Wednesday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 29, in downtown Sycamore. It’s inarguably the city’s largest event of the year, one families have woven into their memories and traditions, said Cole Regnery, president of the Pumpkin Fest Committee.

“I moved to Sycamore when I was in the second grade. I’ve been involved in every festival since,” Regnery said. “I remember being a young child being fascinated by all the pumpkins on the courthouse lawn.”

No one knows the festival’s legacy better, perhaps, than Jerry Malmassari of Sycamore. He’s been involved with the festival since 1964, according to Pumpkin Fest organizers. Malmassari was named this year’s Friend of the Festival and will get to ride in the parade. Malmassari has served eight terms as the Pumpkin Festival Committee president. He’s lived in Sycamore since 1963.

Calling Pumpkin Fest a family event for Malmassari seems, well, an understatement, organizers said. His daughter Julie, brother-in-law Rick, and niece, Jennifer, all have served as presidents. Malmassari’s youngest son, Joshua, also served on the Pumpkin Fest Board.

“I will always cherish the 36 years and the many committee members I served with. To my family, thank you for all your support. I truly hope all the not-for-profit participating groups and the community continue to appreciate, support, and enjoy the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival as much as my family and I have,” Malmassari said in a

news release.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 25, with an opening ceremony and giant cake-cutting provided by Hy-Vee. Families will gather downtown to drop off their decorated pumpkins on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn to enter into the Sycamore Lions Club’s contest.

This year’s theme is “Pumpkins in History” from Sycamore second grader Harrison Rowland. Retired Sycamore High School principal Tim Carlson was named grand marshal in the parade.

Thursday, Oct. 26, will feature downtown trick-or-treating, and Friday is the United Methodist Church’s Craft Show. The carnivals run Friday, Oct. 27, through Sunday, Oct. 29. Food vendors serve up fare throughout the weekend. Saturday, Oct. 28, features among other events Sycamore Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast, ACS/Cornerstone Campus’ Craft & Vendor Show and the Kiwanis Club’s pie-eating contest. Sunday’s festivities include the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce’s 10K Pumpkin Run and

culminates in the Pumpkin Parade at 1 p.m.

Regnery said that while it’s fun to put on a good party for families who attend, it’s equally important for participants to remember the festival also serves as a nonprofit fundraiser.

“The festival is a 501c3 charity, and part of our mission statement is to provide a venue for nonprofits to fundraise,” Regnery said. “So all of our vendors downtown during the festival are nonprofits. They make up the membership of our organization.”

That organization is always on the lookout for new nonprofit members, Regnery said. He said he’s expressly grateful to those who’ve made the festival what it is.

“The courthouse is one of the most beautiful buildings of DeKalb County.

You can go look at the courthouse and on the courthouse lawn are hundreds of pumpkins all decorated by Sycamore residents who just want to show off their art,” Regnery said. “There’s just something really magical about doing it downtown.”

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PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023 October 2023

Fall festival spans generations in Sycamore

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October 2023

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023

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Retired Sycamore High principal to lead parade

By KELSEY RETTKE

krettke@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – It’s been a big year already for Tim Carlson, who retired as longtime Sycamore High School principal, and soon he’ll add another title to his name: grand marshal in this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade.

Carlson retired this summer after 31 years working in Sycamore School District 427, including 15 as high school principal and for some time as a basketball coach. The festival committee chose Carlson because of to his continued dedication to the community, according to a social media post from organizers.

“It’s gonna be fun, getting to see friends and family. A nice honor in the city of Sycamore,” Carlson said. “I’m Shaw Local file photo not sure what’s a bigger honor. I’m Retired Sycamore High School Principal Tim Carlson (shown here April 14, 2023) has been humbled by it, excited by it.” named grand marshal in this year’s Pumpkin Festival parade.

Carlson is a DeKalb County native, and a graduate of Malta High School, kin Fest as a central part of his child- parade, we had relatives that lived Kishwaukee College and Northern Illi- hood. nearby,” Carlson said. “My uncle lived “We got to always walk around. on Fair Street, so we’d always go to his nois University. He said like his kids growing up, he, too, remembers Pump- When I was growing up, going to the house for a party afterwards.”

Carlson also worked throughout his career as Sycamore’s athletic director, a driver’s education instructor, a physical education teacher, a paraprofessional, a substitute teacher and even drove the school bus when needed.

“Lots of stuff happens when you’re surrounded by a lot of good people,” Carlson said. “This is a really great community. I’ve been fortunate my entire career.”

For many Sycamore families, Pumpkin Fest marks an unofficial “returning home.” Children now grown will come back to visit their parents, grandchildren sit with grandparents to watch the parade, college kids might come home for the weekend.

It’s a fond family weekend to look forward to for Carlson, his wife, Belinda, and his daughters Ashley Mazzullo, Jenee Carlson and Kylie Carlson, along with stepson Dustin Fischer and stepdaughter Gracie Fischer.

“I just want to thank the [Sycamore Pumpkin Fest] committee and the community,” Carlson said. “The old saying that ‘Sycamore’s been good to me,’ that is very, very true.”

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

October 2023

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6 Painted and decorated “Pumpkins in History” will fill the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn at the corner of State and Main streets downtown during Sycamore’s annual Pumpkin Festival.

Activities are planned for every day of the five-day festival, Wednesday through Sunday.

SATURDAY, OCT. 21 • 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. 25 • The Sycamore Lions Club food trailer will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

• Sycamore Lions Club’s pumpkin check-in from 4 to 9 p.m. on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, 133 W. State St. • Festival apparel by the Rotaract Club of Sycamore from 4 to 8 p.m. at South Maple and State streets.

• Bethel Girls Ministry will have stainless steel tumblers, bags and umbrellas from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm St. • Opening ceremony and giant cake-cutting at 5 p.m. on 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. 26 • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 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 a free pumpkin celebrations including crafts, games and treats from 4 to 8 p.m. at 103 E. State St. • The city of Sycamore will host a 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 will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Maple Street.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27 Activities and events • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 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., with 50 crafters.

• Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, badges and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St. • Bethel Girls Ministry will have stainless steel tumblers, bags and umbrellas from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm St. • Kishwaukee Special Reclamation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North 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 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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28 Activities and events • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 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 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 “Hidden Gems” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 per person. They are available at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St.; Made Just For You Gifts, 338 W. State St.; at any of the featured houses on the day of the tour; or online at www.dekalbcountyhistory.org.

• 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 Deb “The Frog Lady” at 11:30 a.m. and Jeanie B! Family Music Entertainment at 2 p.m. at the North Food Court. Sponsored by Lovett’s Towing & Recovery and Meijer.

• Teen Carnival from noon to 10 p.m. at Sacramento and State streets.

• Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 10 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

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., with 50 crafters.

• Sycamore Music Booster’s 51st annual Autumn Craft and Treasure Market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 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 Corner-

stone Campus, 355 N. Cross St. • Bethel Girls Ministry will have stainless steel tumblers, bags and umbrellas from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm 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. • Cross Roads Community Church will have fleece blankets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Food Court.

• 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. • Royal Rangers will have Pumpkin Festival buttons, badges and hats in front of Blue Moon Bikes, 211 W. State St. • Kishwaukee Special Reclamation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North 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 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 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 along with 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 and cotton candy 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. 29 Activities and events • Pumpkin displays can be viewed on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St. • 10K Pumpkin Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run

hosted by the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce kicks off at 9:05 a.m. at the Sycamore Armory Building, 516 E. State St. For more information, visit www.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.

• Kiddie Carnival (pre-K through fifth grade) from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot at Somonauk and Elm streets.

Craft and merchandise vendors • Sycamore Music Booster’s 51st annual Autumn Craft and Treasure Market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 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. • Bethel Girls Ministry will have stainless steel tumblers, bags and umbrellas from 9 a.m. to noon at Bethel Assembly of God, 131 W. Elm St. • Kishwaukee Special Reclamation Foundation will have koozies, beanies and candles at the North 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 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 along with 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 and cotton candy 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.

7 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023 October 2023

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JUNIOR MARSHALS

October 2023

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023

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Six students chosen for Pumpkin Parade honor Shaw Local News Network SYCAMORE – Six Sycamore students will get a free chance to ride in the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade after their essays, poems and short stories were chosen as part of the Sycamore Kiwanis Club’s Junior Marshal Essay Contest.

The contest garnered 53 entries from St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Sycamore Middle School. Participants included 27 sixth graders, 21 seventh graders and five eighth graders. The annual writing contest picks the top two winners out of each category.

They get the opportunity to be junior marshals and ride in the Kiwanis Club’s float during the Oct. 29 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, seventh grade Do you know why Sycamore is the best?

It’s sixty-two years of Pumpkin Fest.

Small town fun for five short days, Don’t forget the pumpkin display.

Head down to State Street, For some amazing treats!

Grab your family and friends, Before the fun ends!

A parade, carnival and so much more, This is one event you shouldn’t ignore.

Pumpkin Fest traditions, Are a great addition.

SECOND PLACE – POEM Aida Doty

Sycamore Middle School, sixth grade My favorite things about Pumpkin Fest: The painting, the carving, the fun, The brisk fall air, and the smell of food, Surrounded by the people you love.

Leaves fall from the trees, like flying colors – Red, orange, and gold filling the air.

The streets are crowded with not just people, But with leaves and pumpkins too.

People race by, others cheering in delight At the pumpkin run on Sunday morning.

Kelsey Rettke

Pumpkin Fest junior marshals pose for a photo Oct. 6 at Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch in Sycamore. Students were selected from their writings in poetry, stories and essays. Pictured (from left) are Kylie Hines, Joe Donahoe, Aida Doty, Chloe Dowat, Charlotte Huseman and Addison Heck.

The high school is filled with arts and crafts, People buying everything in sight, Jack-o-lanterns fill the windows, Their friendly faces watching the parade in awe, There is music, dancing, horses and dog’s galore.

The parade has everything plus more.

Friends and family, the best part, Pumpkin everything from the start.

Wally Thurow, from history days, Started Pumpkin Fest and it lives on today.

FIRST PLACE – ESSAY Charlotte Huseman

Sycamore Middle School, seventh grade “A Weekend in October” The leaves crunched beneath my feet as I walked through the bunches of red and orange. The air was cold and the wind was brisk, but the sun merely poked its head out of the clouds, making it a perfect October day. I walked behind the line of Sycamore citizens eager to see the display

of pumpkins.

Each pumpkin was unique, some with bright vibrant colors and colorful feathers, others that were crafted with tiny hands and big hearts, and even some that seemed like it would have taken ages to make. The cars that drove by on State Street seemed to slow as kids stuck their heads out the window, pointing excitedly at their own work of art.

The smell of candied almonds filled the air and brought a warm cozy feeling to the town, along with the sounds of joyful screams coming from the “Freak Out” ride. The sidewalks were filled with citizens that loved Pumpkin Fest just as much as I did.

I said a quiet “thank you” to Mr. Pumpkin for bringing our town together and making weekends in October so tremendous.

SECOND PLACE – ESSAY Joe Donahoe

St. Mary’s Catholic School, seventh grade I love Pumpkin Fest. It’s the best part of living in Sycamore. The carnival rides, food trucks, decorated

pumpkins, and the Pumpkin Run are what make Pumpkin Fest Pumpkin Fest. It’s one of my favorite times of the year.

I have decorated a pumpkin for Pumpkin Fest pretty much every year my whole life. It’s always so fun to come up with ideas and see them come to life. The best part is seeing what other people come up with. One year I made Olaf, the snowman from Frozen.

When I was dropping it off, I saw somebody else who had made an Olaf pumpkin too!

The Pumpkin Run ends in my backyard, so every year my parents run it and invite friends and family into our house. My mom puts out a plate of cinnamon bread and homemade pumpkin bread for guests to munch on. I have to wait until our company comes to eat it, so I am always dying to get the first bite.

Wally Thurrow, the founder of Pumpkin Fest, made our city a better place. My brother comes back from college just to attend the amazing festival! Sycamore wouldn’t be the same without Pumpkin Fest.

See JUNIOR MARSHALS, page 9

• JUNIOR MARSHALS From page 8

Chloe Dowat

St. Mary’s Catholic School, sixth grade

SECOND PLACE – STORY

“The Last Pumpkin!”

Addison Heck

There I was, a tiny pumpkin sitting in a garden. Growing up to be a great nice pumpkin. I learned a lot from my fellow pumpkins. They taught me to be round, spooky, orange, and a great happy pumpkin day by day. Year by year. My great mother Emily always wanted to have a perfect pumpkin.

She tried year, after year, after year.

She planted my brothers and sister, and watered us till we grew up to be great pumpkins. She was our great Emily because she was our sunlight.

We all looked up to her.

Was I ever going to be picked? My fellow pumpkins got picked every year, but not me. Then every last pumpkin was picked, just not me.

Then one day my great Emily came home sad because she never got the perfect pumpkin that she wanted. She went to the patch one last time and saw me. She picked me up.

“Oh what a nice pumpkin I never saw before. Well I’ll try one last time.”

My stem was beating so fast, I was so scared. Then she got paint and painted a smiley face on me. In my mind this

9 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023 October 2023

FIRST PLACE – STORY

was so basic. She picked me up and said “finally, a perfect pumpkin.” She took me to the showing place, the Pumpkin Fest in Sycamore, and found a place to put me. “Perfect,” she said, “just a great pumpkin.”

Sycamore Middle School, sixth grade I wake up to excitement fluttering in my stomach. After fully waking up, I yell “It’s Pumpkin Fest!” I get ready and race down the stairs. I can barely hold my excitement in. I sit in the car and wait to see big, decorated floats, shiny rides, and the scent of yummy, fall food. When we get to my Nana’s house to watch the parade, we bring pull-out chairs on the sidewalk by her house and watch all of the colorful rides. After the parade, we set off to downtown Sycamore. I slam the door a little too hard after we arrive. “Addi!

Don’t slam the door like that.” “Sorry.”

I take a second to look at the beautiful sight. It’s even more amazing than I remembered. The shiny metal rides and the stands of things to buy. The feeling of fall fills my chest. I walk, run, and ride through Pumpkin Fest with a big smile on my face. I look at pumpkins by the courthouse and check out some things to buy at the stands. After all of the excitement, I eat dinner and settle down to sleep. Before closing my eyes, I whisper “Best day ever.”

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THEME CONTEST WINNER

West Elementary student’s got history on his mind

By KELSEY RETTKE

krettke@shawmedia.com SYCAMORE – Harrison Rowland, 8, said he’s excited to display his pumpkin on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn for the 62nd annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, especially since his theme “Pumpkins in History” is the winning one.

Rowland gathered with his family – mom Sarah Rowland, dad David Rowland, and little brothers Emmitt, 7, and Lincoln, 5, – in downtown Sycamore in front of the famous Wally Thurow statue recently to talk about his plan for Pumpkin Fest.

“I was thinking about going with Abraham Lincoln,” Harrison Rowland said.

His theme was chosen out of 73 entries from seven Sycamore-area elementary schools. The essay contest is sponsored by the Sycamore Kiwanis Club.

He’s been learning a lot about history in second grade in Cristina Zakosek’s second grade class at West Elementary School. Harrison was a

student at Southeast Elementary until the recent Sycamore School District 427 elementary school redistricting that took effect this fall.

“I was thinking a lot about history, and which one should I do,” Harrison recalled when asked how he came up with this year’s theme. He said he’d been reading a lot about George Washington and Abe Lincoln, both former U.S. presidents.

Along with his winning theme, he’ll get another few fun rewards: A chance to help cut the giant Hy-Vee Pumpkin Fest cake on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to kick off the festival, and a chance to ride in the Pumpkin Festival parade on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Theme contest runners-up Allison Vavra and Finley McDonald will join him.

“Dave and I are very proud of Harrison,” said Sarah Rowland, who won the contest herself in 1997 with the theme “Pumpkin Fiesta.”

“We cannot wait to see his theme come to life during Pumpkin Fest,” she said.

Kelsey Rettke

Harrison Rowland, 8, of Sycamore (front middle) poses with mom (from left) Sarah Rowland, brother Lincoln Rowland, dad David Rowland and brother Emmitt Rowland in front of the Wally Thurow statue in Sycamore on Friday, Oct. 6. Harrison is the theme contest winner for “Pumpkins of History” for the 2023 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival.

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PARADE ROUTE PARADE STAGING AREA BAND STAGING AREA BAND BUS PARKING AREA

PARADE ROUTE

MAIN DETOUR ROUTE ADDITIONAL DETOUR FOR 10K RACE

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PROCEEDS BENEFIT SYCAMORE MUSIC PROGRAMS Photo provided by Sycamore Chamber of Commerce

Autumn Craft & Sycamore Chamber 10K Treasures Market

The 45th annual Pumpkin 10K Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run is expected to draw more than 1,500 runners from across northern Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 29, on the final day of the 62nd annual Pumpkin Festival, organizers said. Shown here is a group of runners in 2022.

race in its 45th year Shaw Local News Network SYCAMORE – The 45th annual Pumpkin 10K Run and 1-mile Family Fun Run is expected to draw more than 1,500 runners from across northern Illinois Sunday, Oct. 29, on the final day of the 62nd annual Pumpkin Festival, organizers said.

All registered runners will receive a custom race shirt and bib.

Each run will start and finish at the same line.

The 10K race, presented by Northwestern Medicine, kicks off at 9:05 a.m.

Sunday at the corner of Kishwaukee Drive and heads west on Route 64 past the historic 100-year-old DeKalb County Courthouse. Runners will continue through downtown Sycamore and then south on Somonauk Street.

The Fun Run will start at Kingsway Drive and Route 64, just east of the 10K starting line. Runners will head east into Sycamore Park on the park path, past the finish line, head east on the park drive, head south on the drive past the tennis courts, south and around the pool, and west on the drive back to finish line. Walkers and strollers are welcome.

“We can’t thank our community partners enough,” Rose Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, said in a news

release. “Without them, these runs, and many of our community events throughout the year just wouldn’t be possible.”

Treml, who’s in her 22nd year as race director, said runners have in the past enjoyed racing in Halloween costumes, or as groups to advocate for special causes.

The 10K Run will use chip timing by EnMotive. Results will be provided to all runners immediately following the race. Runners of all ages and abilities should gather at the park just east of the National Guard Armory on Route 64.

After crossing the finish line, runners are welcomed by trained volunteers who will offer post-race refreshments, which are in the National Guard Armory. Racers age 21 and older can enjoy an Oktoberfest 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 top three male and female finishers in 13 age divisions. Age divisions include: 12 and under, 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 view a run map, visit www.pumpkinrunsycamore.com, or call the Sycamore Chamber at 815-895-3456.

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HISTORIC HOMES TOUR

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612 S. Main St.

417 Charles St. (South School)

120 Mason Court

121 Mason Court

Tour to uncover Sycamore’s ‘hidden gems’ 530 S. Main St.

Shaw Local News Network SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center will present its annual Historic Homes Tour during this year’s Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, featuring the theme “Hidden Gems.”

The tour will include historic homes that are off the beaten path and haven’t been featured before, organizers said in a news release.

The tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets cost $20 per person and are available at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St., at Made Just For You Gifts, 338 W. State St., or at any of the featured houses on the day of the tour.

For the first time, online tickets can be purchased at www.dekalbcountyhistory.org.

The tour offers seven locations, including six homes with unique histories and the History Center itself at 1730 N. Main St. in Sycamore.

824 Meadow Lane

First up is the home at 824 Meadow Lane, known as the O House, one of Sycamore’s “Alphabet Houses.” Built in 1959, the house is one of six homes in this subdivision built by Theodore Niewold in the Usonian style, inspired by the school of Frank Lloyd Wright.

This home is built around a sixsided design with a beautiful copper and brick fireplace as the central feature. It has outdoor decks on both levels and striking light fixtures throughout.

Of note, it was owned for many years by the Bassing family who owned the Sip ‘N Dip restaurant in Sycamore. They used the basement of the home as storage space for the business and installed a conveyor belt from the basement to the carport to transport supplies easily. It is still there, and it still works.

Photos provided by DeKalb County History Center

824 Meadow Lane

530 S. Main St.

417 Charles St., Old South School

The house at 120 Mason Court is a thoroughly comfortable family home with some surprising modern adaptations while retaining much of the original woodwork and some of the windows. Walter Loomis was the first owner and the planner who developed the neighborhood and hired Root to build these lovely homes. This home is special because it is where Loomis lived after he married Miss Fanny Mason, daughter of Horatio Mason himself. Touches of what the house looked like then are still present today. Of course, the pool in the back is not original, but it’s still an inviting place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

Next is the old South School at 417 Charles St. Built in 1898, it is one of four original Sycamore elementary schools: North, South, East and West.

Of these schools, only two are still intact: East and South, both private residences.

Many classes of Sycamore children passed through its walls, as witnessed by the original slate chalkboard uncovered in the wall of the current dining room during the latest renovation. It also served as the first location for Opportunity House from 1963 until 1967. The current owners have added many family educational items and pictures, in keeping with its schoolhouse past. And it was last owned by the Lloyd family of Genoa – the landscapers – so don’t miss the gardens.

120 Mason Court

The next neighborhood is the quaint Victorian one-way street, Mason Court. Two homes are featured, both built in 1905 by Arthur Root on land from the original Horatio Mason farm. Mason’s own home was on West State Street, a busy thoroughfare even then. He decided he did not want to live on such a busy street, so he had his home moved down the alleyway to found this neighborhood.

121 Mason Court

121 Mason Court is the location of perhaps one of the most original, well-preserved homes we have seen in Sycamore. The beautiful, never-beenpainted woodwork and inlaid floors harken to the day when the Sycamore True Republican printed on Sept. 20, 1905, “The dwellings are of handsome and varied architecture outside and conveniently arranged inside.”

Although once divided into two apartments, it has been beautifully restored to a single-family home. And the pocket doors still work.

The tour continues at “Land’s End,” 612 S. Main St., and the home across the street at 530 S. Main St. These are two of the oldest homes in Sycamore, both built at the very end of the town in the mid-1850s.

The home at 530 S. Main St. has had numerous owners and many additions since its humble beginning as a threeroom house. It does have the original funeral door arrangement in the front.

What is striking about this house, however, is the care and cleverness with which the current owners have restored and added onto this house in the 30 years they have owned it. The front room’s hidden shelves, the kitchen spice cabinet and hidden office area and the clever upstairs kids’ room and loft show ingenuity and craftmanship rarely seen even on HGTV.

612 S. Main St.

612 S. Main St. was the home of William Young, built for his brother Ellzey Young. William had a tragic life, losing a son in a terrible sawmill accident and even once was accused of being a Southern sympathizer. Ellzey, however, is well remembered as a founder of Sycamore, even laying out the courthouse square and helping with the building of the second courthouse in 1850.

This location was home to many other illustrious residents, including a doctor and a well-known judge. It also was home to Sherret Chase, one of the main engineers of DeKalb Ag, responsible for many of the patents for hybrid seed corn varieties. Chase once famously brought Eleanor Roosevelt through a blizzard to a speaking engagement at Sycamore High School, a harrowing night captured in his own words in journals held at the Joiner History Room.

See HOMES TOUR, page 15

Shaw Local News Network SYCAMORE – The 51st annual Autumn Craft and Treasures Market is bringing back an old tradition this year: homemade pie sales.

The pastry sales will be among the more than 100 vendors set to fill the Sycamore High School Fieldhouse, 427 Spartan Trail, the weekend of Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, according to organizers. Shoppers can get a reprieve from the chilly fall weather while scouring for unique gifts.

The market will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Parking is free.

Admission is $2 per adult, $1 for seniors and students and free for those 5 and younger.

The market is hosted by the Sycamore Music Boosters. All proceeds benefit Sycamore School District 427’s music program.

The event also will offer food and concessions.

For more information, visit www. sycamoremusicboosters.com.

Photo provided

The 51st annual Autumn Craft and Treasure Market is bringing back an old tradition this year: homemade pie sales. The market runs Oct. 28 and 29 at the Sycamore High School Field House.

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The home’s current owners are undertaking restoration, having inherited all this history as well as some questionable wallpaper. Their upstairs efforts actually uncovered a quite interesting hidden closet-withina-closet, inspiring much speculation.

They have also done some major work on the outside, clearing the creek and rebuilding the pergola, making a lovely outdoor living space.

The last stop is 1730 N. Main St. in Sycamore, current home to 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 house 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 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, opened in 2019, and its exhibit: “The History of DeKalb County in 100 Objects.” Visitors also can view plans for the future of the center’s campus, displayed in its own hidden gem, the historic corn crib.

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2023 October 2023

Autumn Craft and Treasures Market to bring back homemade pie sales

• HOMES TOUR From page 14

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