October
25-29, 2023

This yearā€™s theme is ā€œPumpkins of History.ā€
Parade & Vendor Applications are due September 1.

62ND Annual
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival

The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival takes place in downtown Sycamore, Illinois, near the corners of Main & State Street, with much of the festivities happening on the courthouse lawn and surrounding town square.

A community celebration, showcasing our local non-for profit organizations!

learn More

Lions’ Pumpkin Display

On the Courthouse Lawn

Carnival

Fri – Sat – Sun

Parade

Sunday

Pumpkin Fest: Voted Among Chicago & Illinois’ Best Festivals and Fairs by Travel Mag!

View Article

2023 Theme: Pumpkins of History

Theme Contest

Congratulations to Harrison Rowland who was this years Theme Contest winner, and Finley McDonald and Allison Vavra who
were Honorable Mention winners. Thank you to all the finalists in this years contest.

View More Info

Follow us on Instagram for more Festival Fun!

sycamorepumpkinfestival

sycamorepumpkinfestival


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The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee is honored to announce Tim Carlson as the 2023 Grand Marshall for the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade, in recognition of his unparalleled dedication to the community.

Tim recently retired in June 2023 after an impressive 31-year career with the Sycamore School District. For the final 15 years of his tenure, he served as the esteemed Principal of Sycamore High School.

Timā€™s impact extends beyond school administration; heā€™s also held various roles that contributed to the school districtā€™s overall success. Over the years, he has been an Athletic Director, Head Coach for the Boyā€™s Basketball team, Drivers Education Instructor, Adaptive PE Teacher, Para-Professional, substitute teacher and even stepped in as a bus driver when needed.

Born and raised in DeKalb County, Tim is a proud alumnus of Malta High School, Kishwaukee College, and Northern Illinois University. He shares his life with his wife, Belinda, and is a devoted father to Ashley Mazzullo, Jenee Carlson, and Kylei Carlson. Heā€™s also a loving stepfather to Dustin Fischer and Gracie Fischer.

Join us in celebrating Tim Carlson, a man who has dedicated his life to enriching the Sycamore community in countless ways.



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The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee is honored to announce Tim Carlson as the 2023 Grand Marshall for the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade, in recognition of his unparalleled dedication to the community. Tim recently retired in June 2023 after an impressive 31-year career with the Sycamore School District. For the final 15 years of his tenure, he served as the esteemed Principal of Sycamore High School. Timā€™s impact extends beyond school administration; heā€™s also held various roles that contributed to the school districtā€™s overall success. Over the years, he has been an Athletic Director, Head Coach for the Boyā€™s Basketball team, Drivers Education Instructor, Adaptive PE Teacher, Para-Professional, substitute teacher and even stepped in as a bus driver when needed. Born and raised in DeKalb County, Tim is a proud alumnus of Malta High School, Kishwaukee College, and Northern Illinois University. He shares his life with his wife, Belinda, and is a devoted father to Ashley Mazzullo, Jenee Carlson, and Kylei Carlson. Heā€™s also a loving stepfather to Dustin Fischer and Gracie Fischer. Join us in celebrating Tim Carlson, a man who has dedicated his life to enriching the Sycamore community in countless ways.


The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee is pleased to announce the 2023 Friend of the Festival, Jerry Malmassari.

Jerry`s involvement with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival started back in 1964. His family moved to Sycamore in 1963, and his father joined the Sycamore Lions Club. He always had fun helping with the clubā€™s Pumpkin Decorating Contest, which is where he got his start participating with the festival.

Jerry graduated from Sycamore High School in 1967, Illinois State University in 1971, married in 1972, joined the Lions Club in 1981 and became its president in 1986. He and wife also had four children during this time.

Jerry served 8 terms as the Pumpkin Festival Committee President. To say the Pumpkin Festival has been a family event might be a little understated. His daughter Julie, his brother-in-law Rick, and his niece, Jennifer, have all served as presidents of the organization. Jerry`s youngest son, Joshua, also served on the 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. From my family to all of you, ā€œHappy Sycamore Pumpkin Festival!ā€ – Jerry



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The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee is pleased to announce the 2023 Friend of the Festival, Jerry Malmassari. Jerry's involvement with the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival started back in 1964. His family moved to Sycamore in 1963, and his father joined the Sycamore Lions Club. He always had fun helping with the clubā€™s Pumpkin Decorating Contest, which is where he got his start participating with the festival. Jerry graduated from Sycamore High School in 1967, Illinois State University in 1971, married in 1972, joined the Lions Club in 1981 and became its president in 1986. He and wife also had four children during this time. Jerry served 8 terms as the Pumpkin Festival Committee President. To say the Pumpkin Festival has been a family event might be a little understated. His daughter Julie, his brother-in-law Rick, and his niece, Jennifer, have all served as presidents of the organization. Jerry's youngest son, Joshua, also served on the 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. From my family to all of you, ā€œHappy Sycamore Pumpkin Festival!ā€ - Jerry


šŸ“£Pumpkin Parade Applicants šŸŽƒ

We have begun putting the parade lineup together and will send out your lineup information via the email you supplied on your application after October 15.

Please make sure that you have submitted the following NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 to complete your application:

ā€¢ COI for any motorized vehicle, including golf carts. These should list the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee as an additional interest for Sunday, October 29, 2023. Please have your insurance agent indicate your organizationā€™s name in the subject line and email them directly to PFestParade@gmail.com

ā€¢ Payment-$30 for first vehicle, addā€™l. $15 for second vehicle.
-Send checks to:
Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade PO Box 262
Sycamore, IL 60178
-PayPal:
https://sycamorepumpkinfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PayPal-Instructions.pdf

**Please utilize the 2023 theme, ā€œPumpkins of History,ā€ when planning your entry decorations. Please keep in mind that the original intention of the festival and the parade was for the kids. Your unit is expected to be ā€œcrowd pleasingā€ in its decorations and/or performance.



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šŸ“£Pumpkin Parade Applicants šŸŽƒ We have begun putting the parade lineup together and will send out your lineup information via the email you supplied on your application after October 15. Please make sure that you have submitted the following NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 to complete your application: ā€¢ COI for any motorized vehicle, including golf carts. These should list the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Committee as an additional interest for Sunday, October 29, 2023. Please have your insurance agent indicate your organizationā€™s name in the subject line and email them directly to PFestParade@gmail.com ā€¢ Payment-$30 for first vehicle, addā€™l. $15 for second vehicle. -Send checks to: Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade PO Box 262 Sycamore, IL 60178 -PayPal: https://sycamorepumpkinfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PayPal-Instructions.pdf **Please utilize the 2023 theme, ā€œPumpkins of History,ā€ when planning your entry decorations. Please keep in mind that the original intention of the festival and the parade was for the kids. Your unit is expected to be ā€œcrowd pleasingā€ in its decorations and/or performance.


šŸ“£ļ¼“ļ½ļ½„ļ½ļ½™ā€™ļ½“ ļ½”ļ½ˆļ½… ļ¼¤ļ½ļ½™ļ¼šŸŽƒ

Donā€™t miss out!
Applications can be found at SycamorePumpkinFestival.com



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šŸ“£ļ¼“ļ½ļ½„ļ½ļ½™ā€™ļ½“ ļ½”ļ½ˆļ½… ļ¼¤ļ½ļ½™ļ¼šŸŽƒ Donā€™t miss out! Applications can be found at SycamorePumpkinFestival.com


ā°šŸŽƒ ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023!

Not-for-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com!

#sycamorepumpkinfestival #sycamorepumpkinfest #pumpkinparade



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ā°šŸŽƒ ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023! Not-for-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com! #sycamorepumpkinfestival #sycamorepumpkinfest #pumpkinparade


ā°šŸŽƒPumpkin Festival Non-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com!

All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.



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ā°šŸŽƒPumpkin Festival Non-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com! All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.


šŸ“£šŸŽƒPumpkin Festival Non-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com!

All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.



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šŸ“£šŸŽƒPumpkin Festival Non-Profit Vendor Applications and Pumpkin Parade Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com! All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.


šŸ§” 14 Prettiest Towns in Illinois šŸŽƒ

(According to WorldAtlas.comā€¦but we already knew that, right?šŸ„°)

ā€œA vacation to Sycamore screams nostalgia for visitors with its well-preserved architecture, including Victorian-style homes and historic landmarks. Paying a visit to the Ellwood House Museum is an excellent way to discover the town`s uniqueness with its exhibits, expansive gardens, and incredible architecture. The Sycamore Park District, home to the Sycamore Golf Course and Splash Fountain Splash Pad, delivers fun and recreation in one place. Sycamore`s annual Pumpkin Festival is a highlight, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy parades, carnival rides, and pumpkin-themed activities.ā€

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/14-prettiest-towns-in-illinois.html



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šŸ§” 14 Prettiest Towns in Illinois šŸŽƒ (According to WorldAtlas.comā€¦but we already knew that, right?šŸ„°) ā€œA vacation to Sycamore screams nostalgia for visitors with its well-preserved architecture, including Victorian-style homes and historic landmarks. Paying a visit to the Ellwood House Museum is an excellent way to discover the town's uniqueness with its exhibits, expansive gardens, and incredible architecture. The Sycamore Park District, home to the Sycamore Golf Course and Splash Fountain Splash Pad, delivers fun and recreation in one place. Sycamore's annual Pumpkin Festival is a highlight, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy parades, carnival rides, and pumpkin-themed activities.ā€ https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/14-prettiest-towns-in-illinois.html


The 62 Annual Pumpkin Festival Parade Applications are available NOW on the Parade tab on our website – SycamorePumpkinFestival.com

This yearā€™s theme is ā€œPumpkins of History.ā€ Applications are due September 1, 2023, so get those float ideas started!



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The 62 Annual Pumpkin Festival Parade Applications are available NOW on the Parade tab on our website - SycamorePumpkinFestival.com This yearā€™s theme is ā€œPumpkins of History.ā€ Applications are due September 1, 2023, so get those float ideas started!


šŸ“£šŸŽƒATTENTION DeKalb County Non Profitsā€¦Pumpkin Festival Vendor Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com on the Vendor tab.

All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.



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šŸ“£šŸŽƒATTENTION DeKalb County Non Profitsā€¦Pumpkin Festival Vendor Applications are available NOW on our website SycamorePumpkinFestival.com on the Vendor tab. All applications are due Friday, September 1, 2023.


And only 15 more Sundays until the 62nd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade!!

Applications for the Pumpkin Parade and DeKalb County non-profit vendors are available online at SycamorePumpkinFestival.com.



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And only 15 more Sundays until the 62nd Annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade!! Applications for the Pumpkin Parade and DeKalb County non-profit vendors are available online at SycamorePumpkinFestival.com.