Ethan Wargo •
2026 Grand Marshal
The 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Grand Marshall is Ethan Wargo, a Sycamore resident and 5th grade student at North Grove Elementary. Ethan is best known for his Compliment Stand that he created in 2025, offering free compliments to anyone who stopped by. Ethan said he came up with this idea after reading a Dogman graphic novel in which two characters were running an insult stand. As Ethan thought about it, he wanted to do something more positive for his community, so he took the initiative and set up a compliment stand next to his twin siter Claire’s craft stand. His parents, Brandon and Jessica, shared that Ethan has a very kind heart and that the compliment stand was a perfect example of his character. Ethan’s dad posted the compliment stand on social media, and many people made a special trip to receive one of Ethan’s unique, kind, and FREE compliments!
On October 6, 2025, Ethan received the Goodwill Ambassador Award from the City of Sycamore for “leading by example, spreading kindness, and showing the true spirit of community.” Ethan’s character, actions, and giving back to the community are the attributes that make him perfect to be the 2026 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Grand Marshall.
When Ethan isn’t giving out free compliments, he enjoys playing football, cool cars, and hanging out with his sister. In high school he wants to play football and be involved in Spartan TV. When he grows up, Ethan wants to play center for his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. Ethan’s favorite part of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is the parade, and he is a big fan of all the candy!
