:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/JQXG5TYKEPKBG2MDBVCTFDHFVI.jpg)
SYCAMORE - After much deliberation, organizers for the popular Sycamore Pumpkin Festival say they've decided to cancel this year's festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival, like DeKalb Corn Fest, is expected to return in 2021. The theme for 2020 was "Masked Pumpkins," announced earlier this month, thought up by Owen Anderson, a kindergartner who is home-schooled, according to a news release from the Pumpkin Festival Committee.
Organizers said the decision was made in part due to crowd restriction mandates which limits gatherings to 50 or fewer in an attempt to slow the spread of the viral respiratory disease.
They're still weighing whether to offer a virtual option, but the parade, festival and other activities has been canceled.
"The committee is dedicated to exploring options for honoring as many of the traditions of Sycamore Pumpkin Festival as possible, in a safe, virtual way for the 2020 festival," a release states. "We look forward to keeping Wally’s vision for a fun, family friendly tradition moving forward, and hope to see you in person in 2021."
For more information on a virtual 2020 festival, visit www.Sycamorepumpkinfestival.com or our Facebook page: Sycamore Pumpkin Festival for future information.