City of Sycamore prepares to welcome return of Pumpkin Festival after pandemic hiatus

SYCAMORE - Residents of Sycamore and the surrounding areas are eager to welcome back the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve had a couple events lately, and to see the community come together in support of those things, as a small town, tourism is huge and to be able to highlight the things Sycamore has to offer is a blessing,” said Maggie Peck, acting city manager of Sycamore.

The city council meeting ended with an unanimous 8-0 vote, all in favor to return the festival, and the utilization of city parking in lot one and three to host events downtown.

The festival that has been serving the community for 60 years, will be back after taking last year off due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The events will begin, Wednesday, Oct. 27, and wrap up, Sunday, Oct. 31.

Attendees should plan ahead for parking, city officials said, as both city lots, one at the corner of Somonauk and Elm street, and the other on the corner of Sacramento Street and State Street will not be available for parking as they will be utilized for the carnival.

Throughout the week leading up to Halloween, various events will take place which include a pie eating contest, craft fair, carnival and will end with a parade through downtown.

City staff encouraged residents to participate with their family and friends throughout the festival, but urged all to follow local and state health guidelines related to social distancing and masking.

For more information pertaining to the events or to see a full schedule of the festival visit www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com/Events.html.