Retired Sycamore High School principal named Pumpkin Fest Grand Marshal

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 not sure what’s a bigger honor. I’m humbled by it, excited by it.”

Carlson is a DeKalb County native, and a graduate of Malta High School, Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University. He said like his kids growing up, he, too, remembers Pumpkin Fest as a central part of his childhood.

“We got to always walk around. When I was growing up, going to the parade, we had relatives that lived nearby,” Carlson said. “My uncle lived on Fair Street, so we’d always go to his 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.”