Drop-off begins for Sycamore Lions Club's 59th annual Pumpkin Display & Decorating Contest

SYCAMORE – In lieu of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival this year, the Sycamore Lions Club is hosting their 59th annual Pumpkin Display and Decorating Contest Oct. 21 through Oct. 25.

The drive-thru event will be held at Sycamore Park on Airport Road. The display area is located by the Lions and Good Tymes shelters in the park.

“Although we can’t be together for the festival downtown, the Sycamore Lions Club and the Sycamore Park District collaborated to offer the community a display this year,” said Tom Fewell, past secretary of the Sycamore Lions Club. “It gives kids and families a chance to be creative and participate in a Pumpkin Fest tradition in a safe way during the pandemic.”

Drop offs for the Sycamore Lions Club’s Pumpkin Display and Decorating contest began Wednesday and will continue Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pumpkin display set-up will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, with viewing on Oct. 23 through 4 p.m. Oct. 25. When arriving, follow the signs to the display area, located south of the ball fields.

Registration forms to participate in the free decorating contest may be found on the Sycamore Lions Club's website www.sycamorelions.org or Facebook page. There are 31 sections, five age groups and opportunities for participation by youth and adult organizations and families.

There will not be registration forms at the park and entry numbers will not be assigned. During online registration, a unique ID will be assigned, which must be attached to each entry. Participants will be required to label their display using waterproof markers and place it in a sealed Zip-lock bag attached to the display.

A list of the rules and conditions for participating must be accepted during registration to participate in this year’s event. Pumpkin judging will be held Friday, Oct. 23.

“It’s not too late to decorate or carve a pumpkin and participate,” said Kathleen Weisser, third vice president of the Sycamore Lions Club. “It’s a wonderful, free Sycamore tradition that everyone can participate in.”

Viewing is from dawn to dusk Oct. 23 through 4 p.m. Oct. 25. Viewing will be limited to drive-by viewing from vehicles. Visitors will not be allowed to exit their vehicle during the drive-by viewing periods.

Pumpkins may be collected from 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, through 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Any items remaining after collection time will be disposed of.

As an additional option for viewing this year’s pumpkins, all entries will be photographed and will appear on Spartan TV.

For more information about the 59th annual Pumpkin Display and Decorating Contest, visit the Sycamore Lions Club's website, www.sycamorelions.org or their Facebook page.