SYCAMORE | Sycamore’s 55th annual Pumpkin Festival will kick off a five day celebration Wednesday for the community with a theme of “Parade of Pumpkins.”

The festival started in 1956 as a front yard display for students of Sycamore hosted by Wally Thurow, known as “Mr. Pumpkin” to the festival-goers, according to the Pumpkin Fesitval’s website. The event spans the city with its center in the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., lawn. More than 30 non-profit groups unite for the special weekend every year.

“I’ve been to the Pumpkin Fest a few times before,” said freshman pre-nursing major Aryana Garrott. “I think it is cool how the main reason why the event started in the first place is because of students like myself.”

The festival will feature events such as the Lions’ pumpkin display and a firework show Saturday night. The firework show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Sycamore Park.

“The fireworks are obviously a main point of interest year-in and -out, among other things,” said freshman business major Chris Smith.

On Sunday, the festival will wrap up with a 90-minute parade throughout Sycamore, beginning on the corner of Borden Avenue and Somonak Street, ending on West Lincoln Street.

“I will probably go to the parade with my family and meet up with my friends while I’m there,” said junior sociology major Angela Tribuzio.

Other events at the festival include arts and crafts shows, a pumpkin smash, a carnival, Pumpkin four person Golf Scramble, a 10,000 meter run, pumpkin crafts and a pie eating contest.