Mr. Pumpkin & the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival: A 50 Year History hit the shelves on Monday. The biography, written by Tom Oestreicher, focuses on the life of Wally Thurow who was known as “Mr. Pumpkin.” The book focuses on the history of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival and Thurow’s impact on the city of Sycamore and surrounding communities. The book can only be purchased at Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts, 341 W. State St. in Sycamore and purchased online for $17.95.