The Village of Sycamore and the Sycamore Lions Club hosted the 47th annual Sycamore’s Pumpkin Fest this past week, entertaining local residents with the theme of “Pumpkintopia.”

The celebration got its start from Wally Thurow who used pumpkins to decorate his yard and who now has a pumpkin display that offers 938 pumpkins for visitors to see while at the Fest.

The bright orange squashes were judged by three vice presidents of the Lion’s Club. The

presidents’ award went to Lynden and Carol Bute for their 8-foot tall pumpkin sculpture of the Incredible Hulk, said Jerry Schultz, 22-year Lions Club member.

The pumpkins were donated by local businesses and decorated by community members, then displayed on the Sycamore Court House lawn, Schultz said.

“I like the pumpkins at the court house,” said Ross Niebergail, DeKalb County Shrine Club member. “They’re the big attraction. They bring the crowd in.”

The festival came to a close with Sunday’s Pumpkin Parade which drew large crowds, businesses and several community organizations through downtown Sycamore.

“[The Fest] is geared for the kids” said Wayne Schmidt, Lion’s Club member.

Schmidt said the Lion’s Club uses fundraisers to help local charities and that he thought the event was a success. The club donated $15,533 in 2007 and 2008 to organizations including Meals on Wheels and Opportunity House, as well as many others.

Schmidt sold raffle tickets for the Lion’s Club. Raffle ticket prizes included a $100 gas card, $500 cash and $100 grocery card.

Kevin Brint, a 23-year Lion’s Club member, said he thought the parade, the pumpkins and all of the hard work that went into making the event possible were the best parts.