The community of Sycamore offers all the conveniences of a larger city while still maintaining its small town charm, according to residents.

Jane Klein, a secretary at the Chamber of Commerce, likes the fact that Sycamore is growing economically, but it still retains its small town friendliness.

“Sycamore is a town that is growing but hasn’t forgotten where it came from,” she said.

“The downtown area of Sycamore has a variety of shops, so you don’t always have to go to the mall,” she said. “But it is still a close-knit town where everyone knows each other.”

The Sycamore-area businesses recently participated in a trade show with the neighboring DeKalb community. The annual Spring Trade Show was held at NIU and offered display booths for area businesses.

Among Sycamore’s many attractions is the annual Pumpkin Festival. It offers a wide range of activities, including a parade, 10k race, carnival, flea market, craft show and various food booths. This year’s 31st annual Pumpkin Festival will be Oct. 22-25th.

The community center offers a wide range of activities, including volleyball, basketball and aerobics. Children’s programs encompass guitar lessons, karate, tumbling and ballet.

The center also houses the Grand Old Jamboree every 3rd Saturday of the month. The jamboree is a collection of the talents of Sycamore’s best. Residents can come and listen to the local talent of the town and enjoy refreshments.

Community Center Director Marty Jahnel said he sees Sycamore as the perfect place to live.

“I love the location of Sycamore,” he said. “We have the advantage of being near Chicago, while keeping all the advantages of a small town.”

Jahnel, who is a lifelong resident of Sycamore, said the center also sponsors singing groups from different areas to come to Sycamore.

On Mar. 28th ENNISFREE, an Irish-folk group, will be in Sycamore. Jahnel said the group came to Sycamore last year and was such a success they decided to bring them back again this year.

Along with an 18-hole golf course and swimming pool, Sycamore boasts a recently remodeled theater with two screens for a choice in movie viewing.