SYCAMORE – The 51st annual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival officially starts Oct. 24.

This will be the first festival since the death of its founder Wally “Mr. Pumpkin” Thurow earlier this year. Jerry Malmassari, president of the festival, recalled how Thurow strived to bring national attention to the annual event.

“He wanted to be on Jay Leno and to bring some national acts (to Sycamore),” Malmassari said. One national act will make its Pumpkin Festival debut this year – the Radio Disney Road Show will be on stage in the 100 block of Somonauk Street near NB&T from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Malmassari said.