SYCAMORE – The familiar scene of children in Halloween costumes, decorative pumpkins scattered across the courthouse lawn and a giant cake ready to satisfy the hundreds in attendance marked the beginning of the Pumpkin Festival on Wednesday in downtown Sycamore.

But the one missing staple of the festival loomed large: “Mr. Pumpkin” Wally Thurow was not there to greet residents and kick off the event he created in 1962. Thurow, who died in February, was honored before the ceremonial cake cutting.

“For the younger kids, Wally will just be an idea from now on,” said Jerry Malmassari, president of the planning committee. “But for the parents and grandparents ... it’s going to be bittersweet.”