Pumpkin fest bans pro-peace marchers

SYCAMORE - A DeKalb-based peace group known for its weekly antiwar vigils in downtown DeKalb has been denied a spot in this year's Sycamore Pumpkin Festival parade because of complaints festival organizers say they received about the group's precense in last year's parade. The DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace & Justice has marched in the last four Pumpkin Festivals and this year is the first in which the group has applied to be in the parade but has had its application denied. Pumpkin Festival Committee President Julie Brannon early on Friday said the committee as a whole denied the group's participation. &#8221The reason we denied them is because of their behavior last year,“ Brannon said. &#8221This is meant to be a family event and th